I think sometimes we underestimate animals and having a pet can be a truly beneficial experience. I’m not talking about those people that keep bears and lions, or even monkeys, as pets – I’m sure you’ve read a story or two lately about those situations going awry – I have. One word: Yikes. I’m talking your average pet—dogs, cats, etc. They can become part of a family and have such a lasting impact.

I’m reading more and more about the impact dogs are having on autistic children and how such “companion” dogs are serving as a therapeutic presence in these children’s lives. Pet therapy is not something we’ve had in our treatments section, but this has me thinking… maybe we should. The other week I wrote about “More Than A Man’s Best Friend” and just the other day I read about an autistic boy named Milo, whose dog, Chad, has had a profound impact on him. Milo’s mom said that the golden Lab not only helps protect her son in public because he often has tantrums or tries to run away, but he also makes her son calmer and has improved his concentration level. She said of her son, “It’s almost like a cloud has lifted.”

So what is it about these animals that are enabling them to have such a profound effect? And it’s not just on autistic children – I’ve often heard of animals being brought in to hospitals to cheer up sick patients or into nursing homes to spend time with elderly residents. And it’s not just dogs either – have you read The Horse Boy, which chronicles a dad’s journey with his autistic son and his son’s connection to horses?

My big mission with Kyle’s Treehouse and the work I do in the autism community is about trying to find the right treatment(s) because that is how we can deal with autism today. Treatment can make the world of difference. And maybe that treatment for some is pet therapy. I’m not saying to run out and get a companion dog (I’ll leave that up to you), but you might agree that these companion animals are having some profound effect—a possibly inexplicable effect—on many of the children who have them.

What does autism mean to us today? It means some pleasant surprises. What about you?

Best,
Jenifer