Importance of Pets for Children with Special Needs

Countless of people own pets. The positivity and happiness brought by pets to a home is immeasurable. However, the benefits of having a pet increase significantly for a family having a child with special needs. Many studies and researches have shown that pets have multiple benefits for children with disabilities especially those who struggle with sensory, social or behavioral issues. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of having pets for children with special needs.

Supports in Mobility

Pets, especially dogs, can be highly influential for kids and can support kids who need help in moving around. Kids who need a little support for walking may get a sense of independence walking with the help of their dog’s harness while playing around. Mobility impaired children are often at a loss of friends who can play with them without being judgmental and pet dog fills that void. Additionally, they keep the mobility-impaired child physically active in the most pleasant way.

Provides Security

Pet dogs can be very keen security providers for children with special needs. They can detect an oncoming seizure or a dip in blood sugar level and alert the adult caregiver of the child. They are really helpful for the protection of kids who sleepwalk. The well-trained service dogs are also very good at helping their young owners in their daily tasks like taking medicines.

Interact with their Young Masters

Many children living with autism or other learning disabilities like ADHD depend frequently on non-verbal cues and communications. These children feel more comfortable around pet animals than people. It has been proved through various studies that interacting with animals helps these children be more confident around people. They also learn to handle their temperament much better.

Work as Stress-Buster and Mood-Enhancer

Pets are one of the best stress-busters for everyone including children with disabilities. Children with special needs have more stress to deal with as compared to non-disabled children of their age. Pets help them to calm down and manage stress thus making them more equipped to handle the challenges brought by their disability or disorder. Playing with a pet also enhances the alertness and attentiveness of kids with learning disorders.

Provides Companionship

Kids are in constant need of companionship. Some kids with disabilities who may struggle to build a bond with their peers may hence feel lonely. Pets can be the best companion for such special needs kids. Pets are playful as well as non-judgmental – the perfect companion for an innocent child.

In addition to the above-mentioned broad benefits, there are countless other benefits of owning a pet for children with special needs. If you have a child with special needs, get her a pet and you’ll experience many benefits including a much happier child.