Fear of Animals

Q: I have a nine year son with moderate autism. He has always had an extreme fear of animals and NEVER had a traumatic experience involving animals. It can even be a newborn kitten or pup, and he is petrified. I don't know how to help him get over this fear,even a little. If there is a cat in my yard,he won't go outside.And I know he wants to go outside. But then there's squirrels,etc. Do you have any suggestions? He was once non-verbal, but through lots of therapy past & present,patience, & trying really hard to understand him, he is somewhat verbal now. Although, things are said out of context sometimes, sentences are not there yet,but he isn't using sign language anymore. He is trying to talk to us now. Anyway, he can't tell me why animals scare him so. I didn't see this question asked and I would really appreciate your input on this subject. By the way, this is indeed a wonderful site. Thank You. I do plan on emailing you again.

Angela

A: A few suggestions.  Have him draw you a picture on how he feels about
animals.  Interact with animals yourself in a safe way - i.e., play with the
neighbor's dog in your backyard while your son watches through the closed
screen door.  How does he feel about stuffed animals?
It could be your son doesn't like animals because they behave unpredictably.
  You could try nature programs and the like which show animals behaving in
predictable ways - ways that can be learned by the observant individual.
And of course seeing a specialist in phobias might be a good idea.  I hope
this helps.
-Lynn