All parents who care for autistic children are faced with huge challenges. It is now possible to find service dogs for autism. Parents are seeing almost miraculous results from these wonderful animals. Sometimes for the first time, parents are relieved of some of the burden of 24 hour care for these children. The dogs are having profound effects on their charges.
There are unique challenges which occur when caring for a child with autism. Some of these problems are not found in other disabilities. A child with autism does not connect well with society or with their environment. Social connections are difficult for them. They are often non-verbal so communication is impaired. Even if they do speak they do not use the skill well in company, even when with their parents.
These children need a very structured, ordered life. Any sudden changes cause tremendous anxiety and alarm. This may result in head-banging and rocking behaviors. Many persist in running away.
The child is oblivious of environmental dangers. They will run onto roads, go through gates and/or walk up to strangers without any awareness of the risk they might be taking. Some children are so determined in their efforts to escape from their home that parents barricade their houses in desperation.
There has been significant success in attaching the child to their service dog with a lead. While this may sound a bit severe, the child is happy to stay with his new friend and makes little attempt to run off. A strong bond quickly develops between the dog and child. Dogs are trained to cope with many aspects of autism. Once they are bonded with their charge, they instinctively defuse situations and provide stable support and comfort for the child.
Autistic children also have great difficulty with being held or touched. Surprisingly this anxiety doesn't appear to apply to their service dog. There is much anecdotal evidence to suggest that tactile experiences become less worrying for the child with some eventually accepting hugs and cuddles from their parents. These wonderful dogs provide non-judgemental company and support to their children. service dogs for autism offer parents a lifeline in the exhausting task of caring for an autistic child.
There are unique challenges which occur when caring for a child with autism. Some of these problems are not found in other disabilities. A child with autism does not connect well with society or with their environment. Social connections are difficult for them. They are often non-verbal so communication is impaired. Even if they do speak they do not use the skill well in company, even when with their parents.
These children need a very structured, ordered life. Any sudden changes cause tremendous anxiety and alarm. This may result in head-banging and rocking behaviors. Many persist in running away.
The child is oblivious of environmental dangers. They will run onto roads, go through gates and/or walk up to strangers without any awareness of the risk they might be taking. Some children are so determined in their efforts to escape from their home that parents barricade their houses in desperation.
There has been significant success in attaching the child to their service dog with a lead. While this may sound a bit severe, the child is happy to stay with his new friend and makes little attempt to run off. A strong bond quickly develops between the dog and child. Dogs are trained to cope with many aspects of autism. Once they are bonded with their charge, they instinctively defuse situations and provide stable support and comfort for the child.
Autistic children also have great difficulty with being held or touched. Surprisingly this anxiety doesn't appear to apply to their service dog. There is much anecdotal evidence to suggest that tactile experiences become less worrying for the child with some eventually accepting hugs and cuddles from their parents. These wonderful dogs provide non-judgemental company and support to their children. service dogs for autism offer parents a lifeline in the exhausting task of caring for an autistic child.
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