WEBVTT
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Think outside the box is the big thing.
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Think outside the box and try it.
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You know, if your kid is interested in your pet, ask him to do something for the pet.
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Hello everyone, and welcome to the Players Connection, connecting parents of autistic children with industry experts.
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Each week we navigate the world of autism together, bringing you real conversations from specialists who truly get it.
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The journey is challenging, but you don't have to walk it alone.
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So settle in, get cozy, let's connect and do some good.
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I'm your host, Brad Broils, and I'm here with my positive animal lover, co-host, Nathan Palmer.
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How are we doing?
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Brad, thank you.
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I have always been a glasses half-full kind of guy, maybe to a fault, but I don't think that's the kind of positive thing that you're talking about today, because I can't say I've at the same time been much of an animal dog lover.
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Oh, yes.
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I I I now framing that, my boy really wants a dog, and my wife wants my boy to have a dog.
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And I know we have a guest today that's not just talking about dogs, but animals in general, so maybe this will sway the needle in more positive of a light for me.
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Oh my goodness.
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Now I have a challenge.
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That was that was really accepting.
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I know.
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Okay, let's let's do it because I my kids are in the same boat.
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They've been bugging me for animals like for them and two of you guys.
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Yes, but we but I have a hard time with it.
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I've got four boys.
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When people ask, do you have any pets?
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I go, Yeah, I've got four of them.
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Well, you have four helpers to help you take care of it.
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No, no, no.
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10, 11, 12, and 15, the oldest is on the spectrum.
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So I don't have four helpers yet.
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I have helpers in training, which still makes them pets.
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Fair enough.
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I don't know.
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Well, Tasha, thank you so much, and welcome to the Polaris Connection.
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We sure love having you here.
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This is your second time.
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Yes, thank you for having me back.
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I appreciate it.
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Well, we just our last conversation was so wonderful.
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You taught us a lot, especially working with um, you know, with animals, with you know, for our autistic audience and our families out there that we just we had a lot of requests, and we know that you do a lot of uh service, and we just needed to have you back and kind of share your expertise with our wonderful families.
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Probably our our families are might be like you, Nathan, to where they're like hesitant of having a pet and and how do we and how do we use them with our autistic friends?
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But maybe we can sway them too.
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Maybe.
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And you know, I think my aversion has always been I see them as work, right?
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They're just one more thing.
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Trevor Burrus, Jr.
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It is a lot.
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But Tasha, after our last dialogue with you and some of the ways that you reframe connection with kids through animals and how you teach them principles through animals.
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Because initially we thought you were just like a mobile petting zoo.
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And then the more scared of set this record straight.
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Trevor Burrus, Jr.
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And so and so I like I we have a lot more listeners now.
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I can't wait to promote again.
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You are not a mobile petting zoo.
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You are delivering sensory and therapy techniques through animals.
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And you are progressing skills and interaction, even in a social way, through animals.
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And that that now makes the animal not just a pet, but a resource and one that I don't know that works any other way.
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So it's kind of like this niche where you've discovered how to use really something to pull kids out of their animal brain through animals.
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Absolutely.
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And it's like it's the unconditional love.
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But all I'm not gonna jump ahead and start answering what I think is gonna be your questions.
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Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
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Yeah, she's making us work for it.
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Oh, I got it.
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So no.
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But that but that that is it.
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Like I love the story, and I think it would be fair.
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You shared it the first time, and I think it'd be a nice recap of how you found that connection working with animals with your own, uh, I believe it was your son.
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Son, yeah.
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Yeah, of how you did that.
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There's an awesome story.
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Please share it again.
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How'd you get that?
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Talk talk us about your starting point.
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Okay, absolutely.
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So my son was diagnosed with autism when he was four years old.
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He just turned 18.
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Oh my gosh.
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Um, but I know that is both awesome and scary.
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At the same time, right?
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And he started at ASU.
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So yeah, so it's exactly that whole thing.
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But when he was initially diagnosed, he went to occupational therapy immediately.
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That was his the the quickest route that we could get therapy.
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And when I brought him in, I was expecting just like the basics, like, oh, you know, he just needs to sit still, he's a hyper boy, hold the pencil properly, but that wasn't it at all.
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He had the upper body strength of an 18-month-old, the grasping strength of a nine-month-old, could it cross midline?
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He had sensory issues, he couldn't follow the pin without turning his whole body.
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And the list just went on and on.
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And I was just like, holy cow, this is not what I was expecting at all.
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And the inside the mom and me, I'm like, how do I fix this?
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I have to, I have to fix this.
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I I this isn't okay for me.
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I need to, how can I help?
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Um, I went back with the therapist and I'm asking five bazillion questions.
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Why are you doing this?
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What is this working on?
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How is this?
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How is this?
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And she was so kind to explain everything to me.
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And I was like, okay, well, this two days a week at OT isn't enough for me.
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He's gonna be doing all the same stuff at home.
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So I turned his playroom into an OT gym.
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And I incorporate, I had a Frenchy French bulldog, Zoe.
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She was my little shadow.
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And I couldn't even get my son to sit in the swing because he probably because he knew as soon as I'm done in the swing, now mom's gonna make me do all this other stuff that I don't want to do.
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So uh step one, I am not getting in that swing.
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So I told him, hey, buddy, if you get in the swing and I put Zoe on your lap, will you stay?
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And he's like, sure.
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I had no idea.
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Is the dog gonna stay?
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Is she gonna go flying and now I have vet bills?
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Like, what's gonna happen?
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So I put him in and she's staying in his in his lap.
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He's laughing, he's petting her, and I'm like, wow, this is great.
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So then I take him out, we go to the next exercise, which is his wheelbarrow walks.
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Well, remember, upper body strength of an 18-month-old, this is a challenge.
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I have Zoe sit stay on one end of the room and have him come on one side and he tell him, Okay, I'm gonna, we're gonna put this dog biscuit on your back.
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When you get it to Zoe, you can give it to her.
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So then he does it, he wobbles, it falls off, and he says, put it back on, put it back on.
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So I put the dog biscuit back on him, he wobbles over to her, gives it to her, and then jumps up and says, I want to do it again.
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And I'm like, huh, okay, now we have something here because now this dog is gonna be incorporated into every single activity that he does.
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And that's what I did.
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And everything I started seeing was, okay, how can Zoe help him?
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I had another dog, which was our logo, which unfortunately we lost him April of this year.
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Um, so that was tough.
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So that was a whole nother journey of the you have to think about as a pets is that emotional journey.
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Yeah, that emotional journey.
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Um and he was younger and he loved to play.
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Zoe loved to eat, Jacques loved to play.
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So then I could put my son on one of those balance boards that has the ball underneath, and I'd be like, okay, you're gonna stand on this and balance.
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I'm gonna give you Jacques' rope and you're gonna play tug of war.
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So in my head, now he's working on his core, he's working on his upper body strength, but to him, he's just playing with a dog.
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And the dog is like, cool, somebody gets to play with me.
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So he falls off a couple of times, but he wants to get back on.
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But previously, if I asked him, okay, stand on here and till I count to 10, nope, that's not happening.
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So everything that you're doing, and it's easy, like if parents start thinking of it, if they have a pet at home, they could say, Um, well, my kid really doesn't like to do this, but they really like to do it for the dog, then ask, hey Johnny, would you do this for your dog in this way?
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So it's just a different approach for the same ask.
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I think that's that was one of the most intriguing parts because it wasn't like you only have access to these special pets that were trained in only this special way that only work in your program if they go through your protocol.
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Any pet, right, can be used in those creative ways.
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And so yeah, like I just love the inspiration and the you know that creativity to just say there's another pathway for support and it can be fun and it can be creative and engaging, and the pets just led that.
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I think that's genius.
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Well, and what is it?
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You know, you've been you've been doing this for a while.
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Like, what is it that animals can teach us about connecting with our autistic ch child that that is not able that we're not able to do it in a traditional way?
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Like, what is it about the animal that really draws that that connection?
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So what I see uh from my own son experience and then also from watching this the students is if you think about it in this way.
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So we have a student, they're working with their teacher, the therapist, etc., and the therapist is asking them to do a task.
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And the their goal is to get them to do the task the correct, you know, air quotes correct way.
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And they'll say, Oh, nope, let's try again.
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Oh, let's try this again.
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So the student keeps hearing, uh I'm I need to do it again.
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So keep asking me to do it again.
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They're so they're telling me I'm doing it wrong.
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But if you ask, if you're playing a game, it could be the exact same game, but you're playing this game with the dog, and then be like, Oh, you want to try it again?
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You get to do it again, not you having to do it.
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Yep.
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So now it's this fun, exciting thing, and the dog is not telling them, Oh, you did it wrong, do it again.
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The dog is just happy wagging its tail, giving kisses, or you know, whatever it is.
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So it's this different excitement where they're not necessarily being told, you did that wrong, do it again.
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They're, oh my gosh, I get to play the game again, and they they want to.
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So when we go into the schools, everybody gets a turn.
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But then whenever we say, who wants to try it again?
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Oh, the hands go up because everybody wants to have that opportunity to come interact with the pet again.
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Well, and is do you have other stories that you've seen?
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You you've traveled in multiple places bringing your uh your kind of your business there with these animals.
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Do you have any stories that you just top of mind that you're like, hey, you know, we were able to make these connections in another way that no other way could make those type of connections?
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Like like your like with your son.
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Oh goodness.
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Like that's that every when I heard your story from the first from the get-go, I was like, wow, I am on Tasha's side.
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I love what you're doing, and we love we support greatly.
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But what other stories have you, if you wouldn't mind sharing, um, that you're able to make those type of connections that you're aware of?
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So we there's so many.
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I'm like trying to like pick which which put you on the spot.
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Yeah, which I have to pick one.
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Well, you put us on the spot, we're putting you on the spot.
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Let me pick one.
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So one of my favorite ones, and we were fortunate enough that we recognize something is gonna happen here.
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And so we've been fortunate enough that we were able to capture some pictures along the way.
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So, like, if needed, we could put them together and it makes a timeline.
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So there was a little girl we were working with, fearful, fearful of dogs.
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She did not, she was super fearful of dogs.
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So we we never pressure the students to participate.
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So she, when we came in, she would sit in her little bench off in the corner, and we would bring a book that had a dog book.
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She could get to participate in the book, but she could see the dog from a distance.
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And every time we come in, all of our dogs, they always have their therapy vest.
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Our volunteers all have their same logo shirts.
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So she sees us and she sees that dog's not barking, that dog's not jumping at me, they're not pressuring me.
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So she started to build that rapport with us.
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And then slowly she'd scoot her little chair closer and closer and closer.
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But it was one day we brought in a golden doodle.
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And the golden doodle's hair was a little bit longer, it's like curly, and she wanted to touch it.
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Why did she want to touch it?
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Because it had the same color hair that she did.
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And so she started by touching it with she put her hand on top of the teacher's hand, and then the teacher touched it, and then it's a finger sliding off, and she's touching it.
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And every week it progressed more and more, but we were able to build up that trust, build up that confidence.
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And now we have pictures of her sitting on the floor feeding a tortoise a piece of celery where she's just like, she loves it.
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Um, and we we were able to meet her parents at an event, and her parents were like, Thank you so much.
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This is fabulous.
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You know, we never thought that she would like dogs, but she doesn't necessarily, it was funny because mom said she doesn't necessarily like all dogs, she likes dogs in the blue vest.
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Well, and I assume that those success stories is not some you're not trying to say, hey, you need to be an animal lover to these children, but obviously there's some um, you know, I guess, you know, byproducts or some things that come out of them that they're not able to do because of the therapy.
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What are some like all like what do they get not only becoming animal friendly, but what happens in their life that they're able to make other connections that help them better progress as an individual?
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I think the big thing, and and so we work with kids and adults, but a big thing is to build their confidence and their skills while we're working with the dog.
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So even if they don't really like the dog, but maybe they like the mini horse, maybe they like the pig, maybe they like the tortoise.
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But they learn those skills and then transfer those skills into home and then transfer those skills into their everyday life to learn to be more independent, learn to communicate better, their wants, their needs, you know, at whatever level they're at.
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Learning empathy, one of one of my funny stories to me, um, years ago, I have a one of my therapy animals I personally own is a potbelly pig.
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And they they have thick skin, right?
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So when you pat them, you pat them a little bit rougher.
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And so uh Penelope did something that was good, and I patted her butt like I always do, and it makes a sound because it's it's a pig.
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And a little girl told me, be gentle.
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It's animal therapy time.
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And it was like a good reminder, but she had learned when you're dealing with animals, she had learned that empathy and that you need to be gentle.
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And so she was learning and remembering those skills.
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So that's awesome.
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That's awesome.
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And well, part of that, like what can parents take away?
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Like, what are some simple activities that families can use at home to build confidence, responsibilities, and independence by having a pet?
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Absolutely.
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So one of the things I loved doing with my with my son when he was younger, um, like I mentioned, Jock was a puppy.
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And so that was a great opportunity for me to tell my son who hated to brush his teeth, he hated to take a shower, hated like all those hygiene boy things and sensory issue things, where instead of me arguing and fighting with him, I would be like, oh my goodness, you know what?
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Jock doesn't know how to brush his teeth.
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Can you believe that?
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He doesn't know how to brush his teeth.
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Can you show him how to brush his teeth?
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And then he would be like, Oh, sure, I'll show Jock how to brush his teeth, my teeth.
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So then I let him like kind of get down and go low to show Jock how you brush your teeth.
00:15:38.080 --> 00:15:40.799
I didn't care if he was just doing it for 10 seconds.
00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:45.519
I got something out of him, and then the next time bring Jock in longer.
00:15:45.679 --> 00:15:49.200
Hey, can you show Jock how to do XYZ?
00:15:49.679 --> 00:16:02.240
But just incorporating simple asks like that into the chore or the task while the dog's just sitting there and the dog's looking at them and then ask them, say, Oh, tell him you did a good job.
00:16:02.320 --> 00:16:05.039
He said, Well, I love it because it's a play-based approach.
00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:05.360
Yes.
00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:05.679
Right.
00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:15.360
And and that if you if you just Google that term, you know, play-based approach, you can if you don't have the creative mind of Tasha, right, you can get some ideas of how to do it.
00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:23.440
And it makes me wonder, you know, you're doing this with pets, but for those kids that have other interests, I think you can gamify just about anything, right?
00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:24.480
Right?
00:16:24.559 --> 00:16:55.519
Like if they're interested, my boy has an interest in cars, you know, and I and I'm already starting to think, well, how can I incorporate this around his love of cars and access to cars and different alternate places to do these activities that you could do in a car versus at home on a chair, and pretending we're in a car, and what what would that look like to brush your teeth while you're driving a race car, or you know, and and I think that element of play just one, it takes the demand away, which for those that have been following, we do a lot of PDA training, and that's that's one way to soften a demand by introducing an opportunity for a play experience.
00:16:55.679 --> 00:17:03.039
Um, but it also helps them feel less pressure and kind of get that dopamine hit with something that before is just a compliance thing.
00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:10.880
And so that's I I again I can't give you enough accolade for just reinventing the approach to support through play and through animals.
00:17:11.119 --> 00:17:11.599
It's been awesome.
00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:12.240
Thank you.
00:17:12.319 --> 00:17:12.480
Thank you.
00:17:12.880 --> 00:17:18.240
And and I'm, you know, with your experience, of those that are listening to the podcast are like, oh, that's interesting.
00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:24.319
I've never thought of maybe using an animal to help make connections or help with my with my child.
00:17:24.559 --> 00:17:33.359
Is there is there any animal in particular that that you would, you know, are you saying like, hey, let's all get dogs and like that's the best way to go?
00:17:33.680 --> 00:17:35.359
No, I totally would say everybody get a pig.
00:17:35.599 --> 00:17:39.519
Like You mentioned pigs, tortoises, tortoises, tortoises.
00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:42.079
So if I'm a parent, I'm like, okay, this is interesting.
00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:46.640
Do I just need to go to a zoo and see what my kid likes, or like, you know what I mean?
00:17:46.720 --> 00:17:47.759
Like to make that connection?
00:17:48.079 --> 00:17:54.240
Or like what what recommendations would you give a family that's thinking about possibly, you know, using animals as a therapy?
00:17:54.480 --> 00:18:05.599
I would definitely think about one, think about your lifestyle in your family environment because you want to make sure that you have an animal that would fit your lifestyle because they are a lot of a lot of work.
00:18:05.759 --> 00:18:11.759
Um, you know, I definitely don't recommend a pig if they're not allowed in your zoning area, you know.
00:18:11.920 --> 00:18:15.519
Um tortoises, if they're not, you know, they can escape and dig holes.
00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:18.079
So you have to really think about that type of thing.
00:18:18.319 --> 00:18:28.480
Um, we get a lot of asks about cats, but yeah, they they're soft and cuddly, but cats don't always want to be pet when you want to be pet when you want that.
00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:28.960
They're cats.
00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:30.079
They have a mind of their own.
00:18:30.319 --> 00:18:31.920
But I think dogs are good.
00:18:32.240 --> 00:18:37.359
But if the the kiddo has a fear of dogs, then it's not a good idea to push that.
00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:38.880
Um, so you really have to go.
00:18:39.039 --> 00:18:44.240
Maybe they just want a fish and they can practice responsibilities with the fish.
00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:48.559
They can read to the fish, they can talk to the fish, they can help clean the fish tank, feed them.
00:18:48.720 --> 00:19:04.640
Um, but really kind of go after what their interest is and what level of responsibility that the families are wanting to take on, because as a mom of a special needs kids, you're so busy with school therapy, extracurricular activities, you know, everything else.
00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:09.680
It's that you don't want it to be that one more thing, and then you end up re-homing the animal.
00:19:09.839 --> 00:19:14.480
So you want to be responsible, but at the same time help your help your kids.
00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:18.319
So you really have to weigh everything into play.
00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:20.240
So sorry I didn't totally answer your question.
00:19:21.039 --> 00:19:24.000
If I if I threw that out to my kids, they're like, we want a cobra.
00:19:25.599 --> 00:19:37.119
Well, so there's a there's a subtext here that I I can't I can't let pass by without naming it because it's a theme we've been addressing on the show a lot lately, and that's nervous system and safety.
00:19:37.759 --> 00:19:43.119
Tosh, I have to imagine when these kids are interacting with animals, there's this level of their guard is dropped.
00:19:43.279 --> 00:19:44.400
Is that is that a fair read?
00:19:44.559 --> 00:19:54.480
Like when you bring these animals in, kids that might otherwise be very protective or recluse, they engage with an animal, I would almost think more freely than they do with a person.
00:19:54.559 --> 00:19:55.680
Is that yes, absolutely.
00:19:56.079 --> 00:19:56.240
Okay.
00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:57.680
And what would you attribute that to?
00:19:57.759 --> 00:20:02.160
I mean, I have my own thoughts, but I just kind of you've been a a lot more experienced at that than I have.
00:20:02.319 --> 00:20:02.880
What do you see?
00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:03.599
What's the pattern?
00:20:03.680 --> 00:20:04.400
What's the drive there?
00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:15.200
Aaron Ross Powell, I think that a lot of times maybe they think that the human is going to ask something of them, get place that demand on them, or maybe judge them where there's not or unconditional love.
00:20:15.680 --> 00:20:20.960
Potentially, I'm not I'm not saying people don't un love unconditionally, but the animals, I mean, it doesn't matter.
00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:23.839
They see you and they're like, oh, I love you, my best friend.
00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:28.000
Um, where maybe they don't have that experience with a human.
00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:48.480
But on the flip side, what we have seen even in the the with the dogs versus some of these other kind of out there species is some kiddos are fearful of dogs because they have a negative experience maybe with their uncle's dog or their grandma's dog, that the dog barks, the dog jumps, the dog something negative.
00:20:48.640 --> 00:20:54.160
But if we bring a snake in there, that kid is gonna be like, oh, I want to touch the snake.
00:20:54.400 --> 00:20:58.160
Whereas you bring a dog in there and they're running to the back of the classroom.
00:20:58.559 --> 00:21:02.480
If it was me, I'd be running to the back of the classroom as soon as they bring the snake in there.
00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:10.000
But they don't have that preconceived, oh, you know, they haven't seen anaconda or snakes on planes or whatever.
00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:15.359
So they're not they're they're open about that because of past experiences.
00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:21.680
And maybe some kiddos aren't able to communicate that to us, but their body language and their behavior show us that.
00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:27.440
Yeah, and I I think it provides a level of connection to your point that's not just low demand, but that's high reward.
00:21:27.680 --> 00:21:27.920
Yes.
00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:35.279
You know, if if there's something we can learn from an animal interaction, the first thing anybody wants to do when you get close to an animal, we're like, I want to pet it, I want to touch it.
00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:39.359
So you have that contact element where now you're bonding in a way.
00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:41.440
It's affectionate on some level.
00:21:41.839 --> 00:21:46.160
And you know you can't talk to the animal, and you know the animal is not gonna talk back.
00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:50.559
And so to get the connection, you're not doing it through words, you're doing it through actions.
00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:55.440
And at a base level, it seems like that drops the guard, like the nervous system settles.
00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:57.680
And I wonder if there's a lesson in there for us, right?
00:21:57.759 --> 00:21:59.599
That that we talk about the animal brain a lot.
00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:01.920
The reactive brain or the nervous system.
00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:08.960
But that system is also very predictable and it's and it connects on a very simple level, even like with touch.
00:22:09.440 --> 00:22:17.359
And there's a lesson I think for us as parents, as providers, if kids respond well to animals, like I'm going to ask, how can I be more like a dog?
00:22:17.839 --> 00:22:18.799
How can I be less demanding?
00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:20.079
How can I be more friendly?
00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:30.160
How can I provide an environment where they want to approach me where there's affection and bonding in nonverbal ways that make them feel like they belong, are safe and can be present.
00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:35.200
I think the more we learn to be like a pet, I think the easier we connect.
00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:39.519
And then we can bond with those non-traditional ways and these kids that are just looking.
00:22:39.599 --> 00:22:45.279
At the end of the day, I truly believe the autistic community is as social, if not more so, than we are.
00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:50.480
I think they connect sometimes on a deeper level because it's not surface level superficial.
00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:59.039
It's almost, I almost wonder if they're like the next step because they don't get the typical social cues because those are really not that meaningful.
00:22:59.279 --> 00:23:02.079
They thrive on a much deeper response level.
00:23:02.160 --> 00:23:05.200
Their nervous systems are a lot more in tune if you think about it in our ways.
00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:08.720
That's more reactive, but it's because I think it's also more aware.
00:23:08.880 --> 00:23:14.400
And there's a lot to learn from just knowing am I softening the environment like a dog?
00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:17.200
And if not, how can I be that calming presence?
00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:17.839
Yeah.
00:23:18.559 --> 00:23:18.960
Absolutely.
00:23:19.119 --> 00:23:21.200
I see it a lot, or you could hear the difference.
00:23:21.359 --> 00:23:28.880
When you hear kids coming down the hallway into pet therapy, you could hear some little rumblings or they're kind of anxious, kind of loud.
00:23:29.039 --> 00:23:31.039
And then they turn the corner and they see the dog.
00:23:31.119 --> 00:23:36.079
And now all of a sudden it's, oh, and they're just they're so excited.
00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:40.799
But they're like, oh, if you want to participate, sit down and you know, sit in your chair, sit still.
00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:42.000
And they're quick to do it.
00:23:42.079 --> 00:23:45.759
And they're quick because they want that positive interaction.
00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:54.079
It's that really cool connection of you know, love, care, you know, just simple, just pure, honest.
00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:54.400
Yeah.
00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:59.039
You know, just I I love, I love the excitement that this brings out of you, Tasha.
00:23:59.119 --> 00:24:00.240
And I wish our audience can see it.
00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:02.799
But as you're talking, like you get so excited.
00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:03.920
Now I get excited.
00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:05.279
There's my animal brain coming in.
00:24:07.119 --> 00:24:08.880
So it's really good positive energy.
00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:10.079
There you go, positive energy.
00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:10.799
Yes.
00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:20.880
Um, so tell us a little bit more about um like things that your organization is doing next, you know, what you you're involved in the community quite a bit.
00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:24.000
Uh tell us some activities or things that you guys are approaching.
00:24:24.880 --> 00:24:30.480
So our our next project that we are, or we actually are right in the middle of this project, and it's about to launch.
00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:38.880
Um, about nine months ago, Positive Friendships purchased our very own therapy animals, and we started with two.
00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:44.559
Um and let's let's let's give that a second in the sun because prior to this, it was mostly volunteer animals, right?
00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:49.119
So people from the community would say, I have this pet, I'd love to introduce it in your program.
00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.160
Are you still running that?
00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:51.119
Are you Absolutely?
00:24:51.440 --> 00:25:02.240
Okay, because I want I just want parents to know if you're out there and you're listening and you have a pet that listen, you just want to do more creative things with and you want to do some good in the world, reach out to Positive Friendships Natasha.
00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:06.880
They they will put you to work and you will be you will find fulfillment in ways you never thought possible.
00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:11.599
So if you have a pet and you have any amount of free time and you've wondered, how can I make a difference?
00:25:11.759 --> 00:25:12.880
This is a way you can make a difference.
00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:13.440
Absolutely.
00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:18.880
We always need more volunteers because the more volunteers and the more therapy animals we have, the more kids we can service.
00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:23.279
So that's always our limiting factor is how many therapy teams do we have available.
00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:28.720
So within our organization, we have the opportunity to incorporate 13 different species.
00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:33.759
We don't have all 13 different species, but we have that ability through our insurance.
00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:49.279
And we have a lot in the East Valley, so in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, we have a lot of, it's more rural, so we have more farm animals out here, but it's a big ask to ask a volunteer to drive their horse trailer to surprise.
00:25:49.599 --> 00:25:58.880
So then I'm like, well, it really stinks because all the schools in Surprise, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale are like, well, we want our kids want to see a horse too.
00:25:58.960 --> 00:26:02.000
And then I'm feeling bad going, oh, I wish I could, I wish I could.
00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:20.960
So then I approach our board and I'm like, hey, what if, what if positive friendships had our own therapy horse and we could then have, you know, staff and positive friendships drive this horse to all of the schools, not just only East Valley schools, but to all of the schools.
00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:23.119
So everyone has that same opportunity.
00:26:23.359 --> 00:26:24.640
And they loved it.
00:26:24.880 --> 00:26:27.759
We were able to get funding to make it happen.
00:26:27.920 --> 00:26:33.920
And so we not only have one mini horse, but we also have a mini donkey.
00:26:34.160 --> 00:26:37.279
So we have Violet, and then we have Rufus.
00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:39.599
Violet just she's uh 18 months old.
00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:41.119
Rufus sounds like the donkey.
00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:41.680
That shouldn't be.
00:26:41.920 --> 00:26:42.480
Rufus is the donkey.
00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:45.279
That's just a New York type name.
00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:49.200
So he came to us, so we we he he was rehomed to us.
00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:54.960
And so he's six, and Violet's 18 months, and they are like they're the best buddies.
00:26:55.119 --> 00:27:01.599
He knows that she's a baby, and she and he he still plays kind of rough tries too, and then she gets a little sassy with him.
00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:04.160
Um but it's it's lots of fun.
00:27:04.319 --> 00:27:11.519
He knows how to smile, and there's pictures of them on our on our socials, but yeah, he he loves to smile, but she likes to be the princess.
00:27:11.680 --> 00:27:19.519
She likes to get her hair braided, and it's exciting because Violet is actually going to be at Starlight Academy.
00:27:19.920 --> 00:27:21.599
So excited to have Violet visit, yes.
00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:23.279
So that's gonna be, and you know what?
00:27:23.359 --> 00:27:25.279
Actually, I think that's her debut visit.
00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:25.759
Really?
00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:26.160
It is.
00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:28.799
It is her debut visit.
00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:33.279
Like a curtain or something, like a ribbon, you know, something like that as a debut.
00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:34.000
Like a drum girl.
00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:36.160
The princess needs her time on the red carpet.
00:27:36.640 --> 00:27:37.039
She does.
00:27:37.200 --> 00:27:37.920
Oh my goodness.
00:27:38.079 --> 00:27:43.599
She she I gave her a bath the other day and she's just standing there, just you know, posing and wanting everyone.
00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:44.559
She's such a little princess.
00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:45.279
Awesome.
00:27:45.440 --> 00:27:47.519
Uh that is that is really, really cool.
00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:51.119
Well, congratulations for your success of your organization.
00:27:51.279 --> 00:28:02.240
And um, what what are some um as we kind of close out, what would you tell like to tell our audience about the importance of using these animals to make a connection with our autistic kids?
00:28:02.640 --> 00:28:04.799
Think outside the box is the big thing.
00:28:04.960 --> 00:28:07.200
Think outside the box and and try it.
00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:14.240
You know, if your kid is interested in your pet, ask them to do something for the pet or ask them to help you feed the pet.
00:28:14.400 --> 00:28:16.960
If you have a pet, say, hey, would you help me feed them?
00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:19.119
Give them a simple one-step task.
00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:20.079
Can you get the bowl?
00:28:20.640 --> 00:28:23.279
Or can you dump the dog food in the bowl?
00:28:23.599 --> 00:28:26.000
Just get and then grow slowly, build it up for the body.
00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.480
Exactly.
00:28:28.640 --> 00:28:29.839
Just simple asks.
00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:34.079
They don't need to be like, go outside, here's a bag and a shovel, go pick up all the poop.
00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:37.200
Just simple, fun tasks, one at a time.
00:28:37.440 --> 00:28:39.599
Think outside the box and don't limit them.
00:28:39.839 --> 00:28:40.559
That's the big thing.
00:28:40.640 --> 00:28:41.519
Don't limit them.
00:28:41.839 --> 00:28:42.559
We hear that a lot.
00:28:42.640 --> 00:28:43.279
You know, we do.
00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:48.880
It's one of our biggest problems is that we try we limit our, you know, these special needs kids and they can do a lot.
00:28:49.200 --> 00:28:50.160
Yeah, absolutely they can.
00:28:51.359 --> 00:28:53.359
I know you also have some community events.
00:28:53.519 --> 00:29:00.000
Do you typically bring your animals to those events so we can kind of have a soft exposure for those kids that maybe want to see is this something for me?
00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:01.359
Absolutely, we do.
00:29:01.680 --> 00:29:09.680
Because you're one of your biggest ones, and it's how you got me on the hook, honestly, because my boy, is it my boy isn't a pet fan, but he is a car fan.
00:29:09.920 --> 00:29:14.640
And the first time we heard of Revved Up for Autism, like he was all over it.
00:29:14.720 --> 00:29:16.000
So tell us a little bit about that.
00:29:16.319 --> 00:29:18.559
Yes, so we do an annual car show.
00:29:18.720 --> 00:29:26.559
This is actually our 11th year, Revved Up for Autism and Resource Fair, which you guys, you guys are sponsors, Best in Show Motorcycle.
00:29:26.960 --> 00:29:28.640
Yeah, always we will always support you.
00:29:28.720 --> 00:29:29.359
We love what you're doing.
00:29:29.599 --> 00:29:32.319
And so we have our resource fair, which you guys will be at.
00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:36.000
And um, it's just a fun family event that's free.
00:29:36.079 --> 00:29:37.759
It's free for families to attend.
00:29:37.920 --> 00:29:41.519
We have Santa, it's the first Saturday in December.
00:29:41.680 --> 00:29:52.480
But I I it was important to me when I started Positive Friendships that I wanted something that was going to be out there for the community that was free, that everyone could attend.
00:29:52.640 --> 00:29:54.799
So it and they can they don't feel bad.
00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:58.240
Oh, I bought a ticket and now my kid's having a meltdown and now I gotta go.
00:29:58.480 --> 00:30:00.400
Like, no, like it's it's open.
00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:03.519
There's you can kid is having a a meltdown.
00:30:03.680 --> 00:30:04.240
It's okay.
00:30:04.400 --> 00:30:08.400
You can come, you can go, you can come back, you can do whatever is is needed.
00:30:08.559 --> 00:30:10.400
So it's just a fun, exciting.
00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:12.240
And where do they find information on that?
00:30:12.319 --> 00:30:13.440
So you have a website, I'm assuming.
00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:14.480
They have our website, yep.
00:30:14.559 --> 00:30:22.079
So they can go to positive P A W positive friendships plural, because we have more than one friend.org.
00:30:22.480 --> 00:30:22.720
Okay.
00:30:22.880 --> 00:30:27.119
And we'll make sure that's up on our social media as well, and and up on our podcast.
00:30:27.279 --> 00:30:32.319
And and you're missing out the best part with with the uh Rev Up for Autism.
00:30:32.400 --> 00:30:36.079
And you probably just do this with your organization, but the cards, you have cards for each animal.
00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:40.640
Yes, every animal has their own little baseball style trading card.
00:30:41.119 --> 00:30:42.480
My kids go nuts on that.
00:30:42.720 --> 00:30:55.839
Like they go and they collect all of them and then they try to find the animals there at the events and yes, and they have and I've had parents say that their kid keeps them by their bed, and that's like their little procrastination to go to bed, because they're like, wait, first, I have to put them in alphabetic order.
00:30:56.079 --> 00:30:58.319
Wait, no, no, I gotta put them in order by birthday.
00:30:58.559 --> 00:31:01.359
Or, you know, just to not wanting to go to bed type of thing.
00:31:01.519 --> 00:31:04.720
But it's kind of cool because then they always have a little positive friendships, trading cards.
00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:08.160
Okay, so now Nathan, did this work?
00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:11.759
Are we getting a dog at the Palmer residence now?
00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:15.440
Listen, I'm the needle has swayed heavily in that way.
00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:26.480
But but listen, I've but I've also I've also started thinking, and for Tasha, yours was born out of animals, but I really think the genius in what you're doing is the approach.
00:31:26.720 --> 00:31:26.960
Yes.
00:31:27.200 --> 00:31:32.400
You're really you're really providing a game or an alternative pathway to support.
00:31:32.960 --> 00:31:36.799
And like my mind's buzzing with, can I do this with our car?
00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:40.000
You know, can I do this with a video game?
00:31:40.240 --> 00:31:41.680
Can I do this with a device?
00:31:41.920 --> 00:31:49.920
Like there, there are elements of what you're talking about where I think I can introduce this positive approach, right?
00:31:50.079 --> 00:31:57.680
Which is really the the genesis of what you're talking about, this positive approach to support rather than this demand approach or compliance approach.
00:31:58.240 --> 00:32:13.039
And um but but what I think none of those would replace, and I think it's I think it's just why you've done so well, animals as a living thing create this almost primal ability for connection.
00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:25.839
And I just uh I'm having this moment because you know, when we built Polaris, um we wondered, is it a good thing to have all these kids in the same place?
00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:31.359
Because some of the research suggests, no, put them in a typical environment and that's the best place, which I'm mixed feelings on.
00:32:31.519 --> 00:32:33.680
I think it's actually where they learned to mask more than anything.
00:32:33.920 --> 00:32:41.279
But um when we surveyed our kids after we opened, we asked them a question, and uh it was part of our accreditation.
00:32:41.440 --> 00:32:43.039
We're like, let's just see what they like.
00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:44.480
Like, what did we do right?
00:32:44.720 --> 00:32:46.000
And it was a write-in answer.
00:32:46.160 --> 00:32:47.359
It wasn't an A, B, C, or D.
00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:49.680
We asked our kids, what's your favorite thing about Polaris?
00:32:49.839 --> 00:32:51.440
And I think half of it was for our ego.
00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:53.519
Brad, I I know Brad was really volume for the gym.
00:32:53.599 --> 00:32:54.880
I thought the stem in the business center.
00:32:55.359 --> 00:32:55.680
Let's do this.
00:32:55.920 --> 00:33:01.039
And we were all convinced that the areas, right, these features were gonna be the things that these kids pointed out.
00:33:01.359 --> 00:33:08.880
Tasha, 96% of our kids from first through ninth grade on a write-in answer, all said the exact same thing.
00:33:09.200 --> 00:33:11.039
They said there's kids like me here.
00:33:11.359 --> 00:33:13.519
And I think at the core, they just want to connect.
00:33:13.599 --> 00:33:17.920
And animals provide a level of connection that no inanimate object ever can.
00:33:18.319 --> 00:33:19.440
So am I swayed?
00:33:21.279 --> 00:33:22.720
Begrudgingly so, yeah.
00:33:22.799 --> 00:33:26.079
And but but it's also making me rethink how we connect.
00:33:26.240 --> 00:33:29.839
And there's a lot I think we can learn from our pets to also connect with our kids.
00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:31.200
Yeah, connection is important.
00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:34.319
I know I told you in the beginning my son started at ASU.
00:33:34.799 --> 00:33:36.480
He I asked him, How are you liking it?
00:33:36.559 --> 00:33:37.519
Are you making friends?
00:33:37.759 --> 00:33:46.079
And he says, I finding more people I can connect with here and relate to at college than I could in high school.
00:33:46.240 --> 00:33:52.799
And he was in a he was in a public school in high school, but it that I was like, hmm, that's very interesting.
00:33:53.279 --> 00:33:57.119
But it's he's looking for that connection, looking for that acceptance.
00:33:57.359 --> 00:33:57.759
Yeah.
00:33:58.079 --> 00:33:59.519
Well, I well, awesome.
00:33:59.680 --> 00:34:01.039
Thank you, Tasha, for being here.
00:34:01.519 --> 00:34:03.359
Thank you for that wonderful conversation.
00:34:03.519 --> 00:34:08.320
And thank you, everybody, for um connect, you know, being making us part of your day.
00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:15.039
Please don't forget to subscribe so you never miss another wonderful conversation that inspires connection just like this.
00:34:15.280 --> 00:34:20.480
Um, we just want to say thanks to our wonderful producer, Jesse Palmer, marketing director Dallin Davis.
00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:23.039
Until next time, let's do some good.
00:00:00.959 --> 00:00:03.279
Think outside the box is the big thing.
00:00:03.439 --> 00:00:05.599
Think outside the box and try it.
00:00:05.759 --> 00:00:10.640
You know, if your kid is interested in your pet, ask him to do something for the pet.
00:00:11.199 --> 00:00:17.600
Hello everyone, and welcome to the Players Connection, connecting parents of autistic children with industry experts.
00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:25.440
Each week we navigate the world of autism together, bringing you real conversations from specialists who truly get it.
00:00:25.600 --> 00:00:28.800
The journey is challenging, but you don't have to walk it alone.
00:00:28.960 --> 00:00:33.039
So settle in, get cozy, let's connect and do some good.
00:00:33.280 --> 00:00:41.119
I'm your host, Brad Broils, and I'm here with my positive animal lover, co-host, Nathan Palmer.
00:00:41.280 --> 00:00:41.840
How are we doing?
00:00:42.079 --> 00:00:42.960
Brad, thank you.
00:00:43.039 --> 00:00:55.359
I have always been a glasses half-full kind of guy, maybe to a fault, but I don't think that's the kind of positive thing that you're talking about today, because I can't say I've at the same time been much of an animal dog lover.
00:00:55.600 --> 00:00:55.920
Oh, yes.
00:00:56.560 --> 00:01:02.799
I I I now framing that, my boy really wants a dog, and my wife wants my boy to have a dog.
00:01:02.960 --> 00:01:10.560
And I know we have a guest today that's not just talking about dogs, but animals in general, so maybe this will sway the needle in more positive of a light for me.
00:01:10.879 --> 00:01:11.760
Oh my goodness.
00:01:11.920 --> 00:01:13.120
Now I have a challenge.
00:01:13.680 --> 00:01:15.599
That was that was really accepting.
00:01:15.840 --> 00:01:16.079
I know.
00:01:16.959 --> 00:01:20.239
Okay, let's let's do it because I my kids are in the same boat.
00:01:20.319 --> 00:01:23.359
They've been bugging me for animals like for them and two of you guys.
00:01:23.680 --> 00:01:25.280
Yes, but we but I have a hard time with it.
00:01:25.920 --> 00:01:26.799
I've got four boys.
00:01:26.959 --> 00:01:28.480
When people ask, do you have any pets?
00:01:28.560 --> 00:01:30.319
I go, Yeah, I've got four of them.
00:01:30.719 --> 00:01:33.200
Well, you have four helpers to help you take care of it.
00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:33.920
No, no, no.
00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:38.159
10, 11, 12, and 15, the oldest is on the spectrum.
00:01:38.319 --> 00:01:40.799
So I don't have four helpers yet.
00:01:40.959 --> 00:01:44.000
I have helpers in training, which still makes them pets.
00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:46.480
Fair enough.
00:01:46.799 --> 00:01:47.120
I don't know.
00:01:47.359 --> 00:01:50.959
Well, Tasha, thank you so much, and welcome to the Polaris Connection.
00:01:51.040 --> 00:01:52.319
We sure love having you here.
00:01:52.400 --> 00:01:53.439
This is your second time.
00:01:53.840 --> 00:01:55.280
Yes, thank you for having me back.
00:01:55.439 --> 00:01:56.239
I appreciate it.
00:01:56.560 --> 00:02:00.879
Well, we just our last conversation was so wonderful.
00:02:01.040 --> 00:02:17.360
You taught us a lot, especially working with um, you know, with animals, with you know, for our autistic audience and our families out there that we just we had a lot of requests, and we know that you do a lot of uh service, and we just needed to have you back and kind of share your expertise with our wonderful families.
00:02:17.599 --> 00:02:26.479
Probably our our families are might be like you, Nathan, to where they're like hesitant of having a pet and and how do we and how do we use them with our autistic friends?
00:02:26.639 --> 00:02:28.240
But maybe we can sway them too.
00:02:28.719 --> 00:02:29.039
Maybe.
00:02:29.120 --> 00:02:32.479
And you know, I think my aversion has always been I see them as work, right?
00:02:32.639 --> 00:02:33.520
They're just one more thing.
00:02:33.599 --> 00:02:33.759
Trevor Burrus, Jr.
00:02:33.919 --> 00:02:34.400
It is a lot.
00:02:34.719 --> 00:02:46.719
But Tasha, after our last dialogue with you and some of the ways that you reframe connection with kids through animals and how you teach them principles through animals.
00:02:46.879 --> 00:02:49.360
Because initially we thought you were just like a mobile petting zoo.
00:02:49.840 --> 00:02:53.120
And then the more scared of set this record straight.
00:02:53.199 --> 00:02:53.360
Trevor Burrus, Jr.
00:02:53.360 --> 00:02:55.840
And so and so I like I we have a lot more listeners now.
00:02:55.919 --> 00:02:57.039
I can't wait to promote again.
00:02:57.280 --> 00:02:58.879
You are not a mobile petting zoo.
00:02:59.039 --> 00:03:04.080
You are delivering sensory and therapy techniques through animals.
00:03:04.479 --> 00:03:09.919
And you are progressing skills and interaction, even in a social way, through animals.
00:03:10.080 --> 00:03:16.639
And that that now makes the animal not just a pet, but a resource and one that I don't know that works any other way.
00:03:16.800 --> 00:03:24.080
So it's kind of like this niche where you've discovered how to use really something to pull kids out of their animal brain through animals.
00:03:24.479 --> 00:03:24.879
Absolutely.
00:03:25.199 --> 00:03:26.879
And it's like it's the unconditional love.
00:03:26.960 --> 00:03:31.039
But all I'm not gonna jump ahead and start answering what I think is gonna be your questions.
00:03:31.439 --> 00:03:33.199
Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
00:03:34.080 --> 00:03:35.599
Yeah, she's making us work for it.
00:03:36.479 --> 00:03:37.039
Oh, I got it.
00:03:37.199 --> 00:03:37.680
So no.
00:03:37.919 --> 00:03:39.439
But that but that that is it.
00:03:39.520 --> 00:03:41.599
Like I love the story, and I think it would be fair.
00:03:41.759 --> 00:03:49.599
You shared it the first time, and I think it'd be a nice recap of how you found that connection working with animals with your own, uh, I believe it was your son.
00:03:49.919 --> 00:03:50.240
Son, yeah.
00:03:50.479 --> 00:03:51.599
Yeah, of how you did that.
00:03:51.840 --> 00:03:53.360
There's an awesome story.
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Please share it again.
00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:55.759
How'd you get that?
00:03:56.000 --> 00:03:57.680
Talk talk us about your starting point.
00:03:58.000 --> 00:03:58.719
Okay, absolutely.
00:03:58.879 --> 00:04:02.639
So my son was diagnosed with autism when he was four years old.
00:04:02.800 --> 00:04:04.159
He just turned 18.
00:04:04.240 --> 00:04:05.120
Oh my gosh.
00:04:05.360 --> 00:04:08.719
Um, but I know that is both awesome and scary.
00:04:09.439 --> 00:04:10.240
At the same time, right?
00:04:10.400 --> 00:04:11.599
And he started at ASU.
00:04:11.680 --> 00:04:14.719
So yeah, so it's exactly that whole thing.
00:04:14.960 --> 00:04:20.000
But when he was initially diagnosed, he went to occupational therapy immediately.
00:04:20.160 --> 00:04:23.600
That was his the the quickest route that we could get therapy.
00:04:23.839 --> 00:04:32.720
And when I brought him in, I was expecting just like the basics, like, oh, you know, he just needs to sit still, he's a hyper boy, hold the pencil properly, but that wasn't it at all.
00:04:32.959 --> 00:04:39.120
He had the upper body strength of an 18-month-old, the grasping strength of a nine-month-old, could it cross midline?
00:04:39.360 --> 00:04:43.759
He had sensory issues, he couldn't follow the pin without turning his whole body.
00:04:43.839 --> 00:04:45.279
And the list just went on and on.
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And I was just like, holy cow, this is not what I was expecting at all.
00:04:49.759 --> 00:04:53.920
And the inside the mom and me, I'm like, how do I fix this?
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I have to, I have to fix this.
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I I this isn't okay for me.
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I need to, how can I help?
00:04:58.959 --> 00:05:03.439
Um, I went back with the therapist and I'm asking five bazillion questions.
00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:04.480
Why are you doing this?
00:05:04.560 --> 00:05:05.439
What is this working on?
00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:05.920
How is this?
00:05:06.000 --> 00:05:06.560
How is this?
00:05:06.720 --> 00:05:11.120
And she was so kind to explain everything to me.
00:05:11.439 --> 00:05:17.600
And I was like, okay, well, this two days a week at OT isn't enough for me.
00:05:17.839 --> 00:05:20.079
He's gonna be doing all the same stuff at home.
00:05:20.319 --> 00:05:23.759
So I turned his playroom into an OT gym.
00:05:24.079 --> 00:05:27.839
And I incorporate, I had a Frenchy French bulldog, Zoe.
00:05:28.079 --> 00:05:29.600
She was my little shadow.
00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:40.639
And I couldn't even get my son to sit in the swing because he probably because he knew as soon as I'm done in the swing, now mom's gonna make me do all this other stuff that I don't want to do.
00:05:40.959 --> 00:05:43.759
So uh step one, I am not getting in that swing.
00:05:43.920 --> 00:05:49.759
So I told him, hey, buddy, if you get in the swing and I put Zoe on your lap, will you stay?
00:05:49.920 --> 00:05:51.279
And he's like, sure.
00:05:51.439 --> 00:05:52.160
I had no idea.
00:05:52.319 --> 00:05:53.120
Is the dog gonna stay?
00:05:53.279 --> 00:05:55.120
Is she gonna go flying and now I have vet bills?
00:05:55.199 --> 00:05:56.560
Like, what's gonna happen?
00:05:57.040 --> 00:06:01.279
So I put him in and she's staying in his in his lap.
00:06:01.519 --> 00:06:04.879
He's laughing, he's petting her, and I'm like, wow, this is great.
00:06:05.040 --> 00:06:09.199
So then I take him out, we go to the next exercise, which is his wheelbarrow walks.
00:06:09.279 --> 00:06:13.199
Well, remember, upper body strength of an 18-month-old, this is a challenge.
00:06:13.439 --> 00:06:21.439
I have Zoe sit stay on one end of the room and have him come on one side and he tell him, Okay, I'm gonna, we're gonna put this dog biscuit on your back.
00:06:21.680 --> 00:06:24.240
When you get it to Zoe, you can give it to her.
00:06:24.480 --> 00:06:29.360
So then he does it, he wobbles, it falls off, and he says, put it back on, put it back on.
00:06:29.519 --> 00:06:36.720
So I put the dog biscuit back on him, he wobbles over to her, gives it to her, and then jumps up and says, I want to do it again.
00:06:36.959 --> 00:06:47.120
And I'm like, huh, okay, now we have something here because now this dog is gonna be incorporated into every single activity that he does.
00:06:47.360 --> 00:06:48.480
And that's what I did.
00:06:48.560 --> 00:06:53.920
And everything I started seeing was, okay, how can Zoe help him?
00:06:54.160 --> 00:07:00.240
I had another dog, which was our logo, which unfortunately we lost him April of this year.
00:07:00.560 --> 00:07:02.160
Um, so that was tough.
00:07:02.240 --> 00:07:07.120
So that was a whole nother journey of the you have to think about as a pets is that emotional journey.
00:07:07.360 --> 00:07:09.360
Yeah, that emotional journey.
00:07:09.839 --> 00:07:13.920
Um and he was younger and he loved to play.
00:07:14.160 --> 00:07:17.279
Zoe loved to eat, Jacques loved to play.
00:07:17.439 --> 00:07:25.040
So then I could put my son on one of those balance boards that has the ball underneath, and I'd be like, okay, you're gonna stand on this and balance.
00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:28.160
I'm gonna give you Jacques' rope and you're gonna play tug of war.
00:07:28.639 --> 00:07:36.079
So in my head, now he's working on his core, he's working on his upper body strength, but to him, he's just playing with a dog.
00:07:36.480 --> 00:07:39.199
And the dog is like, cool, somebody gets to play with me.
00:07:39.360 --> 00:07:42.720
So he falls off a couple of times, but he wants to get back on.
00:07:43.040 --> 00:07:50.079
But previously, if I asked him, okay, stand on here and till I count to 10, nope, that's not happening.
00:07:50.399 --> 00:08:08.720
So everything that you're doing, and it's easy, like if parents start thinking of it, if they have a pet at home, they could say, Um, well, my kid really doesn't like to do this, but they really like to do it for the dog, then ask, hey Johnny, would you do this for your dog in this way?
00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:13.120
So it's just a different approach for the same ask.
00:08:13.680 --> 00:08:25.920
I think that's that was one of the most intriguing parts because it wasn't like you only have access to these special pets that were trained in only this special way that only work in your program if they go through your protocol.
00:08:26.560 --> 00:08:29.920
Any pet, right, can be used in those creative ways.
00:08:30.160 --> 00:08:43.279
And so yeah, like I just love the inspiration and the you know that creativity to just say there's another pathway for support and it can be fun and it can be creative and engaging, and the pets just led that.
00:08:43.360 --> 00:08:44.159
I think that's genius.
00:08:44.559 --> 00:08:45.440
Well, and what is it?
00:08:45.519 --> 00:08:48.000
You know, you've been you've been doing this for a while.
00:08:48.240 --> 00:08:57.279
Like, what is it that animals can teach us about connecting with our autistic ch child that that is not able that we're not able to do it in a traditional way?
00:08:57.360 --> 00:09:00.720
Like, what is it about the animal that really draws that that connection?
00:09:01.200 --> 00:09:09.440
So what I see uh from my own son experience and then also from watching this the students is if you think about it in this way.
00:09:09.600 --> 00:09:15.759
So we have a student, they're working with their teacher, the therapist, etc., and the therapist is asking them to do a task.
00:09:16.080 --> 00:09:22.000
And the their goal is to get them to do the task the correct, you know, air quotes correct way.
00:09:22.240 --> 00:09:24.639
And they'll say, Oh, nope, let's try again.
00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:26.399
Oh, let's try this again.
00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:29.840
So the student keeps hearing, uh I'm I need to do it again.
00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:31.360
So keep asking me to do it again.
00:09:31.519 --> 00:09:33.360
They're so they're telling me I'm doing it wrong.
00:09:33.600 --> 00:09:41.759
But if you ask, if you're playing a game, it could be the exact same game, but you're playing this game with the dog, and then be like, Oh, you want to try it again?
00:09:42.720 --> 00:09:44.879
You get to do it again, not you having to do it.
00:09:45.039 --> 00:09:45.200
Yep.
00:09:45.279 --> 00:09:51.279
So now it's this fun, exciting thing, and the dog is not telling them, Oh, you did it wrong, do it again.
00:09:51.519 --> 00:09:56.000
The dog is just happy wagging its tail, giving kisses, or you know, whatever it is.
00:09:56.159 --> 00:10:02.879
So it's this different excitement where they're not necessarily being told, you did that wrong, do it again.
00:10:03.120 --> 00:10:07.360
They're, oh my gosh, I get to play the game again, and they they want to.
00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:10.559
So when we go into the schools, everybody gets a turn.
00:10:10.720 --> 00:10:13.679
But then whenever we say, who wants to try it again?
00:10:13.919 --> 00:10:20.399
Oh, the hands go up because everybody wants to have that opportunity to come interact with the pet again.
00:10:21.279 --> 00:10:24.240
Well, and is do you have other stories that you've seen?
00:10:24.559 --> 00:10:31.519
You you've traveled in multiple places bringing your uh your kind of your business there with these animals.
00:10:31.840 --> 00:10:41.039
Do you have any stories that you just top of mind that you're like, hey, you know, we were able to make these connections in another way that no other way could make those type of connections?
00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:42.399
Like like your like with your son.
00:10:42.720 --> 00:10:43.279
Oh goodness.
00:10:44.559 --> 00:10:50.720
Like that's that every when I heard your story from the first from the get-go, I was like, wow, I am on Tasha's side.
00:10:50.799 --> 00:10:53.279
I love what you're doing, and we love we support greatly.
00:10:53.440 --> 00:10:59.919
But what other stories have you, if you wouldn't mind sharing, um, that you're able to make those type of connections that you're aware of?
00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:02.080
So we there's so many.
00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:04.799
I'm like trying to like pick which which put you on the spot.
00:11:04.960 --> 00:11:06.080
Yeah, which I have to pick one.
00:11:06.639 --> 00:11:08.639
Well, you put us on the spot, we're putting you on the spot.
00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:09.519
Let me pick one.
00:11:09.679 --> 00:11:16.159
So one of my favorite ones, and we were fortunate enough that we recognize something is gonna happen here.
00:11:16.320 --> 00:11:20.639
And so we've been fortunate enough that we were able to capture some pictures along the way.
00:11:20.799 --> 00:11:24.320
So, like, if needed, we could put them together and it makes a timeline.
00:11:24.480 --> 00:11:28.879
So there was a little girl we were working with, fearful, fearful of dogs.
00:11:29.039 --> 00:11:31.440
She did not, she was super fearful of dogs.
00:11:31.679 --> 00:11:35.120
So we we never pressure the students to participate.
00:11:35.279 --> 00:11:42.960
So she, when we came in, she would sit in her little bench off in the corner, and we would bring a book that had a dog book.
00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:46.960
She could get to participate in the book, but she could see the dog from a distance.
00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:50.559
And every time we come in, all of our dogs, they always have their therapy vest.
00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:53.759
Our volunteers all have their same logo shirts.
00:11:53.919 --> 00:12:00.320
So she sees us and she sees that dog's not barking, that dog's not jumping at me, they're not pressuring me.
00:12:00.480 --> 00:12:02.559
So she started to build that rapport with us.
00:12:02.879 --> 00:12:07.200
And then slowly she'd scoot her little chair closer and closer and closer.
00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:11.360
But it was one day we brought in a golden doodle.
00:12:11.759 --> 00:12:16.879
And the golden doodle's hair was a little bit longer, it's like curly, and she wanted to touch it.
00:12:17.440 --> 00:12:18.480
Why did she want to touch it?
00:12:18.799 --> 00:12:21.279
Because it had the same color hair that she did.
00:12:22.320 --> 00:12:32.960
And so she started by touching it with she put her hand on top of the teacher's hand, and then the teacher touched it, and then it's a finger sliding off, and she's touching it.
00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:39.440
And every week it progressed more and more, but we were able to build up that trust, build up that confidence.
00:12:39.600 --> 00:12:46.480
And now we have pictures of her sitting on the floor feeding a tortoise a piece of celery where she's just like, she loves it.
00:12:46.559 --> 00:12:52.240
Um, and we we were able to meet her parents at an event, and her parents were like, Thank you so much.
00:12:52.320 --> 00:12:53.360
This is fabulous.
00:12:53.519 --> 00:13:02.639
You know, we never thought that she would like dogs, but she doesn't necessarily, it was funny because mom said she doesn't necessarily like all dogs, she likes dogs in the blue vest.
00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:21.600
Well, and I assume that those success stories is not some you're not trying to say, hey, you need to be an animal lover to these children, but obviously there's some um, you know, I guess, you know, byproducts or some things that come out of them that they're not able to do because of the therapy.
00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:31.279
What are some like all like what do they get not only becoming animal friendly, but what happens in their life that they're able to make other connections that help them better progress as an individual?
00:13:31.600 --> 00:13:39.600
I think the big thing, and and so we work with kids and adults, but a big thing is to build their confidence and their skills while we're working with the dog.
00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:45.440
So even if they don't really like the dog, but maybe they like the mini horse, maybe they like the pig, maybe they like the tortoise.
00:13:45.600 --> 00:14:02.320
But they learn those skills and then transfer those skills into home and then transfer those skills into their everyday life to learn to be more independent, learn to communicate better, their wants, their needs, you know, at whatever level they're at.
00:14:03.039 --> 00:14:13.679
Learning empathy, one of one of my funny stories to me, um, years ago, I have a one of my therapy animals I personally own is a potbelly pig.
00:14:13.919 --> 00:14:15.919
And they they have thick skin, right?
00:14:16.080 --> 00:14:19.360
So when you pat them, you pat them a little bit rougher.
00:14:19.600 --> 00:14:26.559
And so uh Penelope did something that was good, and I patted her butt like I always do, and it makes a sound because it's it's a pig.
00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:29.840
And a little girl told me, be gentle.
00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:32.240
It's animal therapy time.
00:14:32.559 --> 00:14:40.960
And it was like a good reminder, but she had learned when you're dealing with animals, she had learned that empathy and that you need to be gentle.
00:14:41.039 --> 00:14:43.679
And so she was learning and remembering those skills.
00:14:43.759 --> 00:14:44.720
So that's awesome.
00:14:44.799 --> 00:14:45.440
That's awesome.
00:14:45.759 --> 00:14:48.240
And well, part of that, like what can parents take away?
00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:56.320
Like, what are some simple activities that families can use at home to build confidence, responsibilities, and independence by having a pet?
00:14:56.799 --> 00:14:57.200
Absolutely.
00:14:57.360 --> 00:15:04.080
So one of the things I loved doing with my with my son when he was younger, um, like I mentioned, Jock was a puppy.
00:15:04.240 --> 00:15:20.320
And so that was a great opportunity for me to tell my son who hated to brush his teeth, he hated to take a shower, hated like all those hygiene boy things and sensory issue things, where instead of me arguing and fighting with him, I would be like, oh my goodness, you know what?
00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:22.320
Jock doesn't know how to brush his teeth.
00:15:22.559 --> 00:15:23.279
Can you believe that?
00:15:23.440 --> 00:15:24.799
He doesn't know how to brush his teeth.
00:15:25.039 --> 00:15:28.320
Can you show him how to brush his teeth?
00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:32.960
And then he would be like, Oh, sure, I'll show Jock how to brush his teeth, my teeth.
00:15:33.120 --> 00:15:37.919
So then I let him like kind of get down and go low to show Jock how you brush your teeth.
00:15:38.080 --> 00:15:40.799
I didn't care if he was just doing it for 10 seconds.
00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:45.519
I got something out of him, and then the next time bring Jock in longer.
00:15:45.679 --> 00:15:49.200
Hey, can you show Jock how to do XYZ?
00:15:49.679 --> 00:16:02.240
But just incorporating simple asks like that into the chore or the task while the dog's just sitting there and the dog's looking at them and then ask them, say, Oh, tell him you did a good job.
00:16:02.320 --> 00:16:05.039
He said, Well, I love it because it's a play-based approach.
00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:05.360
Yes.
00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:05.679
Right.
00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:15.360
And and that if you if you just Google that term, you know, play-based approach, you can if you don't have the creative mind of Tasha, right, you can get some ideas of how to do it.
00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:23.440
And it makes me wonder, you know, you're doing this with pets, but for those kids that have other interests, I think you can gamify just about anything, right?
00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:24.480
Right?
00:16:24.559 --> 00:16:55.519
Like if they're interested, my boy has an interest in cars, you know, and I and I'm already starting to think, well, how can I incorporate this around his love of cars and access to cars and different alternate places to do these activities that you could do in a car versus at home on a chair, and pretending we're in a car, and what what would that look like to brush your teeth while you're driving a race car, or you know, and and I think that element of play just one, it takes the demand away, which for those that have been following, we do a lot of PDA training, and that's that's one way to soften a demand by introducing an opportunity for a play experience.
00:16:55.679 --> 00:17:03.039
Um, but it also helps them feel less pressure and kind of get that dopamine hit with something that before is just a compliance thing.
00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:10.880
And so that's I I again I can't give you enough accolade for just reinventing the approach to support through play and through animals.
00:17:11.119 --> 00:17:11.599
It's been awesome.
00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:12.240
Thank you.
00:17:12.319 --> 00:17:12.480
Thank you.
00:17:12.880 --> 00:17:18.240
And and I'm, you know, with your experience, of those that are listening to the podcast are like, oh, that's interesting.
00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:24.319
I've never thought of maybe using an animal to help make connections or help with my with my child.
00:17:24.559 --> 00:17:33.359
Is there is there any animal in particular that that you would, you know, are you saying like, hey, let's all get dogs and like that's the best way to go?
00:17:33.680 --> 00:17:35.359
No, I totally would say everybody get a pig.
00:17:35.599 --> 00:17:39.519
Like You mentioned pigs, tortoises, tortoises, tortoises.
00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:42.079
So if I'm a parent, I'm like, okay, this is interesting.
00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:46.640
Do I just need to go to a zoo and see what my kid likes, or like, you know what I mean?
00:17:46.720 --> 00:17:47.759
Like to make that connection?
00:17:48.079 --> 00:17:54.240
Or like what what recommendations would you give a family that's thinking about possibly, you know, using animals as a therapy?
00:17:54.480 --> 00:18:05.599
I would definitely think about one, think about your lifestyle in your family environment because you want to make sure that you have an animal that would fit your lifestyle because they are a lot of a lot of work.
00:18:05.759 --> 00:18:11.759
Um, you know, I definitely don't recommend a pig if they're not allowed in your zoning area, you know.
00:18:11.920 --> 00:18:15.519
Um tortoises, if they're not, you know, they can escape and dig holes.
00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:18.079
So you have to really think about that type of thing.
00:18:18.319 --> 00:18:28.480
Um, we get a lot of asks about cats, but yeah, they they're soft and cuddly, but cats don't always want to be pet when you want to be pet when you want that.
00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:28.960
They're cats.
00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:30.079
They have a mind of their own.
00:18:30.319 --> 00:18:31.920
But I think dogs are good.
00:18:32.240 --> 00:18:37.359
But if the the kiddo has a fear of dogs, then it's not a good idea to push that.
00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:38.880
Um, so you really have to go.
00:18:39.039 --> 00:18:44.240
Maybe they just want a fish and they can practice responsibilities with the fish.
00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:48.559
They can read to the fish, they can talk to the fish, they can help clean the fish tank, feed them.
00:18:48.720 --> 00:19:04.640
Um, but really kind of go after what their interest is and what level of responsibility that the families are wanting to take on, because as a mom of a special needs kids, you're so busy with school therapy, extracurricular activities, you know, everything else.
00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:09.680
It's that you don't want it to be that one more thing, and then you end up re-homing the animal.
00:19:09.839 --> 00:19:14.480
So you want to be responsible, but at the same time help your help your kids.
00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:18.319
So you really have to weigh everything into play.
00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:20.240
So sorry I didn't totally answer your question.
00:19:21.039 --> 00:19:24.000
If I if I threw that out to my kids, they're like, we want a cobra.
00:19:25.599 --> 00:19:37.119
Well, so there's a there's a subtext here that I I can't I can't let pass by without naming it because it's a theme we've been addressing on the show a lot lately, and that's nervous system and safety.
00:19:37.759 --> 00:19:43.119
Tosh, I have to imagine when these kids are interacting with animals, there's this level of their guard is dropped.
00:19:43.279 --> 00:19:44.400
Is that is that a fair read?
00:19:44.559 --> 00:19:54.480
Like when you bring these animals in, kids that might otherwise be very protective or recluse, they engage with an animal, I would almost think more freely than they do with a person.
00:19:54.559 --> 00:19:55.680
Is that yes, absolutely.
00:19:56.079 --> 00:19:56.240
Okay.
00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:57.680
And what would you attribute that to?
00:19:57.759 --> 00:20:02.160
I mean, I have my own thoughts, but I just kind of you've been a a lot more experienced at that than I have.
00:20:02.319 --> 00:20:02.880
What do you see?
00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:03.599
What's the pattern?
00:20:03.680 --> 00:20:04.400
What's the drive there?
00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:15.200
Aaron Ross Powell, I think that a lot of times maybe they think that the human is going to ask something of them, get place that demand on them, or maybe judge them where there's not or unconditional love.
00:20:15.680 --> 00:20:20.960
Potentially, I'm not I'm not saying people don't un love unconditionally, but the animals, I mean, it doesn't matter.
00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:23.839
They see you and they're like, oh, I love you, my best friend.
00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:28.000
Um, where maybe they don't have that experience with a human.
00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:48.480
But on the flip side, what we have seen even in the the with the dogs versus some of these other kind of out there species is some kiddos are fearful of dogs because they have a negative experience maybe with their uncle's dog or their grandma's dog, that the dog barks, the dog jumps, the dog something negative.
00:20:48.640 --> 00:20:54.160
But if we bring a snake in there, that kid is gonna be like, oh, I want to touch the snake.
00:20:54.400 --> 00:20:58.160
Whereas you bring a dog in there and they're running to the back of the classroom.
00:20:58.559 --> 00:21:02.480
If it was me, I'd be running to the back of the classroom as soon as they bring the snake in there.
00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:10.000
But they don't have that preconceived, oh, you know, they haven't seen anaconda or snakes on planes or whatever.
00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:15.359
So they're not they're they're open about that because of past experiences.
00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:21.680
And maybe some kiddos aren't able to communicate that to us, but their body language and their behavior show us that.
00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:27.440
Yeah, and I I think it provides a level of connection to your point that's not just low demand, but that's high reward.
00:21:27.680 --> 00:21:27.920
Yes.
00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:35.279
You know, if if there's something we can learn from an animal interaction, the first thing anybody wants to do when you get close to an animal, we're like, I want to pet it, I want to touch it.
00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:39.359
So you have that contact element where now you're bonding in a way.
00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:41.440
It's affectionate on some level.
00:21:41.839 --> 00:21:46.160
And you know you can't talk to the animal, and you know the animal is not gonna talk back.
00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:50.559
And so to get the connection, you're not doing it through words, you're doing it through actions.
00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:55.440
And at a base level, it seems like that drops the guard, like the nervous system settles.
00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:57.680
And I wonder if there's a lesson in there for us, right?
00:21:57.759 --> 00:21:59.599
That that we talk about the animal brain a lot.
00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:01.920
The reactive brain or the nervous system.
00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:08.960
But that system is also very predictable and it's and it connects on a very simple level, even like with touch.
00:22:09.440 --> 00:22:17.359
And there's a lesson I think for us as parents, as providers, if kids respond well to animals, like I'm going to ask, how can I be more like a dog?
00:22:17.839 --> 00:22:18.799
How can I be less demanding?
00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:20.079
How can I be more friendly?
00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:30.160
How can I provide an environment where they want to approach me where there's affection and bonding in nonverbal ways that make them feel like they belong, are safe and can be present.
00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:35.200
I think the more we learn to be like a pet, I think the easier we connect.
00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:39.519
And then we can bond with those non-traditional ways and these kids that are just looking.
00:22:39.599 --> 00:22:45.279
At the end of the day, I truly believe the autistic community is as social, if not more so, than we are.
00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:50.480
I think they connect sometimes on a deeper level because it's not surface level superficial.
00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:59.039
It's almost, I almost wonder if they're like the next step because they don't get the typical social cues because those are really not that meaningful.
00:22:59.279 --> 00:23:02.079
They thrive on a much deeper response level.
00:23:02.160 --> 00:23:05.200
Their nervous systems are a lot more in tune if you think about it in our ways.
00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:08.720
That's more reactive, but it's because I think it's also more aware.
00:23:08.880 --> 00:23:14.400
And there's a lot to learn from just knowing am I softening the environment like a dog?
00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:17.200
And if not, how can I be that calming presence?
00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:17.839
Yeah.
00:23:18.559 --> 00:23:18.960
Absolutely.
00:23:19.119 --> 00:23:21.200
I see it a lot, or you could hear the difference.
00:23:21.359 --> 00:23:28.880
When you hear kids coming down the hallway into pet therapy, you could hear some little rumblings or they're kind of anxious, kind of loud.
00:23:29.039 --> 00:23:31.039
And then they turn the corner and they see the dog.
00:23:31.119 --> 00:23:36.079
And now all of a sudden it's, oh, and they're just they're so excited.
00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:40.799
But they're like, oh, if you want to participate, sit down and you know, sit in your chair, sit still.
00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:42.000
And they're quick to do it.
00:23:42.079 --> 00:23:45.759
And they're quick because they want that positive interaction.
00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:54.079
It's that really cool connection of you know, love, care, you know, just simple, just pure, honest.
00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:54.400
Yeah.
00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:59.039
You know, just I I love, I love the excitement that this brings out of you, Tasha.
00:23:59.119 --> 00:24:00.240
And I wish our audience can see it.
00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:02.799
But as you're talking, like you get so excited.
00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:03.920
Now I get excited.
00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:05.279
There's my animal brain coming in.
00:24:07.119 --> 00:24:08.880
So it's really good positive energy.
00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:10.079
There you go, positive energy.
00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:10.799
Yes.
00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:20.880
Um, so tell us a little bit more about um like things that your organization is doing next, you know, what you you're involved in the community quite a bit.
00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:24.000
Uh tell us some activities or things that you guys are approaching.
00:24:24.880 --> 00:24:30.480
So our our next project that we are, or we actually are right in the middle of this project, and it's about to launch.
00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:38.880
Um, about nine months ago, Positive Friendships purchased our very own therapy animals, and we started with two.
00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:44.559
Um and let's let's let's give that a second in the sun because prior to this, it was mostly volunteer animals, right?
00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:49.119
So people from the community would say, I have this pet, I'd love to introduce it in your program.
00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.160
Are you still running that?
00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:51.119
Are you Absolutely?
00:24:51.440 --> 00:25:02.240
Okay, because I want I just want parents to know if you're out there and you're listening and you have a pet that listen, you just want to do more creative things with and you want to do some good in the world, reach out to Positive Friendships Natasha.
00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:06.880
They they will put you to work and you will be you will find fulfillment in ways you never thought possible.
00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:11.599
So if you have a pet and you have any amount of free time and you've wondered, how can I make a difference?
00:25:11.759 --> 00:25:12.880
This is a way you can make a difference.
00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:13.440
Absolutely.
00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:18.880
We always need more volunteers because the more volunteers and the more therapy animals we have, the more kids we can service.
00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:23.279
So that's always our limiting factor is how many therapy teams do we have available.
00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:28.720
So within our organization, we have the opportunity to incorporate 13 different species.
00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:33.759
We don't have all 13 different species, but we have that ability through our insurance.
00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:49.279
And we have a lot in the East Valley, so in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, we have a lot of, it's more rural, so we have more farm animals out here, but it's a big ask to ask a volunteer to drive their horse trailer to surprise.
00:25:49.599 --> 00:25:58.880
So then I'm like, well, it really stinks because all the schools in Surprise, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale are like, well, we want our kids want to see a horse too.
00:25:58.960 --> 00:26:02.000
And then I'm feeling bad going, oh, I wish I could, I wish I could.
00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:20.960
So then I approach our board and I'm like, hey, what if, what if positive friendships had our own therapy horse and we could then have, you know, staff and positive friendships drive this horse to all of the schools, not just only East Valley schools, but to all of the schools.
00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:23.119
So everyone has that same opportunity.
00:26:23.359 --> 00:26:24.640
And they loved it.
00:26:24.880 --> 00:26:27.759
We were able to get funding to make it happen.
00:26:27.920 --> 00:26:33.920
And so we not only have one mini horse, but we also have a mini donkey.
00:26:34.160 --> 00:26:37.279
So we have Violet, and then we have Rufus.
00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:39.599
Violet just she's uh 18 months old.
00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:41.119
Rufus sounds like the donkey.
00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:41.680
That shouldn't be.
00:26:41.920 --> 00:26:42.480
Rufus is the donkey.
00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:45.279
That's just a New York type name.
00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:49.200
So he came to us, so we we he he was rehomed to us.
00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:54.960
And so he's six, and Violet's 18 months, and they are like they're the best buddies.
00:26:55.119 --> 00:27:01.599
He knows that she's a baby, and she and he he still plays kind of rough tries too, and then she gets a little sassy with him.
00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:04.160
Um but it's it's lots of fun.
00:27:04.319 --> 00:27:11.519
He knows how to smile, and there's pictures of them on our on our socials, but yeah, he he loves to smile, but she likes to be the princess.
00:27:11.680 --> 00:27:19.519
She likes to get her hair braided, and it's exciting because Violet is actually going to be at Starlight Academy.
00:27:19.920 --> 00:27:21.599
So excited to have Violet visit, yes.
00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:23.279
So that's gonna be, and you know what?
00:27:23.359 --> 00:27:25.279
Actually, I think that's her debut visit.
00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:25.759
Really?
00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:26.160
It is.
00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:28.799
It is her debut visit.
00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:33.279
Like a curtain or something, like a ribbon, you know, something like that as a debut.
00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:34.000
Like a drum girl.
00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:36.160
The princess needs her time on the red carpet.
00:27:36.640 --> 00:27:37.039
She does.
00:27:37.200 --> 00:27:37.920
Oh my goodness.
00:27:38.079 --> 00:27:43.599
She she I gave her a bath the other day and she's just standing there, just you know, posing and wanting everyone.
00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:44.559
She's such a little princess.
00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:45.279
Awesome.
00:27:45.440 --> 00:27:47.519
Uh that is that is really, really cool.
00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:51.119
Well, congratulations for your success of your organization.
00:27:51.279 --> 00:28:02.240
And um, what what are some um as we kind of close out, what would you tell like to tell our audience about the importance of using these animals to make a connection with our autistic kids?
00:28:02.640 --> 00:28:04.799
Think outside the box is the big thing.
00:28:04.960 --> 00:28:07.200
Think outside the box and and try it.
00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:14.240
You know, if your kid is interested in your pet, ask them to do something for the pet or ask them to help you feed the pet.
00:28:14.400 --> 00:28:16.960
If you have a pet, say, hey, would you help me feed them?
00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:19.119
Give them a simple one-step task.
00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:20.079
Can you get the bowl?
00:28:20.640 --> 00:28:23.279
Or can you dump the dog food in the bowl?
00:28:23.599 --> 00:28:26.000
Just get and then grow slowly, build it up for the body.
00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.480
Exactly.
00:28:28.640 --> 00:28:29.839
Just simple asks.
00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:34.079
They don't need to be like, go outside, here's a bag and a shovel, go pick up all the poop.
00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:37.200
Just simple, fun tasks, one at a time.
00:28:37.440 --> 00:28:39.599
Think outside the box and don't limit them.
00:28:39.839 --> 00:28:40.559
That's the big thing.
00:28:40.640 --> 00:28:41.519
Don't limit them.
00:28:41.839 --> 00:28:42.559
We hear that a lot.
00:28:42.640 --> 00:28:43.279
You know, we do.
00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:48.880
It's one of our biggest problems is that we try we limit our, you know, these special needs kids and they can do a lot.
00:28:49.200 --> 00:28:50.160
Yeah, absolutely they can.
00:28:51.359 --> 00:28:53.359
I know you also have some community events.
00:28:53.519 --> 00:29:00.000
Do you typically bring your animals to those events so we can kind of have a soft exposure for those kids that maybe want to see is this something for me?
00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:01.359
Absolutely, we do.
00:29:01.680 --> 00:29:09.680
Because you're one of your biggest ones, and it's how you got me on the hook, honestly, because my boy, is it my boy isn't a pet fan, but he is a car fan.
00:29:09.920 --> 00:29:14.640
And the first time we heard of Revved Up for Autism, like he was all over it.
00:29:14.720 --> 00:29:16.000
So tell us a little bit about that.
00:29:16.319 --> 00:29:18.559
Yes, so we do an annual car show.
00:29:18.720 --> 00:29:26.559
This is actually our 11th year, Revved Up for Autism and Resource Fair, which you guys, you guys are sponsors, Best in Show Motorcycle.
00:29:26.960 --> 00:29:28.640
Yeah, always we will always support you.
00:29:28.720 --> 00:29:29.359
We love what you're doing.
00:29:29.599 --> 00:29:32.319
And so we have our resource fair, which you guys will be at.
00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:36.000
And um, it's just a fun family event that's free.
00:29:36.079 --> 00:29:37.759
It's free for families to attend.
00:29:37.920 --> 00:29:41.519
We have Santa, it's the first Saturday in December.
00:29:41.680 --> 00:29:52.480
But I I it was important to me when I started Positive Friendships that I wanted something that was going to be out there for the community that was free, that everyone could attend.
00:29:52.640 --> 00:29:54.799
So it and they can they don't feel bad.
00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:58.240
Oh, I bought a ticket and now my kid's having a meltdown and now I gotta go.
00:29:58.480 --> 00:30:00.400
Like, no, like it's it's open.
00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:03.519
There's you can kid is having a a meltdown.
00:30:03.680 --> 00:30:04.240
It's okay.
00:30:04.400 --> 00:30:08.400
You can come, you can go, you can come back, you can do whatever is is needed.
00:30:08.559 --> 00:30:10.400
So it's just a fun, exciting.
00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:12.240
And where do they find information on that?
00:30:12.319 --> 00:30:13.440
So you have a website, I'm assuming.
00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:14.480
They have our website, yep.
00:30:14.559 --> 00:30:22.079
So they can go to positive P A W positive friendships plural, because we have more than one friend.org.
00:30:22.480 --> 00:30:22.720
Okay.
00:30:22.880 --> 00:30:27.119
And we'll make sure that's up on our social media as well, and and up on our podcast.
00:30:27.279 --> 00:30:32.319
And and you're missing out the best part with with the uh Rev Up for Autism.
00:30:32.400 --> 00:30:36.079
And you probably just do this with your organization, but the cards, you have cards for each animal.
00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:40.640
Yes, every animal has their own little baseball style trading card.
00:30:41.119 --> 00:30:42.480
My kids go nuts on that.
00:30:42.720 --> 00:30:55.839
Like they go and they collect all of them and then they try to find the animals there at the events and yes, and they have and I've had parents say that their kid keeps them by their bed, and that's like their little procrastination to go to bed, because they're like, wait, first, I have to put them in alphabetic order.
00:30:56.079 --> 00:30:58.319
Wait, no, no, I gotta put them in order by birthday.
00:30:58.559 --> 00:31:01.359
Or, you know, just to not wanting to go to bed type of thing.
00:31:01.519 --> 00:31:04.720
But it's kind of cool because then they always have a little positive friendships, trading cards.
00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:08.160
Okay, so now Nathan, did this work?
00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:11.759
Are we getting a dog at the Palmer residence now?
00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:15.440
Listen, I'm the needle has swayed heavily in that way.
00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:26.480
But but listen, I've but I've also I've also started thinking, and for Tasha, yours was born out of animals, but I really think the genius in what you're doing is the approach.
00:31:26.720 --> 00:31:26.960
Yes.
00:31:27.200 --> 00:31:32.400
You're really you're really providing a game or an alternative pathway to support.
00:31:32.960 --> 00:31:36.799
And like my mind's buzzing with, can I do this with our car?
00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:40.000
You know, can I do this with a video game?
00:31:40.240 --> 00:31:41.680
Can I do this with a device?
00:31:41.920 --> 00:31:49.920
Like there, there are elements of what you're talking about where I think I can introduce this positive approach, right?
00:31:50.079 --> 00:31:57.680
Which is really the the genesis of what you're talking about, this positive approach to support rather than this demand approach or compliance approach.
00:31:58.240 --> 00:32:13.039
And um but but what I think none of those would replace, and I think it's I think it's just why you've done so well, animals as a living thing create this almost primal ability for connection.
00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:25.839
And I just uh I'm having this moment because you know, when we built Polaris, um we wondered, is it a good thing to have all these kids in the same place?
00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:31.359
Because some of the research suggests, no, put them in a typical environment and that's the best place, which I'm mixed feelings on.
00:32:31.519 --> 00:32:33.680
I think it's actually where they learned to mask more than anything.
00:32:33.920 --> 00:32:41.279
But um when we surveyed our kids after we opened, we asked them a question, and uh it was part of our accreditation.
00:32:41.440 --> 00:32:43.039
We're like, let's just see what they like.
00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:44.480
Like, what did we do right?
00:32:44.720 --> 00:32:46.000
And it was a write-in answer.
00:32:46.160 --> 00:32:47.359
It wasn't an A, B, C, or D.
00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:49.680
We asked our kids, what's your favorite thing about Polaris?
00:32:49.839 --> 00:32:51.440
And I think half of it was for our ego.
00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:53.519
Brad, I I know Brad was really volume for the gym.
00:32:53.599 --> 00:32:54.880
I thought the stem in the business center.
00:32:55.359 --> 00:32:55.680
Let's do this.
00:32:55.920 --> 00:33:01.039
And we were all convinced that the areas, right, these features were gonna be the things that these kids pointed out.
00:33:01.359 --> 00:33:08.880
Tasha, 96% of our kids from first through ninth grade on a write-in answer, all said the exact same thing.
00:33:09.200 --> 00:33:11.039
They said there's kids like me here.
00:33:11.359 --> 00:33:13.519
And I think at the core, they just want to connect.
00:33:13.599 --> 00:33:17.920
And animals provide a level of connection that no inanimate object ever can.
00:33:18.319 --> 00:33:19.440
So am I swayed?
00:33:21.279 --> 00:33:22.720
Begrudgingly so, yeah.
00:33:22.799 --> 00:33:26.079
And but but it's also making me rethink how we connect.
00:33:26.240 --> 00:33:29.839
And there's a lot I think we can learn from our pets to also connect with our kids.
00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:31.200
Yeah, connection is important.
00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:34.319
I know I told you in the beginning my son started at ASU.
00:33:34.799 --> 00:33:36.480
He I asked him, How are you liking it?
00:33:36.559 --> 00:33:37.519
Are you making friends?
00:33:37.759 --> 00:33:46.079
And he says, I finding more people I can connect with here and relate to at college than I could in high school.
00:33:46.240 --> 00:33:52.799
And he was in a he was in a public school in high school, but it that I was like, hmm, that's very interesting.
00:33:53.279 --> 00:33:57.119
But it's he's looking for that connection, looking for that acceptance.
00:33:57.359 --> 00:33:57.759
Yeah.
00:33:58.079 --> 00:33:59.519
Well, I well, awesome.
00:33:59.680 --> 00:34:01.039
Thank you, Tasha, for being here.
00:34:01.519 --> 00:34:03.359
Thank you for that wonderful conversation.
00:34:03.519 --> 00:34:08.320
And thank you, everybody, for um connect, you know, being making us part of your day.
00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:15.039
Please don't forget to subscribe so you never miss another wonderful conversation that inspires connection just like this.
00:34:15.280 --> 00:34:20.480
Um, we just want to say thanks to our wonderful producer, Jesse Palmer, marketing director Dallin Davis.
00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:23.039
Until next time, let's do some good.
