How Pets Create a Sensory Solace and Bring Comfort to Children With Autism in a Chaotic World

Choosing the Right Pet

Selecting the right pet for your family starts by understanding your child’s needs, sensory preferences, and your household’s lifestyle. Start by observing how your child interacts with animals during visits to friends, parks, or pet shelters. Notice whether your kiddo feels calm around certain animals or shows a particular interest.

Consider a calm and patient pet, such as a Labrador Retriever or a cat with a gentle disposition, which may work well for children who favor predictable behavior. Furry animals like rabbits or guinea pigs might also be suitable because they don’t make a lot of noise. 

Try to avoid choosing a pet with high energy or unpredictability if those traits might overwhelm your child with autism. 

Your Child’s Sensory Preferences

Think about your child’s sensory preferences. Do they hate loud noises? A dog that barks a lot might not be suitable for children with autism who don’t like sounds. Consider a cat, fish, rabbit, guinea pig, or even a reptile.

Do they like a slow or fast pace when it comes to playtime? An energetic dog breed that loves to run and play outside might not be the best choice. On the other hand, if your youngster loves romping outside and running around, a retriever, shepherd dog, or terrier provides an excellent option.

What about tactile senses? If your child loves tactile experiences, a furry pet like a dog, cat, rabbit, or guinea pig with long hair might be in order. A turtle offers an excellent option for a child who prefers smooth surfaces.

Family Lifestyle & Environment

Consider the responsibilities involved in caring for the pet and whether your child can engage in manageable tasks. Feeding, grooming, and gentle play can help build a sense of responsibility and strengthen the bond between the pet and the new family. Match these responsibilities with your child’s abilities and interests to create a positive and engaging relationship with your new pet.

Will the pet be indoors or outdoors? How much space do you have indoors and outdoors? How much time can your family spend with the new pet? Do any of your family members have allergies to pet dander? 

Involve everyone in the selection process, including your child with autism. Have everyone interact with different animals in a safe and controlled setting. Watching how your child reacts and communicates with the pet provides valuable insights into compatibility. A strong connection may emerge naturally during these interactions, guiding your family’s choice.

Types of Pets for Your Child With Autism

As we stated, many types of pets are suitable for your child with autism. Which one you choose depends on your choice. Whichever pet you choose, it’s important to take care of the animal and help everyone bond with your new four-legged, furry, feathered, or scaly family member.

Dog

A dog is a wonderful companion for children with autism. One study from the Journal of Pediatric Nursing surveyed parents of autistic children with pets. Of the ones with dogs, 94% said their child bonded strongly with the pet. In families without dogs, 70% said their child enjoyed interacting with dogs.

While dogs are lovable and loyal, they do have to go for walks two to three times a day if they’re indoor pets. They are excellent pets for teaching children responsibility when caring for another living being while having a routine. Keep in mind the size of the dog versus your youngster. A puppy can quickly get big after just a year! 

Dogs are also loyal, highly intelligent, and can sense their owner’s moods, making them excellent pets for children with autism. Your youngster will have a best friend for life. Dogs typically live 10 to 15 years.

Cat

Cats offer comfort, companionship, and playfulness as a pet. They are also self-sufficient and don’t require walks. Cats naturally sleep a lot. As crepuscular animals, they are most active at dawn and dusk, which can help maintain your child’s nightly sleep schedule.

Another study from the Journal of Pediatric Nursing (this one from 2020) shows that cats as pets can help children with autism experience significant increases in the social skill of empathy while showing significant decreases in problem behaviors.   

Cats are also relatively quiet compared to dogs. So, if your child with autism doesn’t like loud noises, consider a cat as a mobile, furry family pet that doesn’t bark. Cats usually live around 15 years. In some cases, they can surpass 20 or 25 years, making them a lifelong companion. 

Small Mammal 

If you want a smaller pet that is still cute and cuddly with fur (and also quiet), think about a rabbit, guinea pig, or hamster. The caveat to small mammals is that they hide for hours and hours if they get out of their cages. If you already have a dog or cat, the smaller mammal may serve as a play toy (and it might not go well, depending on the breed of dog or cat you have). 

Cages must be cleaned regularly. Rabbits might actually prefer a cage outdoors, and they require a specific diet. A rabbit is ideal for a family that already has experience with pets.

A guinea pig or hamster definitely belongs indoors and in a cage. However, certain considerations are required for these small mammals. Make sure the cage follows the most up-to-date guidelines for size, accessories, and bedding type. The enclosure must also stay secure when no one is playing with these kinds of pets. Guinea pigs are social animals that require another companion to thrive–it isn’t recommended to just have one.

In general, the smaller the mammal, the shorter the lifespan. Rabbits live around 8 to 12 years. Guinea pigs usually live 5 to 7 years. Hamsters are around 2 to 3 years. 

Bird

A bird can offer an engaging experience for a child with autism with all kinds of sensory stimulation. There is the bright plumage and the beautiful vocalizations. Birds are also active, as they can climb around their cages using their beak and talons. Having them perch on a hand or shoulder can help your child with autism light up. 

Another reason to have birds is that, like dogs, they can be fed and let out of their cages at routine times of the day, and kids with autism love a routine. Birds in the parrot family can be taught to mimic vocalizations, which can help with music therapy for your child with autism.

However, do be careful if you have other pets in the house that don’t get along with birds. Another thing to watch for is that when you let your bird out of its cage, make sure to contain it in a single room so it doesn’t fly where it shouldn’t.

Consider smaller birds like parakeets or cockatiels because they are playful and yet have a manageable size. They can be more cost-effective than larger parrots but still have exacting care requirements for diet, enclosure size, and accessories. Make sure to find a vet that specializes in birds who can help prevent common health issues.

Always do research about the bird’s species before determining if it is the right fit for your family. These pets require a lot of attention and involvement. Parakeets average a 6-year lifespan, while cockatiels live around 16 years (but they can live longer with proper care). 

Fish

Does your child with autism love the water? Having an aquarium with fish could be a viable pet for your youngster. Fish, like birds, come in many colors. They also love to move around and explore their surroundings. Fish feedings are also routine when you feed them once or twice a day. 

One downside to fish is that they can’t directly interact with your child. They have their water world, while humans can’t spend time in the fish tank. The tank will need to be cleaned regularly. The water must also stay at a particular temperature and pH. 

Depending on the fish, it could live anywhere from 2 to 15 years. Goldfish can exceed 20 years, grow to 8-16 inches, and require a much larger tank than is commonly considered.

Turtle

A turtle is an ideal pet for someone allergic to pet dander and wants a low-key pet. The highest maintenance for turtles is the terrarium, which needs to be cleaned regularly. Also, check with your local laws because sometimes it’s against the law to keep certain turtle species native to the region as pets. You also have to watch out for salmonella, so always wash your hands after handling a turtle. If you have a small child who still puts their fingers in their mouth, avoid a turtle.

Turtles themselves are low maintenance. They eat a steady diet of fruits and vegetables. Turtles can live a long time, with some species living 10 to 20 years, while others can live up to 50 years. They provide some activity but are generally very slow compared to other pets.

How a Pet Can Benefit Your Child With Autism

Studies have shown that pets can help your child with autism in many ways. Here are some specifics:

Emotional Support

You’ve seen the jokes and news stories about people who bring their emotional support animal everywhere. However, a pet can make a huge difference in the life of a child with autism. 

The unconditional affection and unique bond with a pet offer emotional relief during challenging moments. A pet can reduce anxiety and create a nonjudgmental space where your child with autism feels accepted.

For many children with autism, forming relationships with people may feel overwhelming. A pet, however, bridges this gap by offering companionship without requiring complex social skills. The pet’s consistent presence helps build trust and strengthens your child’s sense of security, making it easier to navigate social and emotional challenges.

Petting or cuddling a pet can soothe a child experiencing sensory or emotional overload. These physical interactions can stimulate the release of calming hormones like oxytocin, which helps regulate emotions. 

Dogs, in particular, can learn specific behaviors and sense when a child is overwhelmed or stressed, offering comfort by providing a touch of the nose or a paw, or laying close by.

Social Skills Development

A family pet can serve as a bridge for interaction and communication. Walking a dog or bringing a small pet for show-and-tell can act as icebreakers, making it easier for children to connect with their friends in a natural and engaging way. A child with autism can talk about what their pet likes to eat, where they go on walks, and more.

Pets also model nonverbal communication, helping children understand body language and emotional cues. For example, observing a dog wag its tail or a cat purr can teach your child how animals express emotions. This skill translates to improved recognition of nonverbal signals in human interactions, such as smiling or laughing, giving a child with autism a chance to have better interactions with others.

Group activities centered around pets, like attending dog training classes or visiting pet-friendly events, create additional opportunities for social engagement. These settings are structured yet flexible environments where they can practice interacting with others who share a common interest in pets. 

Caring for a pet teaches collaboration and teamwork, especially when involving family members or friends. Activities like feeding, bathing, or playing with the pet encourage cooperative interactions. These shared responsibilities promote turn-taking, communication, and problem-solving in a low-pressure environment among family members.

Over time, these social lessons become permanent, leading to a lifetime of memorable social interactions.

Routine and Responsibility

Pets are a lot like children because they thrive on routines like feeding, walking, and playtime. Establishing regular schedules for feeding, grooming, and exercise creates predictable patterns that many children with autism find comforting and reassuring. Caring for a pet encourages a sense of stability and control.

Taking care of a pet offers manageable responsibilities. Feeding the family pet at specific times and taking care of their basic needs are simple, achievable tasks that build confidence and a sense of accomplishment and pride while reinforcing positive behaviors.

Pets rely on their caregivers, which helps your child understand the importance of taking responsibility. Tasks like cleaning a pet’s living space or ensuring proper hygiene teach your youngster how their actions directly affect another living being. This understanding fosters empathy and a stronger sense of purpose.

Incorporating a pet into a child’s routine also improves time management skills. For example, taking a dog on daily walks or scheduling time for play requires planning and consistency. These activities help with the concept of managing time and fulfilling commitments, valuable skills that extend beyond pet care.

The repetitive nature of pet care tasks reinforces learning and builds habits. Over time, these routines become routine, leading to increased independence. The overall goal is to foster skills beyond pet care into other aspects of life.

Introducing Your Child to the Pet

Children with autism thrive in a routine. So, introducing your child to the pet after choosing the right one serves as a way to gauge how the new family member will fit into everyday routines.

Monitoring Initial Interactions

Introduce the pet in a calm, familiar environment where your youngster feels comfortable, such as at home in the living room. Keep distractions, like taking photos or a video, at a minimum. It’s important to keep an eye on the initial interaction for signs of stress or anxiety. Gradually increase the time they spend together after the initial intro.

Observe your kiddo’s reactions closely while initially maintaining a safe distance. Allow your youngster to approach the pet at their own pace without pressure. Encourage gentle interactions such as speaking softly or offering a hand for the pet to sniff. This step helps establish trust between the pet and their new family.

Pay attention to the pet’s behavior as well. Look for signs of stress or discomfort, such as growling, excessive panting, or trying to retreat. A calm, patient pet will approach gently and remain relaxed. If the pet shows signs of unease, put the interaction on pause and give both your kiddo and the animal time to adjust before trying again.

As with anything new, reward and praise your child for interacting appropriately with the pet. Do the same for the pet with treats and praise.

Setting Expectations

Part of owning a pet is the responsibility that comes with it, as well as the expectations of what everyone in the family does to care for the pet. How you set expectations will depend on the age and maturity of your child with autism. Remember, studies show that introducing a pet at a younger age increases the chances of having a more lasting and profound effect on your child.

Discuss the pet’s needs and behaviors to prepare your youngster for what to expect. For example, explain that a dog might bark when it wants to play, go for a walk, or needs food. It might whimper when it’s hurt or wag its tail when the dog is happy. If your child is in preschool or early elementary school, consider a picture book or using a stuffed animal to show how to interact with the pet before introducing the animal to your youngster.

Create guidelines for interacting with the pet. Demonstrate how to interact safely with the new companion and what to do when the pet reacts differently than what your kiddo anticipates. 

Make a chart showing the daily tasks for pet care, including food, water, going for a walk (for a dog), and playing. Use photos of the pet to make it more engaging. Assign simple, age-appropriate tasks like filling the water bowl, brushing the pet (if it’s a mammal), or helping with playtime. Use schedules or checklists to visually represent these responsibilities, making it easier for your child to follow and understand their part in caring for the pet.

Perhaps the most important part of this initial process is to acknowledge and validate your kiddo’s feelings about the new pet, whether excitement, nervousness, or uncertainty. As a parent, you want your child to develop a sense of freedom and accomplishment. But always reassure them that you’ll be there if they need help.

Training and Bonding

Getting to know a new pet through training and bonding provides an excellent opportunity for your child with autism to build trust, connection, and confidence. 

Training

Start with simple, structured activities that encourage training in a calm, predictable way. If you have a dog, teach them basic commands with treats and positive reinforcement, such as “sit” or “stay” and others. Keep in mind that if you get a puppy, you might have to start with house training. Make training sessions at the same time each day.

Yes, cats are trainable! With cats, train them to scratch on a specially made post instead of the furniture or a wall. There is also litter box training if you have a new kitten. They can even be taught to walk on a harness to participate safely in outdoor activities without harming local wildlife.

Use positive reinforcement to make the training experience enjoyable for everyone. Rewarding the pet with treats, praise, or toys when it follows instructions helps your kiddo understand the value of consistency and patience. Celebrate small victories with them, reinforcing your child’s role in the pet’s progress and strengthening their sense of accomplishment.

Bonding With a New Pet

Incorporate bonding activities that match your child’s sensory and emotional preferences. If your youngster enjoys tactile experiences, encourage gentle petting or brushing. For children who prefer movement, activities like playing fetch or taking short walks with a dog provide shared, engaging experiences. Cats can be playful with yarn. Birds can fly in a room.

Establish a consistent time for play and training to help your kiddo and the new pet know what to expect each day. Routines provide comfort for children with autism while also helping the pet feel secure and cooperative. Both pets and children love routines!

Both pets and kids with autism should be allowed to bond at their own pace. Avoid pushing interactions or creating stressful situations for either your child or the pet. Support and encourage natural, mutual trust to develop over time.

Addressing Challenges

New pets already pose some challenges because it’s something new entering into your family dynamic. When you have a child with autism, as with anything else, it takes a family effort to help out.

Managing Sensory Sensitivity

Sensory sensitivities with pets need careful observation at first and then finding ways to manage them. For example, if your child has a sensitivity to smells, then taking a dog for a walk or changing the litterbox might be a task left for other people in the family. Similarly, find pet food that doesn’t have an aroma, such as high-quality dry food versus wet food. Maintaining a clean space for your pet can also reduce smells. Invest in unscented pet supplies.

When it comes to sound sensitivity, dogs and birds can be noisy. Even if you have a dog that doesn’t bark a lot, taking a walk at certain times of day, like when there is a lot of traffic, can lead to overwhelming sounds.

Touch sensitivity can be managed by observing how your child reacts to the pet’s actions. Licking, nudging, jumping, biting, and scratching may require specialized training with a particular pet. On the other hand, if you already know your child has touch sensitivities, consider a pet that doesn’t trigger these things, such as a fish or a turtle.

Handling Aggression or Fear

A new stimulus in your child’s environment can cause several different emotions, from fear and apprehension to wonderment and joy. Managing fear and apprehension can follow other times when you need to help your youngster through stressful situations. Supporting your child with autism as they process these emotions is the key.

Aggression or fear often arises from overstimulation, unpredictability, or misunderstandings during interactions. Observing reactions from both sides helps to pinpoint triggers so you can address them.

Create a safe, controlled environment to reduce tension. If your child feels overwhelmed, provide breaks and encourage distance until they feel ready. Likewise, give the pet a quiet, secure space where it can retreat if it feels frightened. This setup helps both parties feel more in control while preventing escalations.

Model calm, gentle interactions for your youngster to follow. Demonstrate how to approach the pet slowly, use a soft voice, and avoid sudden movements. Use clear language as a guide, such as “Let the pet come to you” or “Use gentle hands.” Reward positive interactions with praise or small rewards, reinforcing safe and kind behavior for both your kiddo and the pet.

For pets showing signs of fear or aggression, like growling, hissing, or retreating, teach your kiddo to recognize these cues and respect the animal’s boundaries. Explain that pets sometimes need space to feel safe, just like people. Establish rules, such as avoiding chasing, grabbing, or cornering the animal, to create a sense of safety for everyone.

When the Pet Becomes Sick or Dies

Perhaps the most stressful part of pet ownership is when your beloved furry or scaly family member becomes sick or dies. Unfortunately, this will happen at some point. Most pets don’t live as long as humans.

It helps to prepare your child for when a pet gets sick or has to go to the vet. Explain that sometimes your pet needs to rest more, eat less, or go to the vet. Encourage your youngster to help be there for the pet, just like the pet is there to comfort them. Simply sitting next to the pet and gently talking to the animal can help it feel better.

Having a pet pass away is heartbreaking, and it’s sad for everyone. In general, a child begins to understand what death means in later elementary years. When the pet passes away, again, age-appropriate language is best in simple and plain language. For younger children, think about saying something about the pet’s body has stopped working and will not return. 

Your child will grieve in their own way and express emotions at their own pace. Children with autism may respond differently to grief. Some may appear unaffected, while others might experience intense sadness or confusion. Offer reassurance that feeling sad, angry, or confused is okay. Encourage your youngster to talk, draw, or write about their feelings if they find verbal expression difficult.

Create a way to honor the pet’s memory, which can help your family process the loss. Hold a small ceremony, create a photo album, or make a special drawing of the pet. These tangible actions provide comfort and a sense of closure while helping to understand that while the pet is no longer present, memories will live on and remain.

Try to maintain routines and provide consistency as much as possible to regain a sense of normalcy. Loss can feel unsettling, so familiar activities offer comfort and stability. 

Therapeutic Programs Involving Pets

Formal, animal-assisted therapy can offer your child with autism significant benefits. It’s also a program that can help acclimate your youngster to life with a pet before getting one. Having a service or therapy animal at home is another solution for some families. 

According to the University of Arizona, as many as 25% of families with a child on the autism spectrum have participated in animal-assisted therapy. Studies show that children respond better to therapy when animals are involved versus toys.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy programs pair trained animals with children in guided sessions. You might find programs with dogs, horses, or small animals. The goal of these structured, supportive interactions is to promote emotional, social, and sensory development. Research programs to find one that incorporates goals like improving communication, reducing anxiety, or enhancing motor skills.

The presence of a therapy animal creates a calm and nonjudgmental environment to feel safe, which builds trust and confidence. For example, brushing a horse, walking a dog, or feeding a rabbit allows a child to experience success while practicing focus and gentle interactions.

Animal-assisted therapy also encourages communication skills. Therapists often use the animal as a bridge to motivate verbal or nonverbal communication. A child may give simple commands, such as “sit” or “come,” to a therapy dog or point to a treat the animal can have as a way to practice clear communication.

For sensory regulation, therapeutic programs provide valuable experiences that match your child’s preferences. Petting an animal with soft fur, feeling a horse’s gentle movements during riding, or observing fish swimming can calm an overstimulated child. These interactions teach your kiddo how to manage sensory input in a way that feels soothing and supports your child.

Service and Therapy Animals

Formal service and therapy animals in the home provide vital support for children with autism, offering emotional, physical, and social support within a familiar environment. Specially trained service animals help children with autism manage daily challenges. Therapy animals provide comfort and companionship that enhance overall well-being.

Service animals can perform specific tasks tailored to the child’s needs. For example, a service dog might guide a child safely during outings, interrupt repetitive behaviors, or apply deep pressure to calm them during overwhelming situations. These animals provide stability and security.

Therapy animals, while not trained for specific tasks, offer emotional support through their presence. A therapy dog or cat in the home can help reduce anxiety, soothe emotional distress, and encourage positive interactions. Their companionship creates a sense of safety and calm, making it easier for the child to navigate daily routines and transitions.

Service and therapy animals can be a benefit to children with autism. However, they do come with associated costs. Insurance may or may not cover the costs, but there are charitable organizations that might.

Resources for Pets & Children With Autism

In Springfield, reach out to Pet Therapy of the Ozarks for more information about local support. Another place is Dog Training Elite, a company that trains your dog to be a therapy dog.

Autism Speaks has a comprehensive guide regarding service and therapy animals for your youngster.

Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) offers trained dogs specifically for children with autism.

PATH International focuses on equine therapy and therapeutic horseback riding for children, including kids with autism.

Pet Partners provides more information about animal-assisted therapy programs.

Visit Assistance Dogs International (ADI) to learn about service dog organizations that specialize in autism support.

Another great organization is Therapy Dogs International (TDI), which provides more details about therapy dog programs.

Help Your Child With Autism to Grow

At My World ABA, we want your child to grow and excel. To learn more about our services or answer additional questions, contact us through our website or call (417) 818-5784 today. 

We have offices in Springfield, Ozark, and Joplin, Missouri.