Bringing a pet into your home can be a wonderful experience for any family, and it’s especially beneficial when you’re considering pets for an autistic child.
As someone who is autistic and a parent to an autistic child. I have seen firsthand how much joy and support pets for an autistic child can bring
Pets for an autistic child can provide companionship, help reduce stress, and can help an autistic child feel more connected to the world around them.
If you’re wondering which pets for an autistic child might be the best choice, you’re in the right place!
In this post, I’ll walk you through the top 10 best pets for an autistic child, along with the pros and cons of each, so you can make the best decision for your family.
Why are pets for an Autistic child beneficial?
Pets help relieve anxiety and stress for autistic people, including children (read more on that here).
Many autistic children face challenges with social interactions, understanding emotions, and feeling connected to the people around them.
A pet offers a non-judgmental friendship and provides comfort that can make a big difference.
Here’s why having pets for an autistic child can be so beneficial:
- Stress relief: Pets help reduce anxiety, something many autistic children experience, especially my autistic child.
- Companionship: Pets can provide a connection when it is hard to form friendships with people.
- Routine: Taking care of a pet adds structure to a child’s life, which many autistic children thrive on.
- Emotional development: Pets help children learn empathy and responsibility, and offer a safe place to express emotions.
How to Choose the Right Pet for an Autistic Child
Choosing the right pet for your autistic child depends on your child’s personality and preferences.
Some autistic children may want a pet they can cuddle with all the time, while others might want a quiet, low-maintenance companion.
Here are a few things to think about:
- Does your autistic child like physical affection? Pets like dogs and cats are affectionate, but some children may prefer animals that don’t need as much touch.
- Is your autistic child sensitive to noise? Some pets, like birds or dogs, can be noisy, which might be overwhelming.
- Can your autistic child handle responsibility? Certain pets require more care and attention than others.
Now, let’s get into the top 10 pets for an autistic child!
1. Dogs as pets for an Autistic Child
Dogs are often considered “man’s best friend,” and for good reason. They’re loyal, loving, and can form deep bonds with children, including those with autism.
Pros:
- Loyal companions: Dogs offer unconditional love and a sense of friendship, which can be very comforting for an autistic child.
- Emotional support: Many therapy dogs help autistic children manage stress and anxiety by providing calming, predictable companionship.
Cons:
- High maintenance: Dogs need regular walks, feeding, grooming, and attention. This can be a lot for an autistic child, especially if they value personal space.
- Noise sensitivity: Dogs bark, which might be difficult for an autistic child who is sensitive to loud sounds.
My Recommendation:
While dogs can make excellent pets for an autistic child, they might not be the best choice if your child needs quiet time and personal space.
However, if your child loves interacting with animals and doesn’t mind the extra care a dog requires, a dog could be a wonderful companion.
2. Cats for an Autistic Child
Cats are another great option when looking at pets for an autistic child.
They’re independent but can still be affectionate, which makes them ideal for children who need both companionship and personal space.
Pros:
- Independent: Cats are more self-sufficient than dogs, which means they don’t need constant attention. This can be a relief for autistic children who need quiet time.
- Quiet: Cats generally don’t make a lot of noise, which can be helpful for autistic children who are sensitive to sound.
Cons:
- The sudden noises and the banging and clashing of objects they suddenly find interesting in the middle of the night might disturb your autistic child if they do not like noise.
- Not always available: Cats come and go as they please, which may be frustrating if your child wants attention but the cat is off exploring.
- Litter box: Some children might find cleaning the litter box unpleasant, especially if they have sensory sensitivities.
My Recommendation:
We chose a cat for our autistic child, and it was the best decision we made.
Cats offer the perfect balance of independence and companionship, which suits our child’s needs perfectly.
But, if your child wants a pet that’s always around or doesn’t want to deal with litter boxes, a cat might not be the best fit.
There is a great book to read on cats which suggests that cats carry all the traits an Autistic person carries. It is called, ‘All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum‘ and it is such a good read.
3. Guinea Pigs for an Autistic Child
Guinea pigs are similar to rabbits but are a bit more interactive. They make great pets for an autistic child who wants a small, low-maintenance pet.
Pros:
- Social: Guinea pigs are a little more interactive than rabbits, often making soft sounds when happy.
- Low-maintenance: They require less care than larger pets like dogs or cats.
Cons:
- Smelly cages: Like rabbits, guinea pigs cages can smell if it is not cleaned regularly. This is not pleasant for any autistic child who is sensitive to smell.
- Fragile: They’re small and delicate, so rough handling can lead to injury. So for some autistic children who might not know their strength, it will not be a suitable pet
Recommendation:
Guinea pigs are wonderful for children who want a small, interactive pet but don’t need the high energy or affection of a dog or cat.
4. Rabbits for an Autistic Child
For children who want a pet that’s quieter and less interactive, rabbits could be great pets for an autistic child. These small animals are gentle and don’t require as much attention as larger pets.
Pros:
- Low interaction: Rabbits are perfect for autistic children who want a pet to care for without needing much physical affection in return.
- Quiet and gentle: They’re calm and quiet, which can be soothing for autistic children who prefer peace.
Cons:
- Smell: Their cages can develop strong smells if not cleaned regularly, which could be an issue for a child with sensory sensitivities.
- Not very affectionate: These small pets aren’t known for returning affection, so if your autistic child wants cuddles, these might not be the best choice.
My Recommendation:
Rabbits are great pets for an autistic child who prefers a quiet companion that doesn’t require constant interaction.
I had rabbits when I was younger and I can honestly say I looked forward for school to be over so I could come home and spend time with them.
Just be prepared to keep their cages clean, as the smell can be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities.
5. Hamsters for an Autistic Child
Hamsters are small, easy to care for pets that are good for autistic children who want a quiet and low-maintenance companion.
Pros:
- Low maintenance: Hamsters don’t need much care beyond feeding and cage cleaning.
- Quiet: They’re mostly quiet, especially during the day.
Cons:
- Nocturnal: Hamsters are active at night, which might disrupt an autistic child’s sleep if the hamster makes noise. This is not great for autistic children as we are notorious for being sensitive sleepers.
- Short lifespan: Hamsters have short lifespans, which could be hard for some autistic children to handle, especially if they have really bonded with the hamster.
My Recommendation:
Hamsters are ideal for autistic children who want a small, quiet, and low-maintenance pet. However, be mindful of their night time activity and shorter lifespan.
6. Ferrets for an Autistic Child
Ferrets are playful, curious pets that can provide a lot of entertainment. They are great pets for an autistic child who enjoys energetic animals.
Pros:
- Playful and entertaining: Ferrets are curious and love to play, which can keep autistic children engaged.
- Affectionate: They form strong bonds with their owners.
Cons:
- High energy: Ferrets require a lot of attention and stimulation, which might be overwhelming for some autistic children who need some quiet time after a long stimulating day.
- Odor: Ferrets can have a strong smell if not groomed regularly which can be very overwhelming for an autistic child.
My Recommendation:
Ferrets are great for autistic children who want a playful, interactive pet. Just be prepared for their high energy levels and potential odor.
7. Tortoises for an Autistic Child
Tortoises are unique and low-maintenance pets for an autistic child. They don’t need a lot of care or attention, making them ideal for autistic children who want a quiet, low-energy companion.
Pros:
- Low maintenance: Tortoises don’t need much care beyond regular feeding and tank cleaning.
- Silent: If your child is sensitive to noise, a tortoise is a great option since they make no noise at all.
Cons:
- Smelly Farts: Hear me out. Their farts smells like death. Seriously. If your autistic child has a sensitive nose, stay away!
- Health concerns: Tortoises can easily get infections, which can be hard to detect. If not treated quickly, it can become serious.
- Slow but sneaky: Tortoises can climb on furniture and might cause damage if not supervised.
My Recommendation:
A tortoise can be a fantastic option if your child wants a quiet, low-maintenance pet that does not demand much interaction.
However, be mindful of their health needs and make sure to catch any issues early on.
8. Birds (Parrots, Budgies) for an Autistic Child
Birds can be great pets for an autistic child, especially if your autistic child enjoys sounds and minimal physical interaction.
Birds like parrots and budgies are social animals that can provide companionship without needing to be cuddled.
Pros:
- Social without touch: Birds can interact with you by singing or talking without needing much physical affection, making them ideal for autistic children who want companionship without touch.
- Affordable: They’re relatively inexpensive compared to other pets, and their needs (food, cage lining) are easy to manage.
Cons:
- Noise: Birds can be very talkative, which could be overwhelming for autistic children who prefer a quiet environment.
- Messy: Birds need to fly around outside their cages sometimes, and this can result in bird droppings around the house.
My Recommendation:
If your child enjoys sounds and doesn’t mind a bit of noise, birds can make great pets for an autistic child.
Just be prepared for some mess and the occasional loud chirp!
I would also recommend you get 2, because they can get quite lonely and pull out their own feathers due to depression.
Having more than one can help them keep each other company also.
Especially for during the time you are not at home. (School/work etc)
9. Horses for an Autistic Child
For families with the space and resources, horses can be amazing pets for an autistic child.
Equine therapy is known to help children with autism by improving communication and emotional regulation.
If you want to read more on this, I highly recommend this book, ‘Riding on the Autism Spectrum’.
Pros:
- Therapeutic: Horses are often used in therapy for autistic children because of their calming presence.
- Physical activity: Riding and caring for a horse provides physical activity and routine.
Cons:
- Expensive: Horses are costly to care for, and they require a lot of space and attention.
- Time-consuming: Caring for a horse is a big commitment, requiring daily feeding, grooming, and exercise.
Recommendation:
Horses are incredible companions for autistic children who enjoy physical activity and have the resources to care for them.
However, they require a lot of time, space, and financial investment. Like, a lot.
10. Fish as pets for an Autistic Child
Fish can be relaxing and mesmerizing to watch, making them great pets for an autistic child who prefers minimal interaction.
Pros:
- Low interaction: Fish don’t need physical attention and are soothing to watch.
- Quiet: They make no noise, which is ideal for sensitive autistic children.
Cons:
- Tank maintenance: Fish tanks need regular cleaning, which might be overwhelming for some autistic children.
- Limited interaction: Fish aren’t interactive, which may disappoint some autistic children who want a more engaging, bonding pet.
Recommendation:
Fish are great for autistic children who want a calming, quiet presence in the home.
However, they’re not ideal for autistic kids looking for an interactive or affectionate pet.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Pets for an Autistic Child
When it comes to choosing pets for an autistic child, there are many factors to consider, including your child’s sensory needs, emotional capacity, and ability to take on responsibilities.
From dogs and cats to more low-maintenance pets like tortoises and fish, there’s a perfect pet out there for every child.
Deciding on the right pets for an autistic child is a big decision.
You need to consider your child’s personality, preferences, and sensory needs before choosing a pet.
Whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit, or even a tortoise, the right pets for an autistic child can offer companionship, reduce stress, and help your child grow emotionally.
Talk to your child, see what they’re comfortable with, and consider starting with a low-maintenance pet if this is your first time owning one.
Pets can bring so much joy and love into your home, especially for autistic children, so make sure you take the time to choose the perfect one!
I hope this post has helped you understand better how to choose a pet for your autistic child.
It’s certainly no small decision, so please do make sure you’ve thought about all the pros and cons deeply before making that commitment.
Personally, I connect much better with animals than I do with people. Animals are much simpler and much nicer in my opinion.
I believe it is the same for my autistic child and our cat. While my autistic child sleeps, our cat sleeps at the bottom of their bed with them.
We also went on holiday and had to place the cat in a hotel because we were unable to bring our cat with us. This caused our autistic child to ask about their pet companion repeatedly.
My autistic child even mentioned that the home is incomplete without our cat in it.
When I was much younger, we have also had a pet snake. I did not enjoy that at all.
My father is a very big animal lover, and so we had some interesting pets during our childhood.
Snakes are very slimy and slippery and gooey. It was absolutely NOT great for my sensory issues. I truly believe that snakes make the worst pets for an autistic child.
Further Reading,
If you are unsure about whether or not your child has autism, I have been documenting the signs my now diagnosed autistic child and myself showed from when we were very young, before their diagnosis.
You can read those posts here:
Signs of Autism in Children:
Whether your child has an autism diagnosis or not, if your child has a lot of autistic traits, I truly believe they would also benefit greatly from having these pets as their companions.