Animal therapy proving to be a success with autism | 60 Minutes Australia

[@celeste8157]

Those of us on the spectrum have such a strong connection to animals since we have difficulty connecting to other people. I did not figure out I'm autistic until I was 34, but I have always had such a love for animals, especially dogs. Dogs were always one of my 'special interests,' even before I knew what that was. I could not live without them!

[@plumsmom8043]

As a nurse, and a Mom to a child on the spectrum this is a beautiful story to warch. I believe our pet dogs have helped my child on the he soectrum. He was the child who didn't want a pet yet now cannot imagine a life without a dog as he enters his final year of high school. He has a great job (pays better thah my first job out of college) and is being promoted to a supervisor on the evening shift. I truly believe our animals were instrumental in his lanuage development, social skills, and academics. Our dogs have gained xo much as well. The power of a dog and his boy .. beautiful!

[@llamazarecool]

I have autism spectrum disorder and when I was little I was always around horses and pets. They helped me keep calm and feel connected 🥹 Now music, drawing and watching animated movies are my coping mechanisms as an adult

[@janedesantis9326]

I have a non verbal beautiful boy with autism he spoke the only time while in equine therapy...said I want trot!❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@elisabethperrett4492]

My daughter went to a pony farm for riding, pony care and to spend funtime with other kids. It helped her especially for anxiety and many other things. Thank you for this great documentary as we have a man with asperger in our family.

[@Littlemouse884]

Animals are amazing it's such a shame that many humans don't appreciate just how much so

[@jam5533]

They're all very interesting and sometimes make you think about what's going on in their mind or what they are saying sometimes. Just keeps curiosity going about them.

[@jayab9645]

This was so good to watch, all animals are amazing and God sent to help us, my cat was watching me as I was having a ‘stroke’ as I fell to the ground she came over to me and pricked her nails into my right arm and I instantly woke up, as if she had given me CPR she was then smelling my left arm (which was completely lifeless) and she tried to move me, animal instinct, they most definitely have a 6th sense, she saved my life…🐈❤‍🩹

[@edwardh1591]

What a great story. Animals can make such a difference in people’s lives.

[@DB-fq6tn]

Animals have the gift of calming people who are sensitive to them .

[@jandevries57]

Lions and crocodiles aren't.

[@aliceinwonderland6198]

Also diet is so important but a lot of parents are exhausted and let them eat whatever they will eat instead of insisting on healthy natural foods.

[@TheDuckClock]

As an autistic person I find a lot of this news report incredibly offensive. Here's the list of offending material: - Opening reporter calls it "kids who suffer autism" we don't "suffer" - Starts with a sizzle reel of kids having meltdowns. That is a privacy violation, most of these kids would be adults by now. - Claims that the condition is "bad for the children". - Says that "unusually both of this mother's boys are autistic." That's not unusual, autism is known to be genetic. - Shopping malls are a sensory nightmare for autistic children. This is well known now. - Service animals are now widely recognized as being beneficial to autistic people. - Mother complains about autistic kids not making eye contact. We know that forcing autistic people to make eye contact can be emotionally distressing. - Claiming that animal therapy is new and experimental. Not anymore. - Claiming that Tony Atwood is "Australia's leading autism expert." Yet he's not autistic himself, so he's lacking the most important perspective. I would argue that Chloe Hayden is a more prominent "Autism Expert for Australia" than this guy. - Claims there is a "mysterious link between autistic kids and animals" Did it ever occur to anyone to talk to autistic people about this? - 4:44 Atwood claims animal therapy "is not going to cure autism" in a tone as if that's a goal. The overwhelming majority of autistic people do not want a cure. That includes Nonspeaking autistics as found by AutisticsNotWeird. - 4:57 Stigmatizes an autistic meltdown as "an autistic tantrum". And again, another privacy violation sizzle reel. - 7:08 Ok no, this is not why Autistic people have a strong connection with animals. Animals are gentle, easy to read, easy to cooperate with if properly trained and the don't demand intense eye contact or masking, and the love that animals provide is usually unconditional. Something Neurotypical people don't seem to understand. - 8:31 - "He's no longer raging" again, absolute failure to understand how autistic meltdowns work. He's on a rocking boat going somewhere he's never been before. - 9:08 - Implies that autistic people have a sixth sense. WHAT? This is pushing on the offensive "Autism is a superpower" stereotype. - 10:30 - OH YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! There are so many things wrong with this horrible impersonation. - 12:45 Will you please stop talking about an "Autism cure". Again. The majority of autistic people don't want one. And having watched this entire, the journalist here did not interview a single autistic person. That is a very crucial oversight. Also I know this report came out in 2009, and some of this information wasn't available back then. But autistic adults were around a lot in 2009. Could've asked any of them about it.

[@margaretbanks8969]

If Atwood has to be autistic to be expert does this mean that I should refuse asthma treatment unless doctor has asthma. Should I refuse cataract operation unless the doctor has cataracts, you can become an expert without experiencing things yourself. Personally. I regard this has greatly news. If it makes life better for people surely that's a good thing. I have depression. And anxiety the most effective help has come from my cat.

[@TheDuckClock]

@@margaretbanks8969 Not even remotely relatable. Would you listen to a "black culture expert" from someone who is white? Or an "expert on Trans health" from someone who is cis? Asthma and cataracts don't affect your personality or the way society views you.

[@margaretbanks8969]

Come on the pets make children bappy what's wrong with that. If a cat a dog a horse or adolphin are something children can relate to why not? Ir children learn love from the pets I really dont see your problem. They probably do have a better connection with their pets than with people thT isn't denigrating autistic children it's. Praising a nimals. I'm not autistic but feel a stronger o nnection with my cat than with 80 per cent of people . Fi ally if the children love their pets and feel a connection to tj Them. What's your problem with that?

[@margaretbanks8969]

I agree that asthmA and cataracts are not the same as autism. I also have mental health problems and cat helps with that.

[@TheDuckClock]

@@margaretbanks8969 The problem IS NOT with the use of service animals to reduce the anxiety that leads to autistic meltdowns. You didn't read my original post. The problem is with the way this journalist conducted himself throughout this entire video. Depicting autism as "the worst thing to happen to PARENTS" While assuming that autistic kids suffer just because they're autistic. His antics at 10:30 where he mocked an autistic meltdown is EXTREMELY offensive. That's simply inexcusable.

[@elissaanne1953]

Animals are great! I worked with children on the spectrum and remember what parents went through. Horses and dogs are amazing for the children! This is a great video, and I'm happy to know it's expanding. Animal therapy is typically used as a Complimentary Therapy and it's the best.

[@individualised]

How about instead of thinking about what the parents went through, think about what the autistic person went through instead? This news report is extremely outdated and offensive, you should know this if you worked and/or work with autistic people.

[@NatalieCWilliams]

Animals can heal anyone with any issues, especially mental and emotional problems.

[@jennibarnes140]

Holding a dog or cat lowers high blood pressure too.

[@lauraconnolly663]

Growing up with Aspergers.. My first real friend was a Standard Schnauzer named Peppa. She did what Albert was trained to do instinctively without hesitation. I used to call her "My sister from another Mister." She helped me when I really did feel like I was all alone. Nowadays? I typically still distrust/hate people and still will much prefer animal companions over people. Simple as that. Animals don't judge, are loyal, give unconditional love and long for such to be reciprocated back to them. My current dog... Perdita (5 year old Dalmatian.) does the exact same for me as Peppa did. I am studying to become and EN and maybe I may even want to get into being someone who gets Perdita to interact with autistic/sick/elderly folks to provide the same love she shows to me every single day. 💖

[@xdrazormon454]

I have autism too I grew to despise people too ( especially if they’re judgmental NT) after rejection and constant criticism from others it was lonely journey. My true friend was only a cat I wish we peoples are more loving towards each other but it’s like there’s only so many people that we can love. People dislike me so I hate them back. Especially because when I try to become friends with people they don’t seem to truly love me back especially because I’m struggling with dating and I never had a girlfriend at age 26 people are terrible. And I agree with you I love cats and dogs too

[@plantsandcarrots5233]

Rupert, you keep doing what you are doing. A blessing!!!!

[@ThePadi94]

It is way easier to relate to animals than people🤩

[@baileyhallfilms]

im so sad as this is just really so beautiful and noteworthy, we're human beings on the spectrum and animals can provide so much substance and hope for a neurodiverse individual. brilliant documentary.

[@plantsandcarrots5233]

I love these children. We need to try and understand them.

[@jennibarnes140]

Yes we all need to learn neuro diversity, rather than just what it is. Dyslexia and ASD have superpowers many aren't aware of, making changes around how we engage is not only polite, but life changing for those who can often be overlooked ❤❤

[@cathycronje4848]

This documentary must be very old. The benefits of equine and other animal therapy is not exactly a novel concept.

[@MrBibi86]

read the description. it says 2009*

[@JustIdeas000]

Parents need strategic support to learn how to parent, regardless of diagnoses of ASD for their offspring.

[@mrpatchy9950]

A very interesting documentary showing how animals can help in controlling stress amongst humans . Thank you.

[@hannahelizabeththomas9267]

I really enjoyed that about Autism

[@secretshaman189]

Great episode, thank-you!

[@TruthPapi]

I agree with the dog one I’ve seen this before in the past… The dolphin seems like a bit of a stretch but hey if they feel it works it’s all positive news

[@Kari.F.]

I don't always understand what I see, but I always believe it when I see it. They didn't "feel" that watching the dolphins swim and play calmed the boy down and be happy. He was calm enough to be able to focus on what they did. That is a fact, not a feeling, and we got to observe the changes in him with our own eyes. Why is it a stretch to believe what you can see for yourself?

[@jennibarnes140]

​@@Kari.F.exactly 💯. A remarkable change as soon as they appeared. My GS just saw dolphins, turtles and whales, oh and a sea snake, I immediately saw a beautiful animated beaming face in the videos , and at 10yrs he was confidently driving the boat, not one sign of fear or lack of confidence, moved freely in a relaxed fashion . No one would have known he is ASD. Just beautiful for the entire family, and his brother had a blast.❤❤❤❤

[@thesilverblack708]

Excuse me ... "Kids who SUFFER autism". Cancel this whole show for saying that. Autism isn't something you "Suffer" from.

[@vatren765]

it's not going to help if parents keep feeding kids with too much sugar and carbohydrates for their kids diet.

[@HangOnAMinute1]

Thanks for this video

[@travisd1088]

One of the best and truest stories in many years you guys have shared and is extremely true even if it's as simple as a bird to a large dog definitely true and yes animals of all kinds including mouse, rats, bears, tigers, I just simply cannot label to the animals but mostly I believe in cats and dogs therapy is a definite success and some would prefer the horse riding yes but when at home sitting or resting to sleep etc dogs and cats are best known for it 😢😊

[@Indian_Girl_Aarini_219]

As an attendee, I am captivated by the blueberry rescue team and the immense talent, time, and hard work they invest in their mission. Their dedication brings greater meaning, friends, friendship, and significance to our lives, and I have immense respect and appreciation for them. Their captivating exhibitions are informative, entertaining, and inspiring. I am amazed by their tireless commitment and dedication. Keep up the great work and continue to bring joy and inspiration to your audience!

[@heartofpuregold]

This is wonderful thank you

[@Maria-o8r4d]

I understand very well because my son ADD try my best protect thanks

[@joshuajkoplin]

It’s hard to be upset when a Labrador is lickin’ the shit outta your face 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@shushannais8254]

Thank you for the useful information! Human beings can surely have more benefits communicating to other intelligent creatures that live on our wonderful planet 🌍😊🌼

[@ShillDozer]

My cocker spaniel Floyd had a mild case of asperger's. I thought it would be good for him if I let the neighbor kids play with him and now he has full blown autism.

[@ascgazz]

It’s a shame Australian neurotypical relations with autistic people aren’t as good, eh!

[@mballer]

How much of this is from dog gut bacteria replacing defective bacteria in children?

[@katefevre6222]

I recommend the movie on here called 'After Thomas,' based on a true story, staring Keely Hawes

[@MinKonto-zt1gf]

Animals especially mutts get me in an autism outbreak. Stay clear of disease-factories and get a gf/bf like normal people.

[@margaretbanks8969]

Frankly if your views are an example.ple of "normal" people I think I'm right to prefer my cat and next doors DOG to any "normal" person.

[@waz6713]

Awesome!🤎

[@sjc4]

What is the channel policy on the comment section? Some videos have them turned on but most don't. What's the logic?

[@corvettesbme]

Awesome

[@bauhnguefyische667]

My generation called them ‘spazzes’. Not saying that was right.

[@daniellechaffey338]

❤ beautiful I think it works

[@LiLesah]

❤

[@JocelynTalagtag-ni9yh]

🙏🙏🙏

[@plantsandcarrots5233]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@m.fazlurrahman5854]

Companionship with an Animal is NOT going to help in “memory fog” otherwise known as “autism” the reason is: it’s not a learning technique.

[@TheDuckClock]

You have no idea what you're talking about. Autism doesn't hinder memory. If anything some autistic people remember more details than neurotypicals.

[@redrobin1193]

Fake news

[@Indian_Girl_Aarini_219]

As a recipient of information, I am captivated by the blueberry rescue team and the incredible talent, time, and hard work they put into their mission. I want to express my sincere appreciation for their dedication and interesting work. Their captivating exhibitions bring greater meaning, friends, friendship, and significance to our lives. I have immense respect and appreciation for them. Keep up the amazing work and continue to provide us with insightful and entertaining updates.