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Having a pet can bring a multitude of joys to any home, but for families with a child who has Autism, having a dog can be especially beneficial. Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, and for children with Autism, these qualities can make a huge difference in these children’s lives. From providing emotional support to helping with behavioral issues, dogs can be an invaluable asset to children with Autism and their families.
Let’s take a look at a few breeds that typically do well with children.
Golden Retrievers & Goldendoodles
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds of dog and for good reason. They are incredibly gentle, loyal, and loving. They are also extremely intelligent, making them easy to train. This breed is highly affectionate and loves to be around children. They are also very patient, making them great for children with Autism who may need a little extra patience. And, of course, if you combine the Golden Retriever with a Standard Poodle, they are sure to be very intelligent!
Labrador Retrievers & Labradoodles
The Labrador Retriever is another popular breed of dog that is great for children with Autism. They are very patient and loyal and make wonderful companions. They are also very intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also great at understanding children with Autism and their individual needs. They make a great addition to any family.
Poodles
The Poodle is a great choice for a child with Autism. They are highly intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also very gentle and loving, making them great for children who need extra patience and affection. They are also low-shedding, making them great for those with allergies.
Bernedoodles
Bernedoodles are a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard Poodle. These pups tend to be affectionate and playful, yet highly intelligent and hard working, if trained correctly. All in all, Bernedoodles are wonderful family dogs who are great with children, and love to be around their owners. They are an incredibly loyal breed as well.
Aussiedoodles
Aussiedoodles are a mix between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard Poodle. These pups are intelligent, playful, loyal, and smart. They inherit some of the best traits from their parents.
As long as children, including children on the Autism spectrum, are able to play safely with the Aussiedoodle, they make a great family dog. Because they can bond with a particular person so quickly, they are great therapy dogs.
Having a dog can be beneficial for a child with Autism for many reasons. Here are five of the most important benefits:
- Unconditional Love and Acceptance: Dogs provide unconditional love and acceptance and can help children with Autism to feel safe, secure, and accepted.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Dogs can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels in children with Autism by providing comfort and companionship.
- Increased Independence: Having a dog can help to increase a child’s independence by providing them with an activity that they can do on their own.
- Improved Social Skills: Dogs can help to improve social skills in children with Autism by providing them with an opportunity to interact with others.
- Increased Physical Activity: Having a dog can help to increase physical activity levels in children with Autism by providing them with an activity that they can do together.
As you can see, having a dog can be incredibly beneficial for a child with Autism. The breeds listed above are all excellent choices for children with Autism, but it is important to remember that all dogs are different and that the best breed for your child will depend on their individual needs and preferences.
