My special needs child is terrified of animals?

Question

My daughter is afraid of dogs and cats and gets hysterical when one comes around. Her reaction is so severe, that she shuts out everyone and curls into a ball and screams while covering her ears. This is hard because of friends and family having to "lock-up" their pets when we come over. Has anyone had success with getting a "sensory" child to overcome their fear of animals?

Answer 1

When you go around these animals, make sure to warn her, and make sure to hold her at your height and look from a great distance at the animals. Don't push her to go near or touch it, just being near them is a big deal. Then once she's comfortable with that, try bringing her closer to the dog (while in your arms). Make sure the dog is sitting still and well mannered when you move toward it. If you get her to the stage where she is very comfortable with less distance (it will take time), then you might want to try letting her touch a very well mannered dog. Just make sure the dog is sitting or lying still and that it is not snappy of feisty in any way. Hopefully she will get more comfortable seeing them. It might help if you get her children's books of cats and dogs. Hopefully, she will grow out of it eventually. Until then, make sure she feels safe so her break-downs will not progress worse.

Answer 2

I don't have experience with sensory children. I think it's best to keep her away from animlas as much as possible and not force her to interact, as a means of teaching her that animals are harmless. I'm sure you already know this.

As for a solution, use picture books showing animals-especially dogs and cats. Help her understand what a cat or a dog is.

Also, consider taking her to a small zoo. See how she reacts to other types of animals that are at a distance. This will help you udnerstand the nature of her fear by possibly narrowing it down.
Obvioulsy, if she reacts adversely, you should leave immediately.
Give her ultimate control. Say, "Would you like to go see the penguins?" Start with animals that are unfamiliar. Let her decide where you go.

Answer 3

That's a tough one. I cannot think of anything, short of a past incident, that would make her so terrified. Maybe speak to her OT and see if there is anything they can do to start desensitizing her to animals.

Don't feel bad about having them put their animals up. Either they can put them up, or you can't go. I am sure your friends and family understand the need. Sometimes being a parent of a special needs child can be very alienating, because we don't think other people understand our children's outbursts and oddities, but I think our friends and family understand more than we give them credit for. Good Luck.

Answer 4

I agree with CheezyYum. You need to introduce her very gradually. If you avoid animals altogether it will just be reinforcing her fear. Try to see if she is afraid of bunny rabbits, hamsters, etc. Perhaps introducing her to a small furry friend first might be a little less threatening to her. I hope you're able to help her get over her fear because she'd be missing out of so much of the joys in life! Good luck.

Answer 5

Wow I am so sorry to hear that. Animals usually bring out the best in them. Has she been biten or attacked in anyway ? Have you tried starting her out small like a hamster or bird. Take her to a pet store of course where everything is behind windows and let her look at the kittens. I do not have children much less a special needs child so please dont take my word for it. I hope you find a solution soon.

Answer 6

I don't know if this will help but there is an Elmo DVD out called "Elmo - Pets." It might be worth a try. It actually has special needs kids in the video with their pets.