Dogs and Autism

[runikka]

Hi there

Hope everyone is doing well. I wonder if anyone can advise me. I am seriously considering whether possibly, in a few years time, we can have a pet dog. Daniel has recently been diagnosed on the autistic spectrum but is only 2.4yrs.

I saw the prog at Christmas about the little boy with autism benefitting from the dog. I have also read many articles stating the therapeutic values. However, I am not unrealistic and know it could be a complete nightmare and our little boy might not like the dog (even be frightened) and whatever would be hard work.

However, I am keen to hear others experiences of having a dog in the house with autism and whether there are any particular positives/negatives you can highlight for me.

This would be a major decision and first and foremost it would be a family dog that we would get maybe in a year/two years time. I am looking into dogs with specialist training aswell as regular pet dogs hence my question now.

Many thanks
Kirsty

Depends on the child. DS1 has a fur thing going on at the moment (I think). He was quite keen on dogs for a long time then went off them overnight. Now he kind of shudders and leaps out of the way if one comes near.

Ireland had a great autism assistance dog programme run by Guide Dogs for the Blind. Nothing much here, althought Dogs for the Disabled are going to run a pilot soon I think. Older children though (8-14???) and I don't know which end of the spectrum (maybe more companion animals- can't understand the 8-14 bit really). Ds1 is severely autistic and I thought he might benefit from the irish model (where the child is tied to the dog, which the parent then steers (!) ) but I'm not sure if the same model is planned.

Message withdrawn

Hi

Many thanks for your replies. I guess a dog would provide a necessary distraction for the rest of the family at the moment.

Seriously, we have enquired about the dogs for the disabled scheme and I have considered approaching local dog trainers to ask their opinions.

From your comments I guess it is too big a gamble to know Daniel's reaction to a dog longterm. We need to try and socialise him with someone that already owns a (tolerant) dog to see how he goes.

Our DS is on Autistic Spectrum. We got a dog when he was 3 and a half. He wasn't too fussexd either way at that time. XDog turnedx out to be completely mad and she has been on the verge of going a number of times. Very lively and out of control. Turned out she was Gundog stock and needs about 5 walks a day. Last month we decided dodg had had its last chance and we were going to get it rehoused when it decided to run awy. Only away a few hours but DS was devastated! He has really grown to love dog. Seems to understand dog's character and I think he sees her as a good friend. Needless to say dog is still with us. (DS is now 5) In my opinion I would wait until your little one is able to walk a reasonable distance and then go for it....just get it brilliantly trained. Good idea to have the training at home and have the trainer know about your son(?). They could give some tips if both child and dog proved to be unpredictable.