Featured Question

Be very careful what breed of dog you choose. You want to make sure the dog is a good fit for your child before committing to keeping it--all… read more

the best advice I can give in this arena is you need to ensure the animal can be calm around your child even in the ear shot of a meltdown.… read more

We have a Rottwiler (yes I know what you are tinking no he is not aggressave and no I do not feel he will ever bite) and I fully believe if… read more

I think it is a great idea. Dogs are a wonderful addition and it can help teach responsibility.

I would say stick to fish or reptiles. We still have cats and dogs for are other children but find that they sometime stress out are son so he… read more

My son (asd) was so scared of dogs. I started researching breeds & special needs. I decided on a labradoodle. They do not shed (most of… read more

Our dog is the best thing we ever did for our son. The dog LOVES him and is soo tolerant of his strange behaviours and loudness. She plays… read more

Like all things ASD, it depends on the individual child. I wouldn''t expect a kid who still can't remember to turn in the… read more

I agree that it depends on the child. We have 2 dogs and a cat. Outside dogs and the cat is inside. We got Sonny(the cat) when Matt was 4. It… read more

My son's 1st best friend was our cat Tigger. Even at a young age (18 months) we taught our son to be gentle & taught him the right… read more

Pets are very helpful for kids with ASD.

Pets are very helpful and soothing..however remember mom and dad, when children are off in their own little world so to speak their ability of… read more

By a pet that is good with special needs children. Some do not shed fur or create as much dander which is important if you child is sensitive.… read more

I know this may seem kind of weird, but of all the pets we've had and pet-sat over the years, the one my Aspie got most attached to was… read more

My son gets really excited around pets and he likes to hold little dogs very tightly - We have a Great Dane who we got as a puppy and the two… read more

All good answers! I only add one consideration: barking. Our beagle barks, loud, often, and unexpectedly. It usually unnerves my son.

Pets are wonderful! Our daughter went with us to choose a "mature" child friendly beagle/sheltie Mix named Vicki. Our daughter has… read more

I have met families whose kids with autism interacted very little with other people, but were very comfortable with the family pets - several… read more

I had researched this quite a bit was even considering a therapy dog but the $2500.00 price was little high(lol) for my budget. Plus with my… read more

My 18 yr old son who has high functioning autism (used to be severe pdd nos) had slept every night with his cat Two Face (she has two… read more

I adopted an Australian Shepherd (named "Bear") through the Waco Humane Society for Ryan. I reseached many breeds and decided on the… read more

We just bought a great pyrenees,she is awesome to protect my 7 year old autistic child while he plays outside,she stays with him everywhere he… read more

we also have cats and make sure they have been handled and are used to kids.these you practically have to beat them off of you(figure of… read more

We have 2 children with ASD one is HF and we have a cat. At first we were really nervous about it but I think that it has been really good for… read more

Make sure that he's a mild temper pet. We have a large mix, who's mild temper. My son loves this dog, but can be a little too loving… read more

We have had dogs with Sarah around and honestly the best choice for us has been a labrador. They are exceedingly patient and extremely family… read more

my son has a dag he likes him from far away but has really bad anxiety if he is near him so I guess I would say take them to a pet store first… read more

Make sure your child is comfortable with a dog or pet. We have a Staffordshire Terrier or as most people call them a pit bull named Doodle.… read more

Check out the personality traits of the BREED you're looking into getting (or, if a mixed breed, both breeds). We got an English Setter,… read more

My autistic son doesn't like dogs, but we got a house cat last year and every once in awhile I see him go over and pet her. I just love… read more

I think pets can be a wonderful addition, I will echo an earlier post however that is dont expect your child to remember to feed, water or… read more

Good idea! We have two. My chihuahua don't mind my aspie son. My german Shepard/lab mix made a great companion animal. And it was a dog… read more

Our two cats are great tools for explaining social cues in real-time situations. "He's struggling in your arms. What do you think… read more

I think pets are a very important part of a family, especially when you have a child with ASD. I have been researching having an Autism… read more

Our 5 month old kitten, Cleo has a great relationship with Chase, 10, HFA, and she seems to know that he is a little different than the rest… read more

I would suggest getting an animal that is known to be good with children and also one that is smaller than your child. We got a golden… read more

Did you know cat's have Asperger's? There is a book about it. We had a Rat Terrier-Santa brought him to my son for Christmas when he… read more

Getting a puppy from the shelter was one of the best things we ever did for our son. While or neurotic boxer/terrier mix, is not the most well… read more

Our nine-year-old son is very high-functioning and he LOVES our cats. We have four--a pair of eight year olds I brought home before I knew him… read more

We first tried a smaller jack russel type dog from the pound. However she sniped at our infant when he tried to come near me so she had to go… read more

the one advice I would give is be perpared for anything we had a dog for our kids and got it at 6 weeks old we had to put it down at only 7… read more

I got a dog hoping he would help my ASD son to engage more socially and bond with the dog. Turned out the dog and my typical son bonded more.… read more

We got a cat for the first time when we walked into my neighbor Ed's funeral, and Ed's friend asked me if I would take the cat,… read more

What can I say? We had dogs long before our kids were born, and they both grew up with them. Our son was 15 when diagnosed with AS and our… read more

I think it is a wonderful idea .. My little boys one with low function autistm and the other high aspergers have a dog it is a chiuaha (SP)… read more

Golden Retriever!!! Get a 12 week old.

Ok. I wrote the comment above before reading what others had written. Goldens are affectionate, tolerant, forgiving, mild-mannered, friendly,… read more

Dogs are awesome. First I had a mutt that lived for my kids and she was so patient and loving. After she died, I did some research. I wanted a… read more

I'll also say that my cat has been my son's best buddy from the day the cat came to us. No, we didn't pick this cat. He just… read more

Animals are great but you need to be careful in choosing the right animal.You don't need an animal that is scared of your child or one… read more

My two boys are so very different, chosing any pet could be seriously dangerous, to the pet or from the pet. I have raised different kinds of… read more

We have a pair of German Shepherds, male and female, and they've been wonderful with both of the girls (Emma ASD, and Callie ADHD). Our… read more

We've always had animals in our home, even before my son was born. They've never bothered him and he actually used to ignore them… read more

There are studies that show by merely rubbing a pets head both the human & the pet release positive hormones in the brain that affect them… read more

I got a cat and a chipoddle. I made sure get then straight from litter so the can go grow up getting used to Maddie and her rough playing and… read more

OK; I'll bite. What's a Chipoodle?

I was thinking it @MartinCunningham but I wasn't going to ask! Giggle

Chihuahua poodle mix also know as Chi-Poo. I know it a funny name. He looks like a little black bear cub.

A few months ago I saw, what I'll call, a Welsh Boxer. Imagine a Boxer face, head, color, size, on top of Corgi legs. I didn't ask… read more

When choosing a dog, get a breed known to be good with kids. We had a lab mix that was awesome with kids, dumb as a rock otherwise, but great… read more

we have 3 awesome cats. one was inherited from my nana after she passed. I think she was one thing that always calmed my son down when… read more

When picking a pet, breed is important, but the individual animal may not follow along the stereotypes of the breed. Materials like the… read more

I think it truly depends on each childs interest, pets are a good source of sensory, and learning tool for a child on the ASD, can help in all… read more

It all depends on your situation... every child is different & has different needs. We have a Lahsa Apso & A Newfoundland. My son… read more

I recommend a hardy, friendly dog. IMO cats are breakable and have claws. My little girl one is far to rough to pet a cat properly but riding… read more

We breed Pugs and my ASD son is ^ he is fine with them as long as they dont touch him. Take your kid to a shelter and see how they react to… read more

My son loves all types of animals as his curiosity is always there..

My son has issues with small breed dogs as they tend to frighten him with all their running about. I would suggest getting allergy testing… read more

Forogt that yes allergy testing is important first....

Pugs are the best family children friendly dog you can get we breed them and they have never show aggression towards my son even though he… read more

Pets can be soothing for kids with ASD, but it requires planning and exposure to potential choices. You don't want to get a pet on… read more

with any pet, cat or dog...i would say the adjustment period is at least a few weeks. my son and i recently moved in with my sisters who have… read more

I want to add a caution to getting any pet. Dogs, cats, whatever are a life time commitment so before you get any pet, please consider a few… read more

I told my son probably around when he was 11. He was dx right before 10yo. It was good and bad. As he used the dx as a way to excuse his… read more

We have two cats, and my son likes one better than another. I would guess that you would have to try any animal out first. Animals like… read more

WE HAVE A POODLE AND OUR GRANDDOG WHO IS A GOLDEN RETRIEVER THESE ANIMALS DEFINETLY HELP CALM DOWN OUR SON AND ARE VERY PROTECTIVE OF HIM.… read more

Our 10 year old son with Asperger's LOVES our cats! Stroking their fur is so soothing to him, calms him down and picks up his mood. We do… read more

Get a thorough check on thetemperment of the animal. You know your child so you will know what the best temperment of dog or cat will work for… read more

I agree, watch what dog you get. Some breeds are better with kids than others. Also, each specific dog within the breed is different. Chris… read more

Dogs have been great for our son. He loves cats as well, but I am allergic to cats, so we don't have any. We have a Westie (west highland… read more

My son hates animals and one of our friends runs a horse ranch and said bring him to get used to animals we will work with him. I am scared… read more

our family has a dag she's a cockapoo(cockerspaniel,Poodle) She is an absolute blessing! Cats are not a real good fit for my son either.… read more

Pets have been my son's best friend. Walking the dog always draws people to us and gives my son an opportunity to share with new people.

We've had a dog now for almost 2 years. It's an airdale terrier, my son does real good with her. I agree watch the breed you get but… read more

We have a dog and three cats and Noah doesn't pay one bit of attention to any of them except when they are on his stuff, then he drags… read more

we got a dog when our oldest son was 4 when we got a dog and 16 when we had to put the dog down. Our son is primarily non verbal,he would play… read more

I have always had retired racing greyhounds, they are big but are very gentle & crave love. They don't need much exercise. They are… read more

My son's thing is animals. He watches Animal Planet, Discovery Channel and every other animal show he can. The dogs (2 Dalmatians) are… read more

Go for it animals can be very soothing for the child...Just allow the child to accpt the animal on his/her own terms

He Is Allergic

My fiance's children took immediately to my dog Mac (Catahoula Leopard Hounddog). A lot depends on the nature of the animal. Start with a… read more

I've raised my son with cats and when he was eight I got him a rescued dog from Hurricane Katrina. It was the best thing I could have… read more

We have six cats and a dog and it's a blessing for our family. Other than the food and litter bill. :)

I usually recommend a dog from a shelter over one from a breeder or store just because they need the homes more, but in the case of a special… read more

Make sure your child is not allergic to animal dander. We particular can't have Cats or dogs. This would be horrible for our entire… read more

Some breeds of dogs are hypoallergenic. I'm not sure which ones, but I think there are some particular poodle mixes (something specific… read more

We have a dog and cat, but have trouble with her 'loving' them to much and getting mad because the were 'hers.' We got her… read more

We have a yellow lab...great dog for Clay. Clay loves to go for walks with him. Clay has a difficult time setting a walking pace with the rest… read more

I wouldn't recommend Yorkies to anyone with children, especially special needs children. They tend to be delicate, and can't handle… read more

I think that it would be great as ling as the child is not allergic. It could potentially teach the child how to be gentle and love in a… read more

Cats are a not a great choice because they tend to become ill tempered when mis handled. @eqaulist had a good idea...shelter dogs tend to be… read more

I have a 19yr old son with ASD. We have had a dog since he has been 8yrs old.We never have had a problem, in fact it has been great. Our dog… read more

If you have the time, some experience with training dogs, and a good idea of what you need a dog to do, and a little help from a professional… read more

Dogs don't judge. they dont care if your different or quirky. They know when your upset. We got Jeffery from a shelter after a long long… read more

Like anything else, I would encourage doing a trial as a pet "foster parent" to see how your child responds to a pet invading the… read more

Since I watch a 9 year old with a severe diagnosis of ASD as well as being developmentally disabled as they call it, and his parents have two… read more

I have a cat. It seems like the cat knew what my daughter needed. I notice her speech has improved. Dogs and cats is a good ideal, but if you… read more

When Dana was very young, he was petrified of dogs, and the way they barked. Over the years, having a dog in the house, it bothers him still,… read more

I agree with Randi (above). Getting a dog from a breeder is key. Getting a gentle breed is key. Depending on your ASD child's issues,… read more

We got our first dog (goldendoodle) two years from a rescue group in New Jersey. Our son bonded with him on day one! If our son is stressed… read more

We got our son a dog when he was 5 years old. It has been a great decision. We go our dog from the spca and he was 1.5 at the time so I… read more

We had a German Shepherd/Doberman mix. She was the best dog ever! She passed away 2 years ago. We are ready to get another dog. This time… read more

Are you asking about the Assistant dogs for autism?

Here is some info:
Dogs have been proven to be an asset for children diagnosed with autism… read more

The particular dog we brought home 8 years ago was not the best kind of dog for him. The dog is easily frightened and annoyed. My son always… read more

Our son doesn't know anything different than having a small low energy dog in the house. We have taught him how he is allowed to treat… read more

It totally depends on the child and the pet. My son and our cat don't get along. After years of trying to teach him when to back away… read more

Think of matching your child's energy level and thought process to the proper animal and breed. I generally do not recommend cats if you… read more

You definitely want to get a dog in the case of having a child who is generally interested in dogs while doing dog play therapy in school or… read more

They say having a cat or dog before a child is born can actually prevent some allergies, but if you get them later it could trigger allergies.… read more

If you have a neighbor or family member willing to share their animal with you this might be a good starting point. No...don't take their… read more

Great point Cyndy! I knew my son would do great with a dog because we could see from his response to the therapy dogs at school that he was… read more

My 9 yr old son would not touch any animal.He would resist with force.I got my 3 year old son a chihuahua dog for his birthday.We have had the… read more

I'm a huge animal lover and had both dogs and cats when my son was born, so to him it's always been normal to have animals around.… read more

Getting a dog, ( a gentle Beagle) was a turning point in my son'slife. Now we have two dogs, and several cats. They have been so… read more

at first I thought it was such a great idea, because Cam is an only child, so i thought it would be good company. Cam did not pay Brody any… read more

You might not want to get me started but OK - I agree that it is necessary but my thought is - WHY would I send my son to any environment… read more

We adopted a medium-small sized dog last June, and she has just been a blessing to our family. We already have a cat, whom my son adores, but… read more

Hello
I am a dog trainer and have a son age 15.5 years old with auitsm. We've had a 2 dogs. With a good trainer it can be possible.… read more

I have heard that they have dogs now that are trained for families with Autism. May be something to look into. I think involving a pet in your… read more

We have a dog and a cat and rob loves them to death, the cat Katerina always lays in robs bedroom at night during story time, and the dog… read more

We wanted a sweet dog that would in some way help our son and still be everyones dog. Gordon Setter/Border Collie... Smart and sweet. Hard to… read more

I had bought my girls a cockapoo for Christmas in 2009. My daughter on the ASD benefited moreso because instead of talking to herself, I found… read more

Don't unless your child is very mellow. My son has agression issues and he always mean to the animals for no reason. Plus, having animals… read more

We have 2 dogs. Our daughter, Annie, is much better with animals than people, and she's often lonely. The dogs are always a source of… read more

My ds does have aggression issues but has never hurt the dog. In the beginning he did act inappropriate so you have to be with them both at… read more

We had a Basset Hound and a German Shepherd. My son LOVES to play with them! It is definitely important to know how your child will react to a… read more

Also, take your time in picking out a dog. The first dog we got I had major anxiety about it... it was 100 lbs and 9 months old.. .I had no… read more

get a all around nice dog something like a LAB and not to young puppys cant deffend them selfs, cats gray strips they are smart cats but… read more

We recently rescued a cocker spaniel and she has been a real help in keeping my ASD son calm.

A dog was good for my daughter. He got her attention, and has his puppy ways of engaging her. He would follow her and plays with her. Fish… read more

When my son was 10 or 11, I got two cats. He pretty much ignored them and vice versa. When one of them died, a friend asked if I could take… read more

If you get a pet...prepare to be the one who takes care of it...no matter all the arguements that the kid will do everything...doesn't… read more

Like many of the other parents here, I would say, take your time, assess your child and find a pet that complements their behavior -- many… read more

we have two dogs (one large, one small) and one cat. it's very theraputic for autistic kids to have pets. animals, especially dogs and… read more

Document, document, document every interaction, request, or info you have been verbally given by sending letters and cc-ing superiors. There… read more

My daughter has a neighbor hood cat that she feeds and when she sees her..It calms her down....Makes her happy...And us to....:-)

We have a cat and now a dog too. She loves them both but likes the cat better because he lets her carry him, where the dog is not so… read more

We adopted a dog for my Aspie son when he was about 15. Taking care of his dog has helped him enormously. It's a good way to teach that… read more

it my be good cause i am asd and i have a dog who will sit and acts like he is listening and he helps me now i have a tag to bring him… read more

also let the autistic child go with you to pick out a dog cause it will help him or her get attached to it where thay will feel they can talk… read more

Hi,
ABA therapy has worked for our twin boys who are both diagnosed with PDD-NOS. One twin was diagnosed just a few months before they turned… read more

4 Paws for Ability!! Service dogs are amazing!

Its been good for my son

When our son was 4 years old we purchased a miniture dachshund. Our son is 16 now and the doxie is still with us. It was a good choice because… read more

I would make sure there can be a trial period of at least 2 - 3 weeks. Let both parties get used to each other. Pet love is soooo therapeutic.… read more

I'm a newcomer here, but by no means new to the issues presented. In my work almost all of the preschoolers will have a chewy toy (on a… read more

I would recommend being cautious and very sure that is what your child wants and not something you think will be good for them or just… read more

My daugther has asbergers. She loves animals. She has a dog pom. She named it justin bever. Now last year had some till me try 5.00 week… read more

We have cats and our daughter has several dogs in her life as well (grandparents, godfather). First, you have to be super consistent with the… read more

I live in a state that pays for the ABA up to age 5, then it gets dumped on the school to do. My son's problem is linked to a form of… read more

My daughter, just recently, started disliking sounds of the frying pan. very odd. the sizzling sound drives her around the bend. and of course… read more

Having a cat or dog is great for most ASD kids. Our daughter was born into a house of cats and dogs. As she got older the cats learned to stay… read more

Animals are great for these kids..About a year ago my daughter got a dog and now she is being trained for her guide dog.

My Grandson loves animals. He's even read up on dog training. I would think that having a dog or cat as a companion would help a child… read more

I do agree that a pet is great for children on the spectrum. We have two cats and my son is so loveable and great with them. he is always… read more

Got my so a dog 1 yr after finding out he was on the spectrum. It helped tremendously with getting him to go out side and play. At first he… read more

Do your homework on the breed and the breeder. We got a border collie thinking he would be great at herding our son in case he took off out of… read more

When choosing a pet there are some questions you need to ask yourself. First why do we want the pet? Can we afford the upkeep and vetting of a… read more

We have a cat and he is awesome with my son. Highly recommend cat.

We have a wonderful dog and whenever my son is upset, he likes to hold our dog. I know it's very comforting for him. I would make sure… read more

Its just something more for you to take care of.

This is my second answer to this question. Make sure your child is comfortable around dogs. We have a Pit Bull terrier and my son just loves… read more

Be careful and take the time to find the right pet and it will be a good idea. A gentle and patient pet is the key!

I love animals but my son is afraid of dogs and allergic to cats. So we have a bird and guess who gets to take care of it? Me LOL.

We also… read more

Pets can actually be therapeutic for children on the spectrum. You will need to research to find the perfect breed for your situation...but… read more

We were considering getting our son a dog. It took us weeks to decide what breed. A friend of a friend hd a lab/ blue tick that is 5 yrs old.… read more

Oops absolutely recommend a LARGE animal especially if your child has aggression issues. So that your hold cannot hurt the dog. :) best… read more

My son is very picky. He was picky even as a baby. He seems to have a very sensitive gag reflex. We had him on a GF diet for a few years. It… read more