For many families with children on the Autism spectrum, support animals provide not only companionship but also emotional stability, therapeutic benefits, and developmental support.
Introducing a support animal into the home can be life-changing, offering new ways for children to engage with the world. However, it’s essential to be well-prepared before welcoming this new family member. In this article, we’ll outline the top 10 things a parent of a child with autism should know about getting a support animal.
1. The Role of Support Animals for Children with Autism
Support animals, often therapy dogs (but sometimes other animals like cats or even small animals like guinea pigs) can have a profound impact on children with autism. These animals help in many areas such as reducing anxiety, providing sensory comfort, and improving social skills. Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks (like guiding the blind), support animals offer emotional support, which can be especially important for children on the spectrum who may struggle with overwhelming emotions or sensory overload.
Before getting a support animal, it’s important to understand that these animals are not trained to perform specific tasks in the way service animals are. Their primary function is to provide emotional relief through companionship, which can have wide-ranging benefits for children with autism.
2. Choosing the Right Type of Animal
Choosing the right type of support animal is crucial. While dogs are the most common choice, other animals such as cats, birds, rabbits, and even miniature horses are sometimes used for emotional support. The key is to find an animal that complements your child’s unique needs and temperament.
Dogs are often selected because of their ability to form strong bonds and provide sensory comfort. However, some children may prefer quieter, more independent animals like cats, which can still provide comfort without the high energy of a dog. It’s important to evaluate the child’s sensory sensitivities and preferences before making a choice.
3. Animal Temperament Matters
The temperament of the support animal is one of the most critical factors in determining whether the animal will be a good fit for your child. Some children with autism are sensitive to loud noises or hyperactivity, so it’s essential to choose an animal that has a calm and gentle demeanor.
For dogs, breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them ideal companions for children with autism. If you’re considering a cat, breeds like the Ragdoll or British Shorthair, known for their laid-back and affectionate personalities, could be a great fit.
4. The Importance of Proper Training
Although support animals do not require the same level of specialized training as service animals, basic obedience and good behavior are essential. This is particularly important if the animal will accompany your child in public or interact with others frequently.
Training can ensure the animal is calm in stressful situations, follows commands, and provides the child with consistent emotional support. You may want to consider working with a professional trainer who specializes in training animals for special-needs children to ensure the animal can appropriately respond to your child’s behaviors.
5. The Child-Animal Bond Takes Time
While support animals can bring immediate comfort, the bonding process between the animal and your child might take time. Children with autism can sometimes have difficulty forming emotional connections, and the introduction of a new animal may initially be overwhelming.
It’s crucial to let your child and the animal build trust gradually. Encourage gentle interaction, but avoid forcing engagement. Over time, as your child grows more comfortable with the animal, the bond will strengthen, providing emotional security and therapeutic benefits.
6. Preparing the Home for a Support Animal
Before bringing a support animal home, ensure that the environment is ready. This includes having a designated space for the animal, such as a quiet corner where they can retreat when overwhelmed. Children with autism may require structured routines, and animals thrive on routine as well.
Establishing consistent feeding, play, and rest times can create a more predictable and comforting environment for both your child and the animal.
Additionally, introduce the idea of the support animal to your child slowly. Visual aids, social stories, or even spending time with animals outside the home (like at a friend’s house or therapy center) can help familiarize your child with the concept of having an animal in their space.
7. Involving Your Child in Care Routines
A significant benefit of having a support animal is that it can help your child develop responsibility and independence. Depending on your child’s abilities, you can involve them in basic care routines, such as feeding the animal, brushing, or even walking (with supervision).
Caring for an animal can help children with autism establish routines, develop motor skills, and improve self-esteem. However, be mindful not to overwhelm your child with responsibilities too soon. Start with small tasks and increase involvement as your child becomes more comfortable and confident.
8. Managing Sensory Issues
Many children with autism experience sensory sensitivities. The fur, smell, sounds, and movements of an animal may be overwhelming at first. Parents need to be aware of potential sensory challenges and introduce the animal gradually to avoid sensory overload.
For example, you might let your child touch the animal’s fur for short periods initially, or allow them to observe the animal from a distance before interacting directly. Gradual exposure can help reduce any anxiety or discomfort the child may feel around the animal’s presence.
9. Health and Safety Considerations
While support animals can offer therapeutic benefits, it’s essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for both your child and the animal. Ensure that the animal is up to date on vaccinations, flea treatments, and other preventative health measures. Regular grooming and cleanliness are also important to minimize allergens or potential skin sensitivities that your child may have.
Additionally, teach your child appropriate ways to interact with the animal to ensure their safety. This might involve explaining how to touch the animal gently or recognizing signs that the animal needs space.
10. The Emotional and Therapeutic Benefits Go Beyond Companionship
The emotional and therapeutic benefits of a support animal often extend far beyond simple companionship. Support animals can help children with autism improve their social interaction skills, communication, and self-regulation.
Children who struggle with verbal communication may find comfort in communicating with the animal, which doesn’t require verbal interaction to form a bond. This can serve as a stepping stone for more comfortable human interactions. Furthermore, the routine and responsibility associated with caring for an animal can reduce anxiety, foster a sense of accomplishment, and build self-esteem in children on the spectrum.
Conclusion
Introducing a support animal into your home can be a transformative experience for your child with autism. However, it’s essential to approach this decision with care and preparation. By choosing the right animal, ensuring proper training, and preparing both your child and home for this new family member, you can create an environment where both your child and the animal thrive.
Remember, the bond between a child with autism and their support animal may take time, but the emotional, developmental, and therapeutic rewards are often profound and life-changing.