Autism and Animals

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I am sure this has been discussed often so please forgive me if another thread is problematic. It is said that many people with Autism have a great fondness for animals; some valuing or relating to them more than other humans. Would many here agree with that trend? I myself adore animals and sometimes do feel more fondness for them than other humans. I am somewhat "iffy" as to whether I feel relate more. I definitely do tend to feel greater sympathy and empathy for them. Some of it stems from knowing too much about the ills of humanity; less AS and more ethical/ideological on that point. Some of it might be the sense that animals are usually more honest and direct while humans can be so dishonest, passive aggressive, inconsistent, and paradoxical.

Yes, i think in many ways i personally agree with you. I dont think ALL on the spectrum love animals as some might have issues with fur, allergies etc. But generally they seem very healing/calming to most. Hence why there are now service animals especially dogs for those on the spectrum... Dogs are easy to work out, Humans on the other hand hold many more confusions and in a now somewhat competitive world a dog by ones side can be a confidence booster as well as a distraction from other external stimuli that might otherwise trigger a meltdown... When i had a dog, i felt a connection. Was a little like we both understood each others body language without spoken language needed... I at some point would love another dog when the right circumstance shows itself.... Also yes, strangely enough i can be more attached to an animal such as a dog than a human being most of the time but i dont think that is subject to just those on the spectrum, i think many people have such attachments it just kind of hits harder to many on the spectrum when such a creature passes...

I regard my cats as my family as much as any human relative. Losing a pet is as painful as a human as far as I am concerned. My cats are both very affectionate; lap cats. I think I would like to always have pets even though the pain of loss is so great. There are so many animals in shelters who need homes and I would be in a harder spot without a fuzzy child or two. I probably qualify for a companion animal. A rabbit would be nice. Domestic cats usually regard domestic rabbits differently from wild ones and so it is unlikely for cats to see them as prey. Beyond my own pets, I am fond of animals as a whole. I like reading about them and seeing them in person.

I have always loved animals as long as I can remember. My dogs and horses are my life. They are honest, direct and very easy to understand. Not at all like people. I definitely both value and relate to them more than humans. I don't know what I would do without them.

I love animals, especially cats. Every one of my pets has left pawprints on my heart.

It seems as if every animal I've encountered has hated me, even though I try to stay out of their way, and not make sudden movements, and all that. So I don't like animals being near me. I tolerate them if we keep our distance from each other.

I love any type of animal because of how most of them are kind and happy when they get affection from me. Although, sometimes pets do not like me. That's mostly because they smell another animal on me. Other than that, animals are the best thing that are in this world!

Mr. Bear,

It hurts so much when we lose them because they give us so much love and joy when they're with us. I have had many pets with very long lives, including a 20 year old Siamese mix, Samantha. She started my love of the Siamese breed. I have been captivated by Siamese, Lynx points and all striped cats ever since.

I love animals, especially cats . Like IstominFan said, it's really hard when we lose them. They become our best friends and we love them like we would a sibling, or a parent. I really enjoyed every moment with my cats when they were alive, and I'm sure others here can relate.

I've loved animals ever since I can remember. I find their company all kinds of positive that I don't always find human company to be.

Animals are straightforward: it's easy to figure out their behavior and know where you stand with them, because theirs is consistent and agendas are very transparent.

By contrast, human behavior almost never is transparent or straightforward, and agendas can be hidden ones.

Animal company is very calming to me. There is something about their different energy that restores me and recharges me. By contrast, there's something about human company that drains me -- I guess it's all that keeping up and trying to figure out the hidden agendas, lol.

Animals love and give unconditionally. What you see is what they actually mean. Humans are more complicated and often very, very conditional with everything.

With animals, there is no conversation necessary unless it's you just wanting to talk to them. But you don't have to find witty answers for disingenuous or nosy questions, you don't have to impress anyone with your knowledge -- animals don't expect anything of you "socially." They just hang out and be your buddy.

I have always felt a lot closer to animals than humans. Animals rule. Wish I could be surrounded by them all the time. Would make me pretty happy!

No, cannot relate to that Often bored by animals since I cannot talk to them and don't really know what to do with them. Of course I find some pets cute, like cats or rabbits. But I don't have an emotional connection like I have with humans.

Sometimes I feel a bit weird because of that.

I used to own a boarding Kennels. I don't like dogs or cats very much to be honest. I don't they were just a way of making money, in the same way chickens and beef cows are to farmers. We looked after them really well of course and had nice kennel, but I never fussed them, they were just a way to make money.

I used to keep dogs and ferrets for hunting. I prefer ferrets.

when i was a kid, i called my dog "my best friend" lol

I can relate to that very well. I feel more connected to animals than I do humans, because they give unconditional love and they can't screw me over the way that humans can.

I've always loved animals they don't judge you or be friendly with you one minute then turn on you the next like people do.