Companion Dogs, Making a Difference

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Recommended: Development of children with autism

For a number of children with autism having a companion dog is the difference between life and death. Methodically trained guide dogs help create an environment where autistic children are comfortable enough to live a more ordinary lifestyle. Autism spectrum disorder is a major public health problem that is the most common neurological disorder affecting 1 out of every 110 births in the US (Autism Society, 2009). ASDs can range in severity from Asperger Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism where the child can function relatively well in society, to autistic disorder or classical ASD, which severely inhibits the child’s ability to socialize or communicate (NINDS). Autism manifests itself most strikingly as impairments in formation of social relationships and communication (Adams and Burrows, 2005). “Imagine for a moment that you are in locked in a crazy room where the lights flicker, ambient temperatures fluctuate, loud music blasts your ears, and strong odors overwhelm. This is how most autistic children experience the world on a daily basis. They are deregulated for sensory data processing, and all parts of one’s body and life are affected.” - (Hollingsworth, 2011) Companion dogs for autistic children represent an invaluable resource by playing an imperative role in creating independent living skills. Safety is the most significant position a companion dog plays by preventing the child from running away or darting out into a dangerous situation such as a busy street. Autistic children may “display unpredictable and volatile behavior,” such as running away without warning, that could place the child in serious danger (Adams, Burrows, Spiers). Companion dogs are trained to alert parents when the child may be engaging in da... ... middle of paper ... ...05 Nov. 2011. . Foden, Theresa, and Connie Anderson Ph.D. "Dogs, Horses, and ASD: What Are Animal-Assisted Therapies?" Kennedy Krieger Institute. 8 Mar. 2011. Web. . Hollingsworth, Shanna. "Psychiatric Service Dogs: Children with Autism." Psychiatric Service Dog Society. 2008. Web. 5 Nov. 2011. . Holloway, Monica. Cowboy & Wills: a Love Story. New York: Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2009. Print. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). (2009, October 19). Autism Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm. Pavlides, Merope. Animal-assisted Interventions for Individuals with Autism. London: Jessica Kingsley, 2008. Print.

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