Autistic Child and Pets

Do you specifically want this dog in a home with kids...or is it more like, that is who is applying...families with children?

Oh and leash reactive meaning she is excited an happy and pulls, or she tends to be growly or unsure?

Hm...I have an autistic son and we adopted a dog.
We adopted a dog to help my son recover from a fear of dogs.
BUT, I was VERY cautious in doing the adoption.
The key with parents is to know their child as best they can.
My son does not bother Ella. He talks to her, but he doesn't pet her. She is VERY NON-reactive to him. The shelter we got Ella from was VERY helpful and they did extensive behavior testing on her. We had to go to Chicago to meet her and be there with the lady from the shelter and the behaviorist/trainer and they observed Ella around both of my children while my kids played, fought with eachother and chased eachother. He was VERY observant to Ella's reactions. I wanted this done because with my son, he can self-stim A LOT. I wasn't sure how a dog would handle quick out of the blue movements from my child. This was tested and observed during our introduction.
Usually, with Autistic children, they're SO in their own world that they won't mess with animals. Some can get very upset if the dog gets too close to them because they view this as the dog is invading their space/world. This is how Aedan has been with dogs in the past.
I worked with Aedan (my son) a LOT before we even met Ella. I told him that we were going to be getting a dog, possibly. And I asked him how he felt about that. I showed him pictures of her and talked positively about her to him. I did this a LOT. That, I think helped him overcome his fear of dogs. He still doesn't much care for her getting too close to him UNLESS he initiates the contact, but Ella is good with him. She seems to know that he doesn't want to be bothered and she doesn't bother him.
I think the parents, with ANY dog they adopt, need to make sure a behaviorist/ trainer is there on site at the introduction and the dog/child interactions need to be closely observed for a long time before any adoption takes place.
My son is very functional too. He can speak, write, use the bathroom on his own, hold conversations (when he sees fit to), and interact with others when he wants. His social behavior is delayed, but it does exist.


I don't think I helped you much. All I could do is tell you as the parent of an Autistic child, how we handled our adoption.
PM me if you have any questions or if you want any advice for the parents.

I don't know if this will help you at all, but I have a mild form of autism (asperger's) and the thing is...all children with autism are different. I am completely functioning- people who have known me for years have no clue that I'm autistic. Autism itself is such a broad thing that it manifests itself in a COMPLETELY different way from person to person. IMO, it's difficult to say what to look for in a dog for a family with an autistic child, because it depends so much on that particular child. There are very few broad generalizations to be made about autistism, since, like I said, it manifests itself so differently from person to person. The best I can do is share with you what my personal experience has been.
 
From the time I was born, I could ONLY relate to animals. I think entirely in bursts of emotion and pictures- I had to make a concious effort to then translate those pictures into words so that I could communicate with other people. Before I could communicate with people, I *could* communicate with animals. I have, since the time I was born, communicated mentally with animals. It's just as simple as sending emotions and mental pictures to form an idea to each other. I have always been able to have full conversations with animals exchanged totally in the form of thought...is it telepathy? I don't know. I personally belive that we are born with the same mind as other animals, and human society teaches us very quickly to speak only with words, and that if we believe we can talk to our animals, we are either over-empathizing with them, or just highly imaginative. As somone who never lost the ability (though, there have been times in my life- especially as a young teenager- when I did try to be "normal" and push it all out of my head) I can tell you that it's simply not true- we are all born with the tools to communicate with other species. Through conditioning as we grow, we simply bury those abilities in some dark corner of our brain and forget them.
 
Anyway, growing up, my animals were my saviors. I never interracted well with other children. I have a strong sensitivity to smell and noise- other kids and I just didn't mix well. Without my animal friends I would have felt completely alone in the world- especially since my autism was not diagnosed until I was much older and I didn't know what was "wrong" with me, just that people made me feel very, very uncomfortable. It didn't help that I overcompensated for my problems by forcing myself to be EXTREMELY outgoing and talkative around other people- everyone assumed I was a completely normal kid. I was a teenager before I finally clued my family into the turmoil that I had always gone through and I found out what my problem was. It was a huge relief for me knowing that it wasn't all in my head. Like I said, throughout this period, I had few if any human friends and ONLY felt comfortable with animals. I'm still this way today. (I have no clue how I managed to get married. []) Without them I most likely would have given into my frustration, anger, and confusion and probably would not have made it to adulthood, to be honest.
So, at least for autistic children with an experience similar to mine, a dog or some other pet is absolutely the best thing for them. It can quite literally become a life saver...it's been my experience that once autistic children are given the opportunity to interract with animals it really helps them come out of their shell. Animals and autistic people often think very much alike and once a child realizes that the animal won't judge him, expect him to act like a "normal" person, or do anything that makes him or her uncomfortable...once they realize that they now have a friend and companion who accepts them completely for who they are, they blossom.
 
But again, that's just based on my experience, and the experience of a couple of other people with asperger's that I know. I'm by no means an expert on autism. As for what to look for in a dog for that family? Honestly, I think the child should pick. I personally was never comfortable with very small dogs and terriers because they exuded so much nervous energy, and their high pitched barks killed my ears. But then, I've been living with a chihuahua for three years now and I love him very much- so you never really know. I think that this child should probably start out with a very calm, balanced, understanding adult dog. A puppy, or a very high energy dog may not be the best thing for a child that isn't used to dogs. If she likes to herd things, and is leash reactive...that sends up red flags for me. But then, it all depends on the child. I think she should have the opportunity to meet Sassy and see what she thinks. They may hit it off, and they may now- ut I think in the case of an autistic child, they should have ALOT of input as to which dog to get. Often autistic people become overhwhelmed and overstimulated easily, and have VERY highly developed senses...so a high energy, active, pushy dog may end up being a problem for that child. I think she should meet Sassy, spend some time with her, and see how she feels. I can't stress enough that this child should have a good deal of input as to which dog they end up with. If she likes Sassy and can handle her personality, great. If not, I don't think the family should push her into what may turn out to be an uncomfortable relationship. []

Chewbecca, your advice and experience is valuable to me and helpful, alot more than you know.  This situation is hard for me.  The family following the recommendations of a behaviorist and on site viewing of the dog's reaction to the child makes total sense to me from the family's side.  I admit I have very limited experience and we are at the stage of evaluation from both sides.  I am looking for questions to ask the family or referrals I can give the family if they had not done their homework.  I have to be responsible here but I am limited as to how much I know the family has researched and planned.   I will communicate again prior to the visit and find out.  The reason for the family getting the dog is different from yours and bringing in a pet was recommended by their family doctor.

My experience with the other family that has an Autistic child was a couple months ago when I went on a home visit with Sassy.  I had no prior knowledge and found out when the mother introduced me to Michael and said "as you can see…”.   The only thing that I could do was make sure I had control of Sassy and observe.  The boy was shy mostly due to my presence in the house.  He stayed on the swing set but would get off and go to Sassy when Sassy would play with her colorful toys.  Michael had reactions and was fascinated by colorful objects.  Sassy engaged Michael in play and would win the toy back by licking his face.  Michael laughed so hard.  Michael had a short attention span so it was back to the swings and then this play started all over again.  I was with this family for about 5 hours.  I knew I was not the one to give a comprehensive evaluation but the decision to move on was based on my observation of the mom.

you guys, all in this thread, I could talk about this for HOURS.
But I have to go to class.
I'll be on later.

Rasticles, your information is helpful, probably not just to DPU, but to me as well.

I would suggest that a dog that has not been throughly trained in the behaviors typical of a TDI dog is not a good prospect for a child with autism unless the family is very skilled at training themselves. 
 
I work with kids with disabilities for a living and I am a behaviorist.  I also train dogs as my avocation.  Knowing what I know about each group, I would suggest the family contact groups that do training of support dogs for referrals for dogs that did not meet the physical nature of assistance dog tasks but have had extensive socialization and training.  I would not suggest a herding dog as a first choice unless the family has considerable experience with herding dogs.
 
Many folks in the mental health world will suggest animals without knowing what they are really asking for on the part of the dog, horse, etc.

Chewbecca, yes I need as much information as possible and I am sure the family will be grateful for advice.

Ratsicles, Absolutely beautifully written post.  Your message brings in a very important consideration in the process and that is the child as part of the selection.  Give me a chance to absorb your message and then I will have questions.  Remember I am most concerned with the responsible here from the adopter and adoptee's side.  Thank you so much.

Mrv:  from my post I told the family what I know about the dogs behavior including herding and the leash thing.  I also told them that Sassy has more of the Shepherd personality than the Beagle.  Since she did not react to this disclosure I am going to go on the assumption the family has not talked with a behaviorist such as you, given your knowledge and skill level.  I will present your advice.   
 
What's TDI and where do you go about finding these people that.... "groups that do training of support dogs for referrals for dogs that did not meet the physical nature of assistance dog tasks but have had extensive socialization and training.".

TDI is therapy dog internation, they can be found on the web through any search engine, as can Delta Society a similar organization.  As to dogs that may be wash outs but could offer an option for the family.  In the OH area  I am familiar with CCI  and Happy Canine Helpers.  Sorry I dont know the Indiana folk.  There is also Pilot Dogs in Columbus OH.  Link for statewide training programs for assistance dogs.  I am not suggesting the trained dogs.... that is expensive and long lists.  They may even have to wait for a dog that could not go on for more extensive training.
 
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Mrv:  Thanks,  I will contact CCI and Help Canine Helpers folks and see if they have a referral in this area.  The family lives in Illinois, Chicago area.  At dogs showings in the Chicago area, I have met these people who train these dogs and they did share their washout stories.  Although I don't have their names I recall that their organization was in another state and they were certified to train. 

Those are good questions DPU. 
 
Chiming in here also as a mother of an autistic boy.  As Ratsicles said, perfectly, it would depend completely on the child.  Cognition with autism goes from Asperger's to severe.  Every child is completely different.  It's going to depend a lot on how committed the family is to making it work and your understanding of Sassy (which sounds very good). 
 
In my son's autism class there are children that should not have pets.  Aggression can be a major problem with autism and control over such is difficult.  My son is aggressive, but with much patience and training we've managed to make it work with not just one, but three dogs. 
 
Isis, our GSD is the best with my son.  She loves to play and my son will play with her.  He can get unintentionally rough and she completely understands and is forgiving.  Probably why she's a therapy dog!  Our ES (herding!) doesn't quite "get" my son and he just avoids him, always giving him a wide berth.  It works both ways.  I understand the mother wanting a dog for the girl that you would't want the second situation.  My son loves to watch them play, but really doesn't notice them much.  He never pets them (sensory issues). 
 
I think you should honestly ask questions about how the daughter responds to animals besides your observations.  You're obviously very responsible with your placement and I think anyone who truly wants it to work out, will appreciate candor.  I know I would. 
 
Sassy is a doll!

Another avenue that will get them some support and give them the time to investigate and learn themselves.  Have them contact one of the therapy programs already in place (hospitals, nursing homes etc.)  The national TDI and Delta Society sites will likely have links.  Have them make a request to the therapy organization for a therapy dog visit.  The agencies will know which dogs may be a best fit, may even be able to help the family evaluate there own needs.... Also, this allows them to "test drive" without having to actually get a dog.  If the kid clicks, spend some time with the therapy dog developing specific behaviors in the kid.  Then, the family can start looking for a dog or organization to help them.  They will be much better able to articulate their needs after that kind of experience.

As a psychologist who's worked with a lot of children with austism, I'll chime in as well. As you've been told, autism is a spectrum disorder with a huge range of behaviors, even in the high functioning end of the spectrum. Each child has particular behaviors that may or may not fit well with a particular animal and you can really only know that by knowing the child and the dog well, unfortunately, you only know half the story. I agree with mrv's recommendation on a "test drive" with a trained therapy dog, that way the family can see how she responds in a "best case" scenario. I would add as well, checking back with the therapist. Now, knowing nothing about the therapist, this person may or may not be knowledgeable about animals. The mother can present some of these questions to the therapist, or possibly even give you a release to talk to them about this specific issue, and if they're knowledgeable about dogs, they may be able to address some of the concerns (e.g., the herding dog issue), if not, then I'd definately go the therapy dog route. As a personal curiosity (well, actually it's my husband's curiosity) wonder what people with autism's experience is with cat ownership. Given the more aloof nature of cats (I know, I know, not ALL cats) I have some theories, but would be interested to hear of others' experiences.