AIBU to not get my daughter, who has autism, a rabbit?

[BuddyBear12345]

I know this is an odd thread. However, my daughter (who's 7) has ASD, she is nonverbal. She sees a specialist speech therapist, they told us that children who are nonverbal, and who have ASD, come on leaps and bounds if there's an animal involved. Usually a rabbit is best.

I have considered it, but I'm not sure a rabbit is right for us. I don't think it would be fair on the animal - I wouldn't treat it bad, I'd feed it, give it a nice home, etc. but I don't particularly want one! Would you get one, if you knew it would help your child?

Have you thought about a cat? I've read a few articles recently about a girl who did hugely well with a Maine Coone cat. They can be quite low maintenance too.

DS2 is non verbal and the dog is of no interest to him, in fact it is good he is medium sized as a small pet would be trampled underfoot not out of malice just what is on the floor is not in his radar.

Tbh i would just keep taking her to the zoo and forget a pet if you are busy cats like to do their own thing and are fine if you are out a lot

Horse riding has been good for DS2.

Rabbits are a bit of a pain and can be really expensive.

Cats are much more independent but you do need to be home sometimes. What do you mean when you say you aren't home a lot? Out more than working full time?

YAB v sensible to think it through properly - pets aren't for everyone and are a real commitment. You shouldn't feel guilty, if that's what you're thinking!

Our son with ASD has been very loving towards our dog that we got as a puppy two years ago, they adore each other
That said the dog has been a massive commitment that has only worked as I'm a SAHM.
I think you are right to be cautious about getting a pet if you don't have the time at home

what about dog fostering?
www.rspca.org.uk/findapet/foster

it could be a real; win win as its temporary, and she would help build the dogs confidence too?

I just think think this is a stupid idea to suggest to someone!

My dd is autistic, amongst other things and rides with the RDA once a week. She gets alot of it, so it's worth a try :)

We had a couple of rabbits that had the run of our secure garden. Yy though, don't get one, get two and make sure they have a tonne of room to run and frolick in.

What about an older cat? They have already formed their personalities, so it'll be easier to choose a calm, friendly, tactile one. And the rescue centres are doing drives to rehome older pets ahead of kitten season right now.

You could always ask to foster an older cat with the agreement that you can keep it if it works out?

Cats sleep about 17 hours a day and tend to be awake mornings and early evenings, so work perfectly for our schedule!

Two cats are actually far easier than one, because they keep themselves entertained when you're a bit busier.

Yanbu. I've had a rabbit and while they're wonderful animals they are not kids pets and are more like a cat or small dog. They need masses of space and a sofa

Get guinea pigs. More cuddly as long as you supply parsley and celery leaves. And they'll cut your lawn for you.

The reason rabbits are better is because they don't interact the same way that cats and dogs tend to with people.

It's NOT a low maintenance pet and needs alot of space and attention. They also like companionship and can be depressed if they're on their own, so you might need TWO.

But I get why they would be good for an autistic child because they don't really like eye contact, some are very friendly and don't mind being picked up or petted, but you never know. They certainly recognise people and know the differences (one of our rabbits never acknowledges my DP but she always nudges me.)

The different way that bunnies act is really similar to an autistic child. I get it. generally they're not considered good pets for children because kids get bored by them, but bunnies ask for very little from their human interactions. PRO but are alot of work. CON

Is there a pet you would consider?

My eldest has ASD, and since I bought him a cat, his behaviour has been incredible. He's formed an emotional bond, and his emotions are developing far better. I hate the bloody cats most of the time, but can't argue with what they've done for him.

What about a rat? Like to be picked up, interactive, intelligent?

I wouldn't mind a rat! However, I would worry she'd be too rough maybe I'll have a look at the rehoming centre, an older cat seems like the best option

We have 2 rabbits and my DS is severely autistic... He gets a lot from them. Feeding, caring ... Just watching them move ... He'll shout helllooooooo to them and is gentle when stroking if you remind him a million times. He dies gets lots from them and they don't take as much care and commitment as a dog.

Rats are fabulous, but if you do, OP, you need at least two! They are social creatures and much happier if they're not alone - especially if you're not at home a lot, as you say. They do need handled every day though (again because they are such social animals - they get lonely). I agree though, a placid older cat sounds like it might be a good option for you.

Definitely give the RDA a go, find your local group here. Horses are very therapeutic and just being led around on one is meant to be very beneficial.

I have some kittens if you're in north Wales o.p... they are little shits ! In all seriousness rats are excellent we had two and they used to sleep with the great dane they are very entertaining . My child doesn't have autism so no experience but have you thought of a reptile ? Depends how much cuddling is to be done if any I suppose

Rabbits can be v expensive like any other. I had to fork out over £400 last year

I've had rats and have cats. Rats are lovely and pretty friendly and sociable little things but if I was choosing for an ASD 7 year old I would probably go for a cat - and I'm going to go against the grain and say a kitten too as they are easier to settle, don't have such set personalities and are (IME) easier to integrate with children. I have Maine Coon cats and they're brilliant with kids, including the kitten who we brought home last week and who will happily let me 5 year old stroke and cuddle her.

I had a pet rock when I was younger .

No actual helpfulness to add, just reminiscing about my pet rock.

In vets bills that is. Are you sure there isn't a charity geared to this? A family member has a charity dog that goes to a different home when he needs to be hospitalised. Obviously that's not why you need but that having pets is known to be good so there might be a charity that's geared up for children with SN who will assist in matching you up, giving you time to see it it's the right pet, looking after it when and if you go away etc.

Rabbits are highly social and should never be kept alone. They're also a prey species who find handling stressful, and with the right care live for over 10 years. Not an easy option.
Perhaps direct the therapist to this website www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/index.php?section=leaflets.html so that she can see the level of responsibility required. Cats are much more independent and robust as a pet.

Rats are good too and don't live so long but again prefer some company so more than one is better. Guinea pigs are very sociable (again need at least a pair) and generally more handling-friendly than rabbits