| There is a special magic between autistic children and | | | | Our grandchildren chose to have house rabbits. They |
| animals. I have personally witnessed what happens | | | | were purchased when the animals were very young. |
| when an autistic child touches or holds an animal for | | | | One is named Coconut and one is named Ben. Ben |
| the first time. This experience becomes even more | | | | was named Lola until it was discovered he was not a |
| special when the child has a pet of his/her own. | | | | female. Rabbits make wonderful pets. |
| There are many varieties of pets suitable for children, | | | | They are not noisy, they take very little care, and they |
| but it may be best to wait until the child is older to | | | | are very cuddly and enjoy being carried around and |
| consider ownership. The child should be old enough to | | | | loved. Their sharp teeth can be a problem unless care |
| act responsibly toward the animal of choice. Eight or | | | | is given to provide objects they can nibble on. Even |
| nine years old seems to be the time to seriously | | | | then, sometimes they nip at the child. They enjoy |
| consider pet ownership. The reasons for this is that | | | | hopping around the backyard, playing and nibbling the |
| very young children want to squeeze too tight when | | | | grass. The exposure to sun and fresh air keep them |
| holding small pets and can injure or even kill their | | | | healthy. |
| cherished companion. Also, it is best to wait until they | | | | If your circumstances will not allow owning a pet, there |
| are able to care for their pet. Assuming responsibility | | | | are many places to take your children to be around |
| for feeding, watering, and bathing their pet can be | | | | animals. Zoos provide an atmosphere where children |
| overwhelming. Also cleaning the cage or bed is a big | | | | can observe animals and not touch them. There are |
| responsibility and even though it can be a great | | | | petting zoos, where the children can go in the pens |
| teaching process, the child may lose interest and | | | | with animals and pet them, feed them and play with |
| neglect their charge. It is best to speak to the child | | | | them. Riding academies provide horseback riding. |
| about his responsibilities toward the care of the animal | | | | Autistic children do not like to have their feet leave the |
| before it comes to live in the home. | | | | ground, so this may not be accepted right away. A |
| Choosing a suitable pet for your autistic child can be | | | | gradual introduction to these types of animal |
| quite a screening process. First, it must be the right size | | | | adventures is a good idea, as many children are |
| for the environment. Consideration should be given to | | | | hesitant and fearful at first. Several visits may be |
| the temperament of the animal. Sometimes children | | | | required before the child warms up to the animals and |
| display rough treatment and a small dog, for instance, | | | | feels safe around them. Be patient and participate in |
| might tend to become defensive and bite the child. A | | | | the experience. Your child will benefit positively from |
| pet should be healthy and have the appropriate shots | | | | the association with warm and friendly animals. |
| to counter disease. Last, but not least, the child | | | | Communicate with your child even if it is not positive |
| probably has in mind what kind of pet he/she wants. | | | | and enjoy the magic. |
| Accommodate them if it is feasible. | | | | |