Hey Eyes,
I think you've hit on an important point - pets. Even for *normal* children, they're great. As one article brought out "A child's pet will hear things about the child that the parent will never know." Having something that you can confide it, love, play with, cry with, just have.
I've always had animals around - still do. Some people, abused or not, have been known to love their pets more than any person they ever met. Not a bad choice sometimes.
And private places. You had your barn - I had my field. A place to hid, play, be safe, secret.
It's important as an adult too. A private place - garden, hobby, in your mind.....just safe & private, where you have control.
Take care,
waiting