Could Your Pet Be a Sensory Buddy?

The Unexpected Ways Animals Support Neurodivergent Kids

(A very real take from a neurodivergent mum who's lived it)

Let’s be real - raising neurodivergent kids is beautiful, messy, joyful, exhausting, hilarious, and full-on all at once. I’m a neurodivergent mum with three wonderfully neurodivergent kids, and our life is anything but boring. Some days feel like a marathon in slow motion, and others are just pure chaos sprinkled with love (and cat fur).

But do you know what’s been one of our unexpected lifesavers through the ups and downs? Animals.

Yep, not just any animals - our cats, Loki and Daisy, who are hands-down the heart of our home. They bring us calm in the storm, make us belly laugh when we need it most, and just get us in a way that most humans honestly don’t.

Back when we had our shop, we had a massive fish tank that kids would stand and watch like it was the best TV show ever. We used to call it “the babysitter” - no judgement, it worked! Watching those fish swim was pure magic for kids who needed a moment to reset. And honestly, sometimes for parents too.

So here’s my very real, slightly chaotic, but deeply heartfelt rundown of how animals support our sensory kids (and us tired grown-ups too):

Dogs: The Walking Weighted Blankets

Dogs are like living, wagging therapy tools.

That full-body lean? Deep pressure win.

Playing fetch or going for walks? Proprioceptive and vestibular input without a worksheet in sight.

Stroking soft fur? Sensory heaven.

Dogs don’t care if your kid’s stimming, scripting, or skipping instead of walking - they’re just there, present and loving. We could all learn a thing or two from them.

Cats: The Calm-Down Kings and Queens

Our two - Loki (the mischievous one) and Daisy (the queen of cuddles) - are honestly better therapists than most adults I know.

Their soft, velvety fur is perfect for kids who crave gentle tactile input.

The rhythmic purring? Like a white noise machine with a personality.

And best of all - cats get boundaries. If you want to just be near someone and not talk or do anything... they’re your people.

My kids talk to them, read to them, and lie next to them when things feel overwhelming. Loki and Daisy don’t judge. They just love.

Fish: The Silent Superstars

I will defend fish as the most underrated sensory pets forever.

Watching them glide through the water is visual regulation at its finest.

That gentle hum from the tank? Unexpected auditory gold.

And they’re low demand, which for some of our kids (and let’s be honest, us too) is a huge win.

Our old tank at the shop literally stopped meltdowns mid-build-up. One look into the “babysitter” and the world just… paused.

And the Rest of the Sensory Crew

Let’s not forget the wonderfully weird and fluffy friends out there:

Guinea pigs & rabbits: Squishy, soft, and delightfully squeaky.

Reptiles: The cool, smooth feel of scales can be oddly soothing and fascinating.

Birds: Beautiful sounds and hypnotic movements? Yes please.

Axolotls: Like underwater aliens that spark curiosity and calm.

Chickens: Honestly? The clucking, pecking, and feather-fluffing is rhythmically soothing. Plus, eggs. Bonus. Also they are so cuddly believe it or not!

So Why Does This All Matter?

Because sensory regulation is everything for our kids. And animals - in all their fuzzy, feathery, scaly glory - help by:

Offering repetitive, predictable interactions

Being safe, non-judgy companions

Providing sensory input in a gentle, natural way

Helping us all breathe a little deeper

Sometimes our pets are bridges - helping our kids feel connected to the world when everything else feels too much.

Final Thoughts From This Mum

If your kid is laying on the dog, talking to the cat like it’s a therapist, or staring at the fish tank like they’re in a trance - let it happen. That’s not just “cute.” That’s healing. That’s regulation. That’s connection.

And if the dog also helps clean up the crumbs off the floor? Well, that’s just efficient parenting.