Assistance Dogs are remarkable animals who provide a bond like none other. Some benefits are obvious in the physical form of helping, while others are more invisible and are felt inside of the person. With it being “International Assistance Dog Week”, we wanted to highlight how Service Dogs can help those of us in need, particularly Autistic children.
Road Safety
Service Dogs help bring awareness to children of the dangers outside. They can guide children to safety and intervene in dangerous situations.
Social Situations
Children with Autism can have a hard time in social situations. Service dogs can help these children become independent, more assertive, and more confident.
Sensory Support
Children with Autism experience sensory disorders. Sometimes a dog’s head resting in a child’s lap can provide a much-needed physical stimulation in situations that can bring anxiety.
Taking Turns and Sharing
Playing games with a dog can help a child learn how to share toys and how to take turns.
Break in Routine
Autistic children can have set routines and tend to rely on the consistency of these to provide a sense of calm. Service dogs can help a child be more willing to leave routine behind and venture off to experience something new.
Coming Out Of Their Shell
Studies have proven that Service Dog support/therapy can help a child to laugh and become more talkative. This must be such a freeing sensation for the child.
A Best Friend
When all is said and done, we all want that best friend who is always there and will never judge us. A service dog can provide this and can even help children to overcome self-harm feelings and establish a real connection/bond with them.
These are only high-level examples of how Service Dogs help children with Autism. There are so many studies and information out there to encourage this human-animal bond in people with all ranges of disabilities.
