Animal-assisted Interventions for Individuals with Autism by Temple Grandin

Animal-assisted Interventions for Individuals with Autism by Temple Grandin

Author:Temple Grandin [Merope, Pavlides]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers


Choosing a pet

Returning to the case of my friend, the value of obtaining a dog outweigh the challenges, then the family must determine what breed and age of dog would best suit its lifestyle, and where best to find a pet. There are many options for locating a dog, some better than others. As with every other aspect of making this decision, it is best to do homework before going to look at pets. When obtaining a dog through a breeder, it’s crucial to know that the breeder is reputable and that the dogs are being bred for the quality of temperament. A family with a special needs child doesn’t need a dog bred for show or for field trials, but rather a dog with a genetic predisposition to patience, friendliness, and the desire to please humans. Animal shelters and rescue organizations are also wonderful places to find companion animals, but again, it is extremely useful to investigate the organization before visiting. A responsible shelter or rescue organization will conduct personality assessments of stray and relinquished animals prior to listing them for adoption.

Although it is difficult to completely predict behavior of a shelter or rescue animal, it is possible to minimize potential problems through careful matching of animals and owners. Colleen Pelar (2005) lists three important requisite characteristics a family dog must have in her wonderful book Living with Kids and Dogs… Without Losing your Mind as being:

•friendly and social

•will not guard food, toys, or other objects

•energy level compatible with your family’s and with the amount of time your family has to spend with the dog.

(p.18)

All of these recommendations are especially important when a child with autism is involved. Understanding how to read canine body language (or taking along someone who does) is extremely valuable. I have encountered a number of families who, for example, chose a dog that seemed “quiet” or “calm” because they feared an exuberant dog might frighten their children. What becomes apparent after adopting the dog, however, is that the dog is not relaxed, but rather highly fearful. This is not the kind of dog that belongs in a house with children, especially if a child with autism is present.

Before a pet comes home, it is also important for parents to discuss what choices they will make about behavior management for both the dog and the children. I cannot overemphasize this point: both the pet and the children will need “training” in how to interact with each other. Pets should not be expected to (and cannot be counted on to) tolerate inappropriate treatment by children, special needs or otherwise. For individuals on the autism spectrum, animal interaction techniques can be taught just like any other skill—and pet training can be a truly engaging inclusive family activity, one in which the individual with autism can be equally as successful as siblings and parents.



Download



Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.