How A Pet Can Benefit Your Sensory Child

Some weeks ago I wrote about the Story of Bruno, the Dog who shared his life with two beautiful Special Talented Autism kids, from the Blog story I have gotten many questions to please write on how Dogs contribute to Kids' lives

, so I found this fantastic article, which has a scientific base, I really prefer everything that is written by a scientific study, for you may find many articles written based on personal opinions and done by Scientific research.

For many kids and people with autism, pets provide a unique type of social bond that’s available through no other means. Research supports the theory that pets promote “prosocial” behaviors such as shared interactions and shared smiles. The arrival of a pet is, according to one study, an especially beneficial moment. The arrival of a pet is, according to one study, an especially beneficial moment. According to Dr. Ann Berger, a physician, and researcher at the NIH Clinical Center, pets such as dogs are very present. If someone is struggling with something, they know how to sit there and be loving1.

Benefits of Pets

Safety

.Some pets help children with sensory issues to improve road safety awareness and keep them safer when they go out.

Playing games.

Pets can be your child’s play buddy. A simple game like hiding and seek can be a great way for a child with sensory issues to learn about taking turns and sharing. A dog never cares who wins.

Reducing stress.

Having a pet significantly reduces stress or anxiety. Just by petting dogs or cats can improve the mood3 and helps a child to calm when being overwhelmed. Just by looking at the fish in the aquarium helps to relax.

New opportunities.

Life with a child with autism can be dominated by routines and narrow interests but the arrival of a dog can help persuade a child to try something new. It helps the child to go out of their comfort zone once in a while.

Pets help brush off rejection

Thinking of the pet as part of the family could help the child get over social rejection. Children are inclined to treat animals or objects like people are also more prone to having traits like empathy and unconventional thinking to guard them against that negativity.

Pets make the children less lonely

Children with sensory issues tend to be alone because most of the children around their age don’t understand their unique behavior. By having a pet that they can talk to, it makes them feel less lonely because they treat their pet as their friend.

Building friendships.

When human friendships and relationships prove difficult, nothing beats the enthusiastic wag of the tail from a friend that never judges.

Form of relaxation

Simply petting an animal can create a relaxation response and elevate mood.

Animals can also lead to improvements in physical health.

When a child bonds with their pets, it can help decrease respiration rates, and improve children‘s ability to cope with pain.

They help produce neurotransmitters

Antidepressants increase serotonin levels. And emotional support animals increase dopamine and other neurochemicals associated with love and bonding.

Brings enjoyment and fun

The primary reason why parents get pets for their children is to enjoy and have fun playing with them. Children could play with their pets for as long as they want to.

Children benefit from playing with their pets so I encourage you to consider what type of pet would benefit your situation and personality. Comment below with what type of pet you have and how they became a member of your family.

SOURCE-

NIH Clinical Center. The Power of Pets

National Center for Biotechnology Information. What Factors Are Associated with Positive Effects of Dog Ownership in Families with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder? The Development of the Lincoln Autism Pet Dog Impact Scale

Help Guide. The Mood-Boosting Power of Pets