'The Gentle Giant'. A story of an autistic child and a Maine Coon
Title: The Gentle Giant. A story about a Maine Coon cat and an autistic boy. This is an entirely fictional story but based on the known benefits of companion animals to children on the autism spectrum in order to promote prosocial behaviours. In a quiet town nestled between rolling hills and dense forests, lived a young boy named Ethan. Ethan was a bright and curious child, but he faced the world differently than most. Diagnosed with severe autism, he found comfort in routines and struggled with social interactions. His parents, loving and supportive, sought ways to help him connect with the world around him. One sunny afternoon, while walking through the local animal shelter, Ethan’s eyes met those of a large, fluffy Maine Coon cat named Max. Max had a regal appearance with his tufted ears, bushy tail, and a coat that shimmered in the sunlight. But it was his gentle, understanding eyes that drew Ethan in. Without hesitation, Ethan reached out, and Max, sensing the boy’s need for comp