■Researchers say pets improve social skills in children with autism

A French study involving 260 children with autism found that children whose families acquired a pet after the child's birth developed better social skills than children with pets from birth or those with no pets. The reasons for the improved social skills aren't clear, but researchers suggest the pets may help children appropriately interpret communication signals or increase the cohesiveness of the family. The study was published in the journal PLoS ONE. U.S. News & World Report/HealthDay News (8/1) http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/08/01/pets-may-help-kids-with-autism-develop-social-skills