draft

6 Benefits of Pets for Children with Special Needs

Last updated Feb 26, 2020
6 Benefits of Pets for Children with Special Needs

Choosing a household pet can be a big decision, but if your family is ready for the commitment, there are several benefits for children with special needs. The right pet can help your child become more independent and foster his self-esteem. The list below offers just some of the examples of buy essay cheap service how pets can benefit your child with special needs.

  1. Companionship
    Pets that can be cuddled, held, or played with can become long-term companions for your child. Whether she's snuggled up with the dog, using a laser pointer with the cat, or petting the rabbit, your child will enjoy the unconditional love she'll receive from her pet.

  2. Socialization
    Some pets can help your child socialize with other people. Walking a dog or taking it to a dog park provides an opportunity to meet and play with other children.

  3. Relaxation
    Petting a furry animal or watching or watching the colorful fish and movement of the water in a fish tank can help your child relax. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory integration disorder, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may find a particular value in the sensory experiences provided by pets.

  4. Responsibility
    Teaching your child to care for his pets will help teach him responsibility and independence. Depending on your child's current ability level, you may need to assist him with some tasks. However, you can slowly pull back your guidance until he is feeding and cleaning up after his pet on his own. Keeping a chart of all pet-related chores near your pet's cage, take, or food area can help your child remember what tasks need to be done.

  5. Physical Assistance
    While a dog can just be a pet, you can also adopt a trained dog as an assistance animal. In addition to companionship and all of the other benefits pets offer, an assistance animal can also help your child with a variety of physical needs, such as turning lights on and off, retrieving dropped items, and even helping with getting dressed.

  6. Self-esteem
    The more responsibility and independence a child has as a result of caring for his pet or receiving physical assistance will help strengthen her self-esteem. The more a child can do for herself without the help of other help of other people, the more secure she will feel in her own abilities.

While pets can be a lot of work for the entire family, if you're willing and able to put forth that effort, there can be many benefits for your child. Offering companionship to physical assistance and more, pets are more than just animals brought into the home, they can become bonded friends and family members.