Show me the way: Pets for caring and coping in the lives of twice-exceptional children

Abstract

In the field of twice-exceptionality, there has been no known research to date relating to the importance and therapeutic effects that pets might hold for twice-exceptional young people. In a wider study pertaining to the lived experiences of eight twice-exceptional children, a significant incidental unexpected finding emerged — the role that pets played in their support networks and their lives. Pets emerged as important components of the children’s lives, particularly in enhancing stress reduction. Findings from this study suggest increased social and emotional well-being for these children who had pets and had bonded with them.