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?

try this

The only animal I'd consider with my two is a cat, purely because they're damned good at sticking up for themselves without causing too much damage and they're good at staying out of the way when they're not in the mood.

Contact the Riding for the disabled association (RDA) they should be able to point you in the right direction of a local centre which is suitable.

Rabbits are not great pets for children for all the reasons outlined above, Fancy rats make great pets for children or maybe a laid back cat from cat rescue (who can let you know what the cat's personality is like).

Any animal handling offered at the zoo?

I think the "all asd children need a pet" thing is a bit cliche. My 6 year old has asd and he likes the dog some of the time, loves the Guinea pigs when he remembers they are there, but find the rabbits annoying as they don't do what he wants. I'm not sure how rabbits got the reputation as a good childrens pet, that hasn't been our experience at all. They aren't keen on being handled and any attention is on their terms. Don't feel you have to get a pet at all, but if you are tempted, I would suggest a Guinea pig would be much better. Much more likely to sit and tolerate a cuddle.

I wouldn't get a rabbit.

A cat or possible a dog... but cats can be extremely loving and caring and thy pretty much take care of them self's.

This seems to be a bit of a fad at the moment. A couple of heartwarming books and documentaries about how an autistic/mute child was miraculously 'cured' by an animal of some sort, and suddenly it's being touted as advice, while on the other hand you have lots of warnings about irresponsible pet ownership or pets being bought for the wrong reasons - and one of the primary 'wrong reasons' is as a gift for kids!

My parents keep being repeatedly advised by their doctors to 'get a dog' in order to combat their alcoholism and obesity. The idea is that walking the dog will give them much-needed exercise (they are practically immobile with laziness) when in reality these people have rehomed about 6 dogs over the years for spurious reasons and simply would not walk a dog. Ever.

If you and only you want a pet, go for it, but surely the idea of buying them as 'cures' or 'therapy' for kids is as bad as buying them as toys.

www.psychologytoday.com/blog/animals-and-us/201411/does-animal-assisted-therapy-really-work

Lovely idea, but not much evidence. No need to feel guilty about not having a rabbit!

A friend has a son with severe ASD. He has a therapy dog and it's like an extra child! Requires a lot of hard work! I'd say a cat is a better idea! I've read about that cat the autistic girl has - her name is iris grace and I'm sure you could find a wealth of info/advice if you google her name and therapy cat or Maine coon.

i have guinea pigs and i find them to be very low maintenance. we got rescue guinea pigs. they are sweet and squeaky and love a bit of carrot action. can't recommend them highly enough

A couple of heartwarming books and documentaries about how an autistic/mute child was miraculously 'cured' by an animal of some sort, and suddenly it's being touted as advice

Brilliant post Puffle and I couldn't agree more. It's bad enough when well-meaning friends tag you in on heartwarming videos on facebook, but an actual professional suggesting something like this without proper evidence is the outside of enough...

OP, there are lots of therapies that may help your child. Look for the ones that have the most evidence, look for the ones that fit in with your life. It's like exercise in a way -- any ongoing therapy will have to be carried out by you (or in terms of a pet, you'll be the one looking after it) so don't join a gym if actually, the only thing that would motivate you is a class or getting outside.

You don't have to pick up every suggestion well meaning professionals throw at you. If a pet won't work, then a pet won't work.

I've heard good reports about Borrow my doggy though, which I'm thinking about for DS.

Not sure if this is helpful or not because of the short term nature of it, but Guide Dogs are often looking for people to board their dogs for them. These are dogs about 18 months old, so almost fully trained but just finalising their training before they qualify as a guide dog. You basically have the dog evenings and weekends for about 12 weeks and during the working day, the guide dog trainer collects and trains it. This means it only needs walking at weekends. It is a lovely way to have a tempory dog without the commitment, whilst also helping out a charity.

"...We have nearly settled on a guinea pig after a lot of research and talk..."

Minniemagoo not sure if you meant guinea pigs rather than a single GP, but please do not keep just one. They need to be kept in groups. Pairs at a minimum.

We got rabbits to help with DD's anxiety. I now have 2 rabbits and she has 2 lovely Guinea pigs who chat to her constantly. They are even ready for a chat when she has a sleepless night.

You've said it's been recommended you "get your daughter a pet".

Are you in the UK? It is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to own a pet. I realise you probably mean you will get a pet which your daughter will spend time with, but remember that you will be legally responsible for the welfare of the animal - it's not like getting her a toy.

Please don't get her a rabbit, or any other animal, unless you are prepared to give the animal all the cars it needs as well as your child.

YY OldBollocks

Any research worth its salt will tell you that piggies need piggie company. Humans do not make up the gap. And rabbits don't make good company for piggies either.

Rabbits are akin to a dog in the care they need , I saw them described as "Vegan Cats" which is a phrase I love.

I agree with other posters that rabbits actually make terrible pets. They are also the most neglected pets as more than often they just get ignored in their cages as they can be so scrabbley. (Not saying at all that you're likely to do this, but as a response to the person who originally suggested rabbits).

We really wanted to get dd her own pet (we already have a dog) so we got her chickens - this way, she gets her lovely pets and we get eggs. Chickens do make great pets for small children so I assume that they would be good for a child with asd.

Alternatively, maybe you could find an RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) who might be able to help? Horses are also brilliant for children with learning difficulties.

Whatever you choose, the right pet can be an amazing addition to a family.

Can you visit someone else's pet? Or take her to a local farm recently to help care for the animals / pet them? Even a pet shop?

My sister is a rabbit breeder (member of the NRC) she would not recommend a rabbit as a pet for a child unless all members of the family are committed. She gives her customers the option of bringing them back if they don't get on, but she is a very responsible breeder and is not in it for profit. There are some horrible genetic conditions that are often ignored and can prove expensive at the vets, if the rabbit is not obtained from a reputable breeder.
I would suggest a young cat/kitten, they are more adaptable and will get used to being handled, an older cat might not be so adaptable. Cats are independent and can look after themselves as far as what they will and will not allow.

I have kept both rabbits and cats, and would say that rabbits are far harder "work" and need a lot of attention.

Why don't you go to one of the open days that the RSPCA have at their re-homing centres, and see what your Dc is attracted to, if any, of the inmates.

I have a son with ASD. He is 5. We have two cats and it has benefitted him so much! He doesn't like being touched or cuddled but will willingly cuddle and stroke his cat. He also talks to her and kind of hangs out with her like a friend. I think a cat is ideal as you hardly need to do anything, just put out food twice a day and stroke them. I think if you got one you wouldn't regret it. Be aware that it takes a bit of time for the child to bond with the animal.

I have 2 rabbits. It's unfair to keep a single rabbit as they need the company of being in a pair,

They are very bad pets, they bite, kick and wriggle out of being picked up.

They frighten easily

They live for around 8 years and need to have daily exercise outside their hutch and protected from fixed and dogs

I had a guinea pig when i was a child. I imagined that rabbits would be big versions of a guinea pig. I was very, very wrong.

A rabbit is not a good pet for a child.

Also, if you need a vet, rabbits are classed as 'exotics'. We forked out 4 figures last year.

Why, I could have gone to a luxury spa and Michelin restuarant!

I would also suggest going to a Riding for the Disabled place where they have safe, friendly ponies and fantastic volunteers if she is interested.

There are often lots of opportunities to help out too, the exercise and outdoorsy life is very healthy.

Horses are used extensively in therapy : www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/23/equine-therapy-horses-medical-treatment

www.telegraph.co.uk/women/mother-tongue/7902741/Equine-therapy-and-autism-Horsing-around-brings-out-the-best.html