Hello again here’s this week latest blog post coming up…….

But just before that a big thank you and well done to last week’s competition winner who is Laura - a free copy of the “Parenting Asperger’s Resource Guide Volume 2” is on it’s way shortly to you Laura ………..as long as you can come back to the blog and give me your email address (as I don’t have your surname)!

…….If you wish to read about her inspirational moment it is Number 27 in the comments section on the following blog page:

http://www.parentingaspergers.com/blog/2008/01/23/the-future-for-children-with-aspergers/#comments

I was only planning to reveal 4 free articles from the Brand New “Parenting Asperger’s Resource Guide Volume 2” this month…………..

……..But luckily for you my maths stinks……… and I forgot that there are 5 weeks in January……….!

So here’s a special bonus article to see out January….before the release of the “Parenting Asperger’s Resource Guide Volume 2” which is next week…….

….Yep it’s finally here and so watch out in your in-box next week for an email all about it………….as I am offering it at a very low cost as a “thank you” you to all of you faithful blog and email subscribers next week only………….

So keep your eyes peeled……..!

Anyway this week is your last chance to win by adding some advice or a comment on the topic of the children with Aspergers and pets …..so make sure you add your comments to be in with a chance……

So here we go for week 5’s special bonus sample from the Brand New “Parenting Asperger’s Resource Guide Volume 2” (which is to be released next week); it is based on the following question I was asked about children with Aspergers and pets:

Question

My 7 year old son with Asperger’s has a pet rabbit at school that he really loves. He is always talking about it and seems happy to be involved in taking his turn to care for it at school. He is begging me for a rabbit at home. I am worried that it might be different at home and that he may not be able to cope with or look after it if we get him one. Do you think it’s a good idea to get him a rabbit?

Pets can help children with disabilities, including Asperger’s Syndrome. Pets have both time and patience to interact with children. This helps parents by making it easier to keep the child occupied with an acceptable activity. It helps children by promoting an enjoyable, acceptable activity that helps them learn to love another being. Pets also encourage the child to be responsible and take care of another living thing. In simple ways, pets help children learn to socialize. Because pets love unconditionally, the child doesn’t have to worry about whether he or she will be accepted, act correctly, or make mistakes. The pet will love the child regardless. Unconditional acceptance is a wonderful and rare experience for an Asperger’s child. Service animals can even assist disabled children in various ways. So, it’s a good idea for your child to have a pet at home.

Introduce the Asperger’s child to a pet in a controlled environment. Pets’ behaviour can be unpredictable and include actions such as licking, mouthing, making noises, smelling unusual, going to the bathroom in the house, jumping, etc. The parent can hold the pet and the child can approach it slowly. The parent can describe acceptable ways to hold and pet the animal and explain how the pet might behave.

You should explain that this is a living being which is dependent on humans for protection and care. The best way to understand the pet is to read books about it. The parent should carefully teach the child how to care for the pet and always supervise its care. At times, the parent may need to take responsibility for the animal’s care.

Having a pet makes it easier for children to play and communicate with other children. If the animal is with the child when others are present, the interaction with other people is easier for the Aspie and the Aspie’s behaviour is more acceptable to other children. The pet gives the children a mutual interest to discuss.

Pets teach empathy for others. The child can see that the animal needs care and help and learns to provide it. The child learns to empathize with what the animal feels and copies those feelings, including love, joy, and so forth.

Pets teach responsibility, but don’t expect the child to perform most of the daily care. Most kids don’t do it, so Asperger’s kids won’t usually be any different. But, do encourage and help the child care for the pet. Children can learn to groom, feed, provide water, and play with the pet. Be careful that the child doesn’t abuse the pet. Make sure the pet you choose can’t be easily harmed by young children. Small dogs and other fragile pets are not appropriate.

Well that’s all for the article – but don’t forget to add your “pets” tip or comment to the blog for a chance to win a Brand New free copy of the “Parenting Asperger’s Resource Guide Volume 2”……..

…..and watch out for that Exclusive Subscriber Discount Email for the “Parenting Asperger’s Resource Guide Volume 2” next week…. but until then…………

Best Wishes

Dave Angel