Trained Dogs Assist Autistic Children

January 28, 2008

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Canines Are Making a Big Difference, But Price is High

By

Parents of autistic children are discovering that their young ones

can be greatly helped with assistive dogs, similar to the way that

seeing eye dogs work with the blind.

For example, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution relates the story of 7-

year-old Plunk, who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at

age 3. Plunk's parents say the child has really blossomed working

with Ajax, a highly trained Great Pyrenees-boxer mix. Ajax nuzzles

to avoid distressing scenarios, comforts him, and even

changes the way other people relate to him in what the parents

describe as empathetic ways.

" He's more calm and comfortable in his skin, " 's mother told

the Journal-Constitution. " He's interested in what's going on around

him, more in tuned with people. "

Other parents have noticed that time spent with animals seems to calm

and help those with autism adjust. Trained dogs can also prove

invaluable at preventing autistic children from wandering off and

getting lost, something that arguably may have saved the life of the

young boy in North Carolina this week.

To qualify for a companion working dog, children must have a

disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act that can be

mitigated by a dog, be able to financially care for the animal and

guarantee the animal's safety in their home. Plunk's dog was provided

by the Ohio nonprofit 4 Paws for Ability. Costs for similarly trained

dogs are high, ranging from 13,000 to $26,000. Training can take up

to eight months.

Not only do autistic children have renewed opportunities for growth

and development, but all of us can learn from assistive animals. We

can be reminded of our close connection to other living things, be

inspired to care for others around us, and increase our compassion.

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