AUTISM THERAPY
Ways a Service Dog Can Change
Your Special Needs Child’s Life
By Annie TANASUGARN, PhDc, BCBA
Most people are pretty familiar with the saying, “A dog is a man’s best friend.” Dogs
are animated, fiercely loyal, and guarded protectors. But their worth goes beyond just
being a trusted companion. For many, these furry friends serve a significant purpose
as therapy dogs in the treatment of social, behavioral, and cognitive delays common
in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
T
he use of therapy dogs is not a new concept.
The earliest studies from the 1960s found ben-
efits of dogs in helping severely withdrawn
children. However, it was not until nearly three
decades later that science was able to validate
the utility of using dogs for therapy.
Today, therapy dogs proudly serve several purposes:
• Safety
• Social behavior
• Compliance
• Emotional regulation
• Physical assistance/motor development
As a parent with a child on the autism spectrum knows,
many kids have a limited concept of personal safety,
which often results in children eloping (bolting) into
Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 65 |
45