Some dog breeds are naturals at working and bonding with kids with autism.
Are you thinking about adding a dog to the family, but you’re not sure which breed is best? Dogs can be valuable members of the family, especially to family members with autism. Dogs have the unique ability to comfort and calm children when experiencing sensory overload. Any dog, as long as it is well-trained, can be a good companion for a child with autism. However, there are some dog breeds that stand out for their natural comforting and nurturing personalities.
English Bulldogs
The bulldog was actually bred for its burly build and iconic wrinkles, which would provide a painless grip for other dogs during a dog fight. Thankfully, bulldogs aren’t used for fighting anymore. Despite the intimidating appearance of the English bulldog, this breed is particularly sensitive and affectionate. The build and loose skin of the bulldog makes them especially tolerant of rough play. And these sweethearts are so in tune with emotions that they will often sense a meltdown before it begins and seek out your child to distract or calm them.
Lab
Golden, Chocolate, or Black, the lab dog is a good-natured breed that is easy to train. Affectionate labs provide great emotional support and LOVE to play fetch! Your child can go outside and keep occupied by throwing a ball for the family dog.
Golden Retrievers
This dog has been a family favorite because of its ability to be easily trained and its good-natured temper. Golden retrievers are especially drawn to children and don’t care about things like funny body language or outbursts; they simply want to be near the child. Letting your child groom and feed the dog provides a valuable opportunity to bond and develop empathy.
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in the fields of pediatric speech, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (202) 561-1110 (Washington, D.C. office) or (301) 577-4333 (Lanham office). Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest.