Newsletter

As a parent or caregiver of a child with disabilities, many may wonder if having a pet would be a good idea or even a possibility. In many instances, research has shown that not only can it be possible, but that it may bring many benefits for a child. Depending on the type of disability, there are several different pets that can be considered.

According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI): “The human-animal bond provides benefits to health at every stage of life. Research demonstrates the positive influence of human-animal interaction (HAI), including pet ownership and animal-assisted therapy, on a child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Childhood pets have been shown to provide physical and emotional support to children throughout their childhood, including after experiencing trauma.

Specifically, research has found that:

• Attachment to pets can promote healthy social development, social competence, increased social interaction, improved social communication, and social play in children
• Companion animals can help children learn to express and understand non-verbal communication and decipher intentions, which leads to improved emotional understanding and expression.
• Family pets can provide a significant impact on a child’s development by providing an opportunity for a child to care for a dependent.

• Research shows having the opportunity to care for a dependent fulfills the child’s need to feel important and needed, and to have a purpose.
• Research suggests that successfully caring for a pet is positively correlated to importance, social competence, and self-esteem.
• One study shows that the sense of achievement a child feels when they have successfully cared for a pet develops their sense of self.”

If your child is not ready for a pet, he can still enjoy some of the benefits of interacting with an animal. You can try professional animal therapy. Speak with your child’s medical provider for referrals. Also, if you have a friend or family member with a pet that your child would enjoy, schedule some “supervised visits” with the pet.

Some places such as “Safe in Austin” introduce their rescue animals to children that come from similar backgrounds. Read more about them at www.safeinaustin.org and at www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/10/12/this-texas-farm-connects-special-needs-kids-with-injured-animals-theyre-just-like-me.

For many children living with various mental and/or physical challenges, being near or caring for animals at home can have incredibly positive and everlasting effects. What is important is to make sure that you do proper research and if possible, involve the child and his medical provider in choosing the perfect pet.

Symptoms in toddlers can include scratchy throats, coughing, sneezing, runny or itchy noses, irritated eyes and wheezing. Children who are more susceptible to skin irritations can also break out in hives or eczema. It’s always the safer option to have children tested for possible allergens at their pediatrician’s office rather than self-diagnosing. There are several factors that come into play such as age, severity and frequency of symptoms and family history. It’s important to consult a pediatrician before using over the counter medications so that there are no complications with other medicines that are being taken as well.

The best way to prevent seasonal allergies is to prevent symptoms before they start. When pollen counts start getting too high, be sure to close all windows and stay indoors whenever possible. Air filters can also reduce allergens in your home. With the appropriate medication and preventative measures, you and your family can spend less time stuck inside and more time enjoying the beautiful weather.

Happy Spring!

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