Over the years, many organizations have conducted studies to determine the impact that pets have on children with autism. In 2014, the Journal of Pediatric Nursing surveyed parents of children with autism and found that almost two thirds of the families owned a dog. Of those families, 94 percent said their child bonded with the pet. Seven in 10 families surveyed who did not have pets said their child enjoyed interacting with dogs.
The study’s author, Dr. Gretchen Carlisle, said that dogs can provide unconditional, nonjudgmental love and companionship to children with autism.
Knowing that interacting with pets can benefit many children with autism, TLS Sunbury decided to offer this opportunity to their joint middle and high school classroom.
In October of 2016, classroom teacher Amber Schmitter began a program with the Humane Society of Delaware County where her students visit the animals twice a month. Located at 4920 St. Rt. 37 E. in Delaware, the Humane Society’s mission is to build lifelong bonds between people and animals through education, community outreach, and the prevention of cruelty.
The students typically spend one to two hours visiting the dogs in their kennels, reading to them and playing with them. They also spend time in the cat room, playing and interacting with the cats.
When the weather permits, the students are able to walk some of the dogs around the property. The trips are so enjoyable for the students that the elementary class has requested to visit as well.
The middle and high school students have five more visits scheduled for the 2016-2017 school year. TLS Sunbury hopes to continue the program over the summer and during the next school year.
For more information about the program or to learn about TLS Sunbury, call 740-936-5022, or visit our website.
