At My ESA MD, we believe that an emotional support letter for children is sometimes appropriate.
Let’s face it. Today’s world can be stressful for children. The last couple of years, especially, have been filled with uncertainty for all of us, but especially kids. So most parents ask themselves what they can do to make things better. ESAs for children can help!
An Emotional Support Animal is something that could be helpful for children under stress. Many children own pets, but some of these “pets” have come to qualify as Emotional Support Animals.
A child has more rights to be with their animal in certain circumstances if their animal is a recognized Emotional Support Animal.
Call 833-372-6311 to learn if your child’s “pet” has become an Emotional Support Animal. Our MDs are qualified to determine if your child qualifies as the owner of an ESA.
Don’t Have an Emotional Support Animal?
If you feel your child might need an ESA, but they don’t have an animal friend, we can help with that.
Dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, and other animals function as ESAs for children. Additionally, there are roles that sometimes unusual animals can play in a child’s life. There is still a lot for all of us to learn. Just one example is how guinea pigs can be Emotional Support Animals for children.
Guinea Pigs are ESAs Too!
Guinea Pigs are fun to be around. They are surprisingly playful, soft, and interactive for an animal of their size. Yes, they are “rodents” – a word that makes some of us shudder. However, they are domesticated rodents, meaning the species no longer lives in the wild. In other words, they are “people” rodents.
And guinea pigs may also be of benefit for children with an autism spectrum disorder. (It’s a big word – see below for clarification.) This is according to a study done a few years ago by Dr. Marguerite E. O’Haire of Purdue University. Interestingly, the study produced evidence through measurement of electrical activity that Guinea Pigs have a calming effect on autism spectrum disorder. The calming phenomena manifested at school. These children were more interactive and less anxious with their furry friends.
Guinea pigs aren’t necessarily suggested as a type of therapy. However, they can have a role in helping children learn to care for another.
Guinea Pigs, in certain circumstances, qualify as Emotional Support Animals as an adjunct to other treatments or therapies.
If you or your child has a guinea pig or any other animal you feel qualifies as an ESA, call and speak with one of our licensed professionals. We love to provide emotional support letters for children when appropriate.
Call us at 1-833-372-6311. You can have your child on the line, if you feel comfortable with that.
***Autism Spectrum Disorder means that a child has deficits in three areas of social communication and interaction and two of the four types of restricted, repetitive behaviors.