Hamsters for children with Autism?

[Amethyst_ice]

Hello!

Having got an autistic 10 yr old brother and having owned/own rats, hamsters and guineas here is my experience

When he was younger he loved the guineas but the high pitched squeaking they often do when happy upset him and he wasn't too keen. While a decent size and relatively easy to look after, they do spook easily and injure easily if dropped. We lost one after my older sister dropped hesrs after it randomly freaked out.

He has always loved watching hamsters but not handling them so much as they are quicker and smaller. He loved stroking hamsters while I held them. That said, my friend in america has a 7 yr old daughter who is homeschooled with sensory issues and autism and has such a close bond with her hamster you wouldnt believe. She cares for every aspect and has her out with her virtually all the time and no issues handling her. The hamster was her first pet also.

Rats if they arent an option is a shame. My brother is still a little nervous but rats are "hardier". He has dropped them a little but has got braver and likes that they groom him.

Rabbits I hear are often not as sociable as stereotypes would dictate and require more care..jabs etc.

Is borrowing a pet an option to come for holidays to see how they react? Either way, animals can be great for anyone in my experience. I used to take my rats to care homes and disabled children sessions for stroke and cuddle time

[pinkneon]

Thanks!
There might be an option of going to a special sensory group which has a couple of animals come in every fortnight (kind of like Pets As Therapy animals you get in hospital). But there are often about 10 children in the group at a time, so that could well be an issue.
She spends one day a week with some of the relatives to the people she lives with. They have pets, so she kind of borrows them LOL. Actually she was pretty fascinated by their spider apparently ... Yuck! Obviously she is always supervized with animals
I think we need to speak to the people involved with her for a bit more clarity on what exactly they meant anyway! She wouldn't be getting anything until her birthday at the end of the year anyway so we all have some time to discuss it still!

[velma]

Originally Posted by pinkneon

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

I can't speak for p@h but I know a friend used to go in to our local with her daughter when they were picking up pet food and they were happy to get out one particular adoption rabbit for her. The staff knew they couldn't take it home but the daughter was very gentle and the rabbit, who was a "long term inmate", got handled. But at a petting zoo type place the animals would be more used to being handled so that might be a better option on a week day to start with.

[badwolf]

Obviously everybody is different, but a pet could be a great idea. Looking after mine always makes me feel better. If you wanted to go down the small and furry route, what about rats?

Nevermind! Just read the previous page where you stated they probably wouldn't like rats.

[kelza]

I have an autistic brother and 2 nephews that are considered "high functioning". I also volunteered for years working with autistic and down syndrome children and young adults. All of them loved the animal visits. The one piece of advice I would like to give is to be VERY picky about the personality of whatever animal is chosen. I would suggest trying to adopt if possible, this way the center or group can work to help find a pet with the right personality. Calm, patient and tolerant traits are best for very young children with autism. You really almost want the pet to be the one to pick the child.

Also, talk to the therapist and see if they can help set up a session for the child to be introduced to the types of animals being considered. This will help the family to see the reactions and any possible issues might arise with a specific animal.

Hope this helps!

[pinkneon]

Thanks Kelza. We're all still discussing which pet is best but the people she lives with did contact a couple of rescue places to ask about visiting. They explained the situation and one had agreed to allow them to visit as often as needed and do a full assessment to help them find the "perfect" pet! This is all very exciting! Even if they don't find a pet there, they've said she can go there as often as she likes as they have a "petting corner" which is a couple of animals who live there permanently and the children are allowed to play with them, help feed them, stroke them and generally learn about them! A lot of parents take their kids there before getting them a pet as it's educational for them. I didn't even know this place existed!

[chesca_27]

I have two guinea pigs and they fit your criteria. One of my best friends was diagnosed with autism last year and they have had rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.

I have found with my pair that they are extremely friendly, good size to cuddle and are very sociable animals. If you are close with the pet, then they won't mind being picked up. I have had my piggies for nearly 5 years. I think hamsters are too small and fast and a rabbit would be too big (they need HUGE cages) unless it was a house rabbit. Most other small animals are also too small and skittish (from what I've seen).

Anyway, I hope she finds the perfect pet and everything works out for you .

[AmityvilleHams]

Actually guinea pigs need almost as much space as rabbits,at least considering US minimums.8 square feet per rabbit,7 square feet for a minimum of 2 guinea pigs It could be larger in the UK though!

[CMB]

Actually rabbits need more space than Guinea pigs especially height. Height can is not recommended for Guinea pigs due to fall frisks causing injuries (a bit like hamsters).

Rabbits need extra height as they will stand up on their back legs to check for danger and they also like jumping on top of their sleeping box, hay rack and other toys.

I have have lots of rabbits and they all used to jump up on top of anything they could, inside their runs (6 foot by 4 foot). When free running in the garden they would jump onto a bench to be stroked etc.

[pinkneon]

Do guinea pigs / rabbits need to be kept together or can you have one on their own?