Hamsters for children with Autism?

[CMB]

I think a pair of Guinea pigs could be OK. They need a friend or more depending on available cage space.

Guinea pigs are awake during the day so more chance to watch them and hold them than a hamster for a child. Guinea pigs are bigger and easier the hold than hamsters and will stay still longer.

[AmityvilleHams]

Guinea pigs are still prey animals and are extremely fragile,just like hamsters Rats however,would be a better choice in my opinion,but even then they are still so fragile that for small children they are not a good choice just like any other small pet.

Dogs and cats would probably be the best choice though overall,as long as proper care can be provided for either one.

[pinkneon]

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

Guinea pigs are still prey animals and are extremely fragile,just like hamsters Rats however,would be a better choice in my opinion,but even then they are still so fragile that for small children they are not a good choice just like any other small pet.

Dogs and cats would probably be the best choice though overall,as long as proper care can be provided for either one.

I'm not understanding the issue with prey animals ...?
Rats are smaller than guinea pigs and I don't think they'd like rats. Guinea pigs do seem to be an option they're considering, though they don't know much about them!

Serendipity, thanks for that info! I have spoken to them today and they said if she was assessed as needing an assistance dog then they would of course make a way for this to be possible for her. However, if she wasn't eligible for one they wouldn't consider a dog as a pet. They are discussing the possibility and practicallity of a cat, however are concerned that it might not be around much during the day!

They're also discussing rabbits as they had rabbits when their kids were younger so they know a bit about rabbits.

[AmityvilleHams]

Prey animals are much more nervous than predators and could react in a way that causes problems and confusion.

While guinea pigs are larger than rats,they are not animals that generally enjoy being picked up and cuddled even though some may tolerate being petted.Plus,even a tiny accident with guinea pigs and even rabbits can cause severe injury or death for the animal in question.Rats however,primarily male rats,are much more tolerant of being cuddled and things like that and so would be a better choice.But,since rats aren't an option,I still wouldn't suggest any small pet.

[velma]

Obviously, it all comes down to what her guardians have time for and are prepared to have in the house but I'd speak to her therapist again and see what sort of thing she means by a pet and responsibilities, maybe join an mum's online group and see if they have any threads related to this or recommendations of good places to look. And in the meantime, how about a trip to a petting zoo or even p@h as I know our local ones do sessions for kids in the holidays where they can handle the rabbits and things. But at a petting zoo she could get right in with the animals and you could see if she relates to anything.

[Pebbles82]

Rabbits was mentioned as an option on those links Although from what I've seen Rabbits don't seem to be that cuddly or do much! (Sorry to rabbit owners if I am wrong there).

I don't think it would matter if they are prey animals (eg guinea pigs) as long as they were a family pet. The adults would do most of the care but they do sound a fun pet to have around. I think the idea is that the child sees a pet on a regular live-in basis and learns from their behaviour.

[pinkneon]

Originally Posted by velma

Obviously, it all comes down to what her guardians have time for and are prepared to have in the house but I'd speak to her therapist again and see what sort of thing she means by a pet and responsibilities, maybe join an mum's online group and see if they have any threads related to this or recommendations of good places to look. And in the meantime, how about a trip to a petting zoo or even p@h as I know our local ones do sessions for kids in the holidays where they can handle the rabbits and things. But at a petting zoo she could get right in with the animals and you could see if she relates to anything.

Would they allow her to do this during the week? She's homeschooled, but am thinking the school breaks might be too busy/noisy for her If she was allowed to go during the week then it would hopefully be less busy/noisy plus she'd get the 1 on 1 time rather than with a whole bunch of kids ... Actually I might ring and find out if they even have a P@H near them, and then if they do ring the shop LOL

[Pebbles82]

I don't know about that, sorry. I would keep focused on the pet at home for now maybe rather than change her routine too much.

[CMB]

Rats are prey animals too and can be quite active and not sit still for cuddles. All animals may or may not like cuddles/petting.

[AmityvilleHams]

Rats can be extremely cuddly actually,especially males.But overall,in my opinion small animals in general aren't a great idea in this situation.