is there anyone with information on asperger syndrome and assistive pets?

Question:

my friend has a child diagnosed with asperger syndrome and her neighbor said they are using assistive pets to help with this disease. Does anyone know where we might get more information on this program

Answers:
(Not really an answer - just some encouragement.) The intensity and intimacy of eye and body contact, etc. with complex beings (humans) is often too much for us people with Asperger Syndrome and related conditions. So it is helpful while us Aspies learn to strategize around this shortcoming to be introduced to animals at petting farms, riding for the disabled, swimming with dolphins, manageable pets that are appealing (angora rabbits, small dogs, soft friendly cats, long-haired guinea pigs, tame magpies or pidgeons are some of the animals I enjoyed greatly as I grew up). Having a little 'inside information' (preferably not as well known as the exmaple I will give) on understanding and treating these animals (passed to me in rules-based format of course!) made me an 'expert' with them, so I felt extra specially good for them, so I could please the critter in ways it is so hard to please humans at times, e.g. dogs prefer under-neck chest scratching to a silly scary pat on the head. It was a safe environment to learn to consider the needs of others and their separateness from me and dependence at times on me. Anything safe that 'breaks the loop' or lets something or someone else into it is just great for us Aspies.

Excuse all the brackets ((())) in the above - they are an annoying part of my differentness.

(John)

Other Answers:
Your friend might try www.therapy.com for more information on animal assisted therapy. Your friend can also contact me at my e-address nurselmh@sbcglobal.net if she'd like. I'm a nurse and I also have an Asperger's kid.

Hi! Before I answer your question, I just wanted to share a couple of additional resources that I think may be able to help you. I just wanted to clarify that Asperger's Syndrome is not technically a disease, it is a developmental difference, and can often be a very positive thing with proper support and guidance. Please see the sources below the answer for more information about this.

To help with your questions about service animals, there was a news story on animal planet a while back that may have some information. You can view the video at http://www.autismlink.com

I also found two articles: http://www.northstardogs.com/autism.shtml and http://www.nsd.on.ca/faqs.htm

I am not familiar with any research on the effectiveness of service dogs for children on the autism spectrum, so I would advise you to do additional research before choosing any interventions for your child. However, I think that having responsibility and friendship with a pet is a great thing for many children.
Source(s):
Additional information:

The Discovery of "Aspie" Criteria, By Carol Gray and Tony Attwood - http://www.thegraycenter.org/sectionsdetails.cfm?id=38

"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm - http://www.southflorida.com/sfparenting/sfe-sfp-autism,0,6196233.story

Website of Paula Kluth, Ph.D - http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html

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is there anyone with information on asperger syndrome and assistive pets?

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