Safe for All
We are huge believers in the power of the relationships we have with our furry friends. This doesn’t only include our signature teddy bears, but our live animal friends as well! Pets are a wonderful way to teach children kindness, compassion, and patience but they mean even more to children with special needs. Why? Read on to find out.
It has been proven that animals help children with autism and other sensory disorders, by acting as a safe buffer between them and the world that often overwhelms them. In one study by Purdue University, researchers gathered two groups of children, one neurotypical group, and one group with ASD (autism spectrum disorder). When provided with the same toys and books, the group with ASD portrayed consistently high stress levels compared to that of the neurotypical group. But when they were both introduced to some guinea pigs, the children with ASDs’ stress levels plummeted, and they seemed not only more calm but more engaged than their neurotypical counterparts. This objectively proved that these animals serve as a buffer against “social stress”.
Image courtesy of Rice Psychology Group
Moreover, a pet’s love is different from other friends - it is unconditional and completely free of judgement making it a safe haven from social stress as well as a deep comfort. The bond between a person and their pet offers a unique sense of companionship that can aid a child's social skills, and emotional intelligence. Animals are a great way for children with neurological disorders to better understand the concept of real world consequences, thus they can be a wonderful addition to any Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA aims to help a child better understand real world situations and how their actions relate to the world, so they increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful.
Knowing this makes sense as to why Safe in Austin, a farm dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and providing a home for animals with disabilities as well as those who have suffered from abuse, trauma, or neglect, has become a haven for children with special needs as well. This farm not only acts as a safe haven for animals who have suffered abuse, neglect, or trauma but a place where children with special needs can come and see the animals who are “just like them”. Here, the children are encouraged to interact and connect with the animals, as a form of ‘animal therapy’ where there is no pressure to interact with other kids their age, but feel at peace with the animals.
Wallace Griner, the owner of the farm, was inspired to create a place where animals and children can create lasting bonds to help their confidence after seeing how her son, diagnosed with ASD, flourished with the companionship of his service dog. They have been able to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic by offering small, socially distanced “healing hearts” tours for those with special needs, or who express their hardship and interest to Griner. Griner even goes as far as to meet with every visitor and introduce them to the animal she thinks would suit them best! What an honorable mission that has not been stopped during the pandemic. As a nonprofit dedicated to spreading joy, Safe in Austin recognizes the positive psychological impact that companionship has on children with special needs and we are happy to highlight them! This is incredibly important, especially in times where children don’t have their usual social outlets like school and after-school clubs and activities. Our furry friends are not only fun to have around, but can help children with neuro disorders connect and offer a safe friendship and escape from the outside world.
“This is a place for anyone whose heart is in need of some unconditional love and friendship.” Wallace Griner