Look beyond dogs and cats as companion pets for children with disabilities. Fish, guinea pigs and leopard geckos are just a few of the animals that may help your child booth positive behaviors as well as relieve frustration and stress.
Dogs can be great companions for kids with SPD. They can play fetch out in the yard and come in lay on the floor together for a break when they are done. Maybe you want to go a little off the beaten path and opt for a rabbit, ginnea pig, lizard, bird or fish.
Research from the University of Lincoln found that autistic children experience fewer meltdowns in the presence of a pet dog and their parents stress levels are significantly lowered, but we also see that dogs can make a difference to confidence levels, help reduce anxiety, improve communication and help families do ...
Dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs are not just cute companions, they're also great for helping autistic children with their social and emotional development. If you're fostering a child with autism, here's how pet therapy can have a positive impact on their wellbeing.
The fleeting way cats make eye contact may explain why some autistic children develop stronger relationships with pet cats than pet dogs.
Turtles, like fish, are low maintenance once you learn all the required husbandry. They are easy to handle, but kids need to learn to practice very diligent hygiene after handling them. 6. Bearded dragons can live for 10-15 years plus, and they are pretty low maintenance compared to other reptilian species.
Therapy dogs are especially good at this. They're sometimes brought into hospitals or nursing homes to help reduce patients' stress and anxiety. “Dogs are very present. If someone is struggling with something, they know how to sit there and be loving,” says Dr.
"Hospitals and classrooms are also beginning to encourage the inclusion of pets because of their ability to help children focus." Rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, horses, and even crickets have something powerful in common. All have been shown to help people reduce their anxiety and stress.
“Children with autism may especially benefit from interacting with dogs, which can provide unconditional, nonjudgmental love and companionship,” says the new study's author, Gretchen Carlisle. Dr.
Pets can provide a familiar source of comfort and have a calming effect on the children in day to day situations and especially so in social settings. Pets also help children with autism develop a positive sense of self. As mentioned previously, pets are non-judgmental, showing unconditional love and affection.
Pets you can leave at home
Low maintenance pets are a better option for those who have unpredictable schedules or who have to be away from home frequently. Fish, snakes and some other reptiles only need to be fed around once a week, and won't suffer from emotional distress at being left alone.
Best Large and Small Pets for Cuddling
What do rabbits, snakes, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and skunks have in common? The answer: They are all pets that love to cuddle! And they're low-maintenance, too.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are easy to handle and care for, which makes them one of the best pets for apartments. Additionally, guinea pigs don't require as much space to be happy as a new puppy might. While fish are also quite easy, they're certainly not as cuddly, warm, or interactive as a guinea pig could be.
A relatively new symbol for autism, the butterfly has been a suggested replacement for the puzzle piece as it inspires thoughts of change and symbolizes the beauty of diversity and continued development.
According to studies, very affectionate breeds of cats are good companions for children who have autism. Some of those include Burmese, Ragdoll, Birman and Abyssinian. Experts suggest adopting a young cat or kitten for your child if you decide a cat would be the best pet for your family.
Cats help children with autism to improve their social skills by teaching them empathy and selflessness. Since pets don't have hidden motives or experience mood changes, they can help kids deal with emotions, to practice kindness, and tolerate others.