6-year old Iris Grace Halmshaw is a little girl from the UK who was diagnosed with autism in 2011.
Her severe form of autism was marked by obsessive behavior, irregular sleep patterns, refusing to make eye contact, avoiding playing with her parents or other children and feeling distressed around people she didn’t know.
Mom, Carter-Johnson and her husband reached out to therapists and did as much research as they could to look for activities through which Iris could effectively express herself. They even looked into getting a therapy animal for Iris. They first tried dogs and even horses, but Iris didn’t connect. Then, one day the family was cat-sitting for their son and they were surprised the way Iris and the cat bonded. The family looked into getting a therapy cat for Iris and discovered that the Maine Coon is a great breed for autistic children.
When they brought Thula home from a local breeder, the fluffy kitten slept in Iris’ arms the first night. Iris appeared to relax around Thula, stroking her whiskers and ears.
“Thula loved all of the things that Iris found difficult,” Carter-Johnson said. “It was like heaven.”
Before, Iris hated the sensation of things touching her skin, like clothing and water, but as a water-loving breed Thula hopped right in the bathtub. And soon, Iris began to take all her baths with Thula.
If Iris became impatient in the car, Thula would walk over and sit on her lap to calm her down.
If she had difficulty sleeping, Thula would distract her until she had settled down.
Iris also began to speak. She would say, “sit, cat” and Thula would obey.
In addition to helping with Iris’ speech therapy, Thula also studied Iris’ movements as she painted or played, and encouraged Iris to continue.
“It’s beautiful watching this,” Carter-Johnson said. “We’re her parents and educators. It’s calming to know that she has her little buddy, and someone other than just us.”
“I’m hopeful for more improvements,” Carter-Johnson said. “One day, I want her to be able to get a job and live independently, and we will try our absolute best to make that happen. Autism doesn’t have to be this grim diagnosis — it’s seeing the brilliance in differences and embracing those.”
For now, Iris has her best friend by her side- her therapy cat.
Watch this video of Iris and Thula below and please SHARE their beautiful story with your friends and family on Facebook!
[Featured Image Credit: Iris Grace]
Therapy Cat Helps 6-Year-Old Girl With Autism To Communicate is an article from: LifeDaily