How a Pet Can Help Kids with Autism

Autism is a developmental disorder that is usually diagnosed during the preschool years.

The main symptoms of autism are the following:

• impairment in social skills
• deficits in communication
• limited attention in interests, activities and even play

There have been many services offered to children (and their families) with autism. Some of these services are geared toward developing empathy, building relationships, honing socialization skills and learning about responsibility.

One alternative therapy for children with autism would be to have pets that will work closely with them. Of course, younger children would need close supervision with these pets. Older children in the age range of eight or nine would be better suited for pet ownership and responsibilities.

What should be taken into consideration in having a pet for children with autism?

• Consider the child's temperament. Consider how the child's temper is. Does the child have tantrums?
• Pet size. Choose pets that are not so big as to be intimidating or so little that they can be squeezed or held tightly.
• Pet's location in the house. Pets need to be in an appropriate place of their own. Discuss and agree whether to keep the pet inside the house or outside.
• Assess ability to adapt to routines with a pet. Having a pet may or may not affect lifestyles, but it is still best to know if this is the right decision.
• Taking care of the pet. Having a pet means taking responsibilities for its different needs. Family members should be willing to take part in the process of caring for the pet.
• Consider other places with animals if a pet at home is not possible. Visiting a farm, going to a zoo or going to pet stores are ways to have these children with autism experience being with pets.

What are the different advantages in having a pet for children with autism?

• Having a pet teaches responsibility. Taking care of a pet, from the simple task of feeding to a more complicated task of grooming teaches children to be more responsible. Doing and teaching these tasks helps the children become more aware of the needs of others, in which the others in this case are their pets.
• Having a pet encourages interaction and communication with others. Since children with autism have communication deficits, having pets can help them improve their communication skills. They are asked about their pets' names, about the grooming process, and also about how they take good care of their pets.
• Having a pet can aid in interaction. Pets can be cuddled. Pets can be talked to. Pets can be faithful companions. Pets can help children with autism in reaching out.
• Having a pet is a good conversation topic.  People can ask questions about the pet and the children would probably be more than willing to answer the questions.
• Having a pet is calming. Pets have a way of calming people. Pets can bring a smile or two to people's faces.

The reasons for a getting a pet for a child with autism are varied. It is best to have a consultation about the pros and cons with the health professionals who work closely with the child, to avoid any problems later on.