Part of a series written by guest blogger J, an adult with autism

I always tell people that my best childhood friend was my sister. That’s not entirely true. While my sister is terrific and I love her to death, my best friends were named Cotton, Leo, and Goldie. They were, respectively, a cocker spaniel, a spaniel-poodle mix, and a parakeet. The parakeet was actually blue, with no yellow whatsoever, so the name made no sense, but that was what I chose. He looked like a Goldie to me. I was about five when I got him, but I’d probably do the same thing today.

Those dogs and that bird were my confidants and the only living beings around whom I was never afraid of being judged. Animals just take you as you are, you know? You can say or do any weird thing, and they’re just like, “OK! Cool!”

As long as they have food, shelter, and companionship, animals don’t really care if you’re not like the other humans, because they don’t know what normal is. You don’t have to fake normal, because there’s no such thing. My cat can watch me do any strange thing and she doesn’t care. My doggies and my bird were the same way. It gives me a sense that I’m around someone who loves me, but who isn’t judging my every move to ascertain what exactly is wrong with me.

My point is, I think owning a pet can be very beneficial for autistic people. We all really want to be loved, and an animal can provide the sort of companionship and bond that neurotypical people often can’t. Obviously, if allergies are a barrier, some careful selection needs to be made when choosing a pet, but having one can be such an oasis in a desert of people who don’t understand you. I’ve had the same feeling when meeting other autistic adults for the first time, but those are harder to come by than are animals in need of a home. I’ve met two other autistic adults in the past month, thanks to networking from WAAA CEO Arzu, and it’s been an amazing experience to meet people who speak my language. But honestly? Those were the first two I’d EVER met. It’s just not easy, especially since a lot of people aren’t open about who they are. I’m not, which is why this is published anonymously.

This is also why I think that programs like WAAA’s Gift of Time and Friendship Matters are so important. I’m in no way equating autistic people with animals, it’s just that the feeling that you’re around someone who is not scrutinizing and judging everything you say or do is such a relief. Getting in touch with other living creatures who don’t care what crazy stuff you do is amazing. Other people with ASD is ideal, but honestly, a pet is not a bad substitute.

My cat is sitting next to me right now, doing that weird cat thing where she puts one leg behind her head while she licks the other leg, and that’s kind of insane, but it gives me comfort to know that she doesn’t think twice when she sees me do things that are equally bonkers. Like counting my fingers. Not counting things on my fingers… Counting them. I know I have ten, OK? But I still count. I don’t know why, and I don’t do it in public or anything. Even when I do it in front of my family, everyone is like, “What are you DOING?” My kitty does not care. Neither did Cotton, Leo, or Goldie. And that’s awesome.

In conclusion, if you or your child are having difficulty connecting with people, maybe consider going to an animal shelter and finding a soul mate. You won’t be sorry.

- See more at: http://www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org/updates/2016/04/30/faking-normal-animals-dont-judge/#sthash.PStSg2yv.dpuf