#1 Summary

A short and lighthearted New Year's episode on the popular decision so many parents of neurodivergent children come to at a certain stage on their journey to get a pet to help their autistic and/or neurodivergent child. Much like becoming aware of possible adhd traits we seem to get sucked into stories and advice about how good a pet can be, especially when our children are struggling with socialisation and accessing the community - calming, sensory, connection, confidence boosting, anxiety reducing, speech improving, the lot. And of course, as parents, we put aside all our current coping and sleep deprivation woes and decide we absolutely should and must try this, it could be a game changer. My own disastrous personal experience shared.

#2 Guest: n/a

#3 Time Stamps:

00: Intro

0:33 Personal advice - don't do this! Ha ha ha

1:26 Part of the journey along with adhd when it comes to autism

6:40 Our family story

9:32 Child toys vs dog toys...competition

13:50 The vet said "NO" re-home this dog

17:15 Hindsight

18:11 What Henry has now said in his own words through Spelling to Communicate

#4 Bullet Points:

1. When and why families come to the decision to get a pet for their autistic and/or neurodivergent child, to help.
2. What you should know before you commit
3. My personal story shared
4. Conclusions

#5 Calls to Action:

pre-roll - n/a

mid roll - website newsletter sign-up

end-roll - upcoming Boot Camp

#6 References and Links - see below

#7 Social Media: n/a

#8 Next Episode: Getting to Grips with Praxis