Cuddly Pet
When our friends with autism initially respond well to a precious little puppy or a cuddly little kitten, our hearts can melt, tempting us to make a snap decision about taking that cuddly pet home – a decision we might live to regret. In reality, many factors must be considered before any family adopts a pet. The factors for consideration multiply when an individual with autism is involved.
or
continue reading
Over the years, I’ve heard family members bemoan decisions to adopt a puppy or kitten on a whim. A typical comment goes something like this, “Brandon loved playing with our puppy when he was in pre-school, but now our days are so full that no one in the family has any time for the dog.” Other comments relate to an animal’s size or innate personality or other issues that were unanticipated early in the process. Several friends have struggled with pet-related issues such as a youngster with autism eating pet food, playing in a litter box, or playing too roughly with an animal.
Pets need lots of care and attention – training, exercise, feeding, watering, bathing, litter boxes, and time daily for personal connections. Pets can be expensive – vet bills, food, shots, grooming, boarding, and adequate space for sleeping, playing, and exercise. Pets live for many years, so families need to decide in advance if they want to make a long-term commitment to time and money for daily care for many years.
Researching the demeanor and full-grown size and personality traits of different breeds is important in any case, but absolutely critical when you have a family member with autism. Although intense training can help with many issues, some breeds of dogs and cats have some personality traits that don’t jive with your friend with autism. For example, some people may prefer a very quiet, cuddly pet, whereas others would do better with a lively, playful, interactive animal. Is an indoor or outdoor pet best? Does your friend have exceptional allergies to this animal?
TIP FOR THE DAY. The point is this: Avoid making snap decisions about adopting a pet for an individual with autism. Take time in advance to consider all facets of pet ownership so you can make an informed decision.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
Automatically generated related posts:
- Retro Summer Sometimes something as simple as having a...
- Out of School Several years ago we shared some ideas...
- Long Hot Summer “The summer months are so long,” said...
- Summer’s Coming The lazy, hazy days of summer are...
- No More School “My son with autism graduated from high...