Did a dog help you

[Odetta]

My 13 yo son was recently diagnosed as being on the spectrum. It has been suggested by a psychiatrist (mine, not his) that he might benefit from having a dog. I am interested in having a dog myself, so this suggestion is welcome to me. My kids like the idea as well. However I am concerned because my son has meltdowns.

So my question is, for those of you on the spectrum, did/do you have a dog? Was/is it a good experience? Does the dog get bothered if/when you have meltdowns? Are there breeds/mixes that are better than others? I've been told to focus on dogs that would be good with young children. Also, I've been thinking of getting an older dog from a rescue organization that fosters dogs, as they'll know more about dog temperaments than a shelter would. Is this a good idea?

Any experiences you'd like to share would be welcome.

 

[dayhiker]

I believe there are people on the spectrum that have been helped with a dog.
Maybe take him to a pet store to play with the puppies. Or have a friend who owns a do stop by with the dog and she how it goes. I think you can find a way to collect some data before buying a dog.

 

[vespasia]

For the sake of your son, your family and the possible dog make contact with Charities that provide trained assitance dogs.

Autism Assistance Dog - 4 Paws For Ability
About Us | ASDA
Autism Service Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs, Autism Alert Dogs, Autism Service Dog Training
Service Dog Placements for Children with Autism

As examples.

A puppy is a handful to take on and would not be a good choice if your also dealing aith AS meltdowns. You will need to be able to provide all the basic training, socialising and vet fees and they can consume an awful lot of time. It would be akin to having two autistic kids.

Temprament of a dog matters far far more than looks. Remember the only two breeds listed by the kennel clubs as being good with kids as a requirement of the breed standard; Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The former are like training 2 year old kids in dog suits right up to 12 whilst Chesapeake Bay Retriever's need proper socialising in their puppyhood [upto 6 months] and go through a teenage phase where they need socialising again and things to do or they find things to do.

Service dogs tend to be 2 years plus, this is so they have got past the 'teenage' dog phase [7-22 months can vary] and their tempraments are settled.

Hope that helps.

A service dog charity should have tested the dogs temprament, have trained them to cope with life with a child who has autism and can provide ongoing support to you and your family. They will also know which of their dogs would be a potential good match for your son and should provide opportunity for him to get to know his possible dog and vice versa so both are set up to succeed.

Occasionally a rescued dog makes the grade as a service dog but working out which rescues could is left to those with lots of expereince in assessing dogs.

 

[jackmt]

Dogs calm me down and help prevent meltdowns. Boxers are my favorite breed; they are not the smartest breed, but they are about the sweetest.

 

[Odetta]

Thank y'all for your input.

We ended up getting a 5 year old rescue dog from a foster organization, a long-haired miniature dachshund. She is adorable. She naps a lot, until she gets excited about something, then she wiggles. My ASD son absolutely adores her. Good thing she loves to be around her humans.

 

[Sandycane]

... a bit late, but...
I have two dogs, seven cats, two fish, and a bird.
While it's virtually impossible for me to take a vacation, I wouldn't give up a one of them.
When I feel a meltdown coming on, I cuddle with my cats.
When I cry, my dogs come to me and hug me.
Since it is so difficult for me to relate to "normal" people, I know I could not live without my animal friends.

Glad everything worked out for you and your son!

 

[Sonicwhite]

I really don't know about Autism but, my kitty is my therapist and relaxes me....A dog would do the same given if he dealt with what I do and also loves dogs....I don't know about meltdowns but, give it a try.