Therapeutic Pets for Kids with Autism

I'll be the first to admit that I know lots about kids, and probably more about pets, but very little about autism. But I have witnessed kids with autism around pets, and oh, what a difference. Therapy pets make such wonderful companions -- cats, dogs, rabbits, horses and other types of pets as well. Dogs seem to be the most effective for lots of reasons, but I think it's their licks that make the kids the happiest. We need to do more to find these kids companions that can make a difference in their lives. Now there are lots of websites and authorities on autism, but I'm sure each and every one of us can help make miracles happen simply by using all of our relationships and networking to put kids and therapy pets together. Can anyone recommend a good source for therapy pets? And is there a list of parents looking for these therapy pets? We at Zootoo.com want to do our part to help. So we've sent our reporters into the field to meet some therapy pets and kids to find some answers. Here are the links to a couple of stories we've done:

http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/classpuprescueddogsoothingauti-779
http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/specialhorsesforthosewithspeci-414

Let's start a conversation...what are the pros, what are the cons? I would love to hear your comments, and we'll do our part to spread the world. Let's all take a minute and help in this holiday season.

Comments

[kellygrrrl]

I have two golden retrievers who are Certified Therapy Pets.
The female seems to enjoy working with senior citizens most.
But my male absolutely worships children. He was born to do this job, and I think he gets as much from it as the kids get.
It's a win-win!!

[AutismClassroom]

I just discovered Huffington post. I look forward to reading and learning more.

[Jmulvaney]

I am the father of a child with profound autism. His only "pet" is a fish he named Beevis that he mostly ignores. That said he spent works at a horse stable in suburban New York and derives great things from his relationship with the animals there. Although he cannot speak he is strong and learning to be productive around the stables, toting hay, driving a wheelbarrow and experimenting with horse grooming. He has developed personal relationships with several horses, feeding, riding and caring for them.
Pets can be great but many families on the autism spectrum are already overwhelmed and the added responsibility of a pet might be too much.
There are a number of programs that use animals as part of therapy, creating a relationship between a person on the autism spectrum and animals.
I am co-founder, along with Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg and Master Surf Instructor Elliot Zuckerman of a group called Surf Pals that has given surfing lessons to more than 1,500 disabled children over the past several years at events big and small. At least once a year we include therapy horses and therapy dogs at our surfaris here in Long Beach New York. The horses come from the lakewood stables (www.lakewoodstables.com) and the dogs from a therapy practice called Paws 4 Peds (www.paws4peds.com). Surf Pals blog http://surfpal-autism.blogspot.com/.
Surf Pals is preparing for next season which starts in May. Our email is [e-mail]

[robiform]

It's not surprising that therapy animals have such a positive effect on autistic children. It's another wonderful example of the way therapy animals help people with various disabilities or limitations. Some of my relatives have participated in a project where every weekend, they bring their companion animals (usually dogs) to rehabilitation centers for the patients to interact with the animals. My relatives tell me that it's such a great experience for both the patients and the people who bring their companion animals. Organizations that support therapy animals are among the best causes I can think of!