AUTISM THERAPY
parking lots, crowded stores, or the street. Autism
therapy dogs are specially trained to assist families
with public safety concerns by tethering the child to
the dog’s harness which helps minimize the chance of
elopement. While therapy dogs are often used to help
prevent elopement for children with autism or other
developmental disabilities, dogs should be used to
supplement, not replace, individualized safety pro-
grams for children with special needs.
Often, the family dog is a child’s first “best friend.” This
occurrence extends to children with special needs
who often build very close friendships with their
canine buddies, helping foster social and communi-
cation skills in developmentally challenged children.
Research suggests that children feel more secure and
less anxious in social environments when therapy
dogs are present, thus promoting a positive social ex-
perience.
Improvements in daily schedules and compliance
with caregivers’ directives have been reported in
children with autism who routinely use therapy
dogs for transitions, chores, and low-preferred activ-
ities. Existing research supports the use of therapy
dogs for gaining compliance in school activities and
homework, assisting in community outings, and in
supporting medical/dental check-ups.
Studies suggest the use of therapy dogs in lowering
the frequency, intensity and duration of tantrums,
as well as repetitive and self-stimulatory behaviors
in children with autism by helping to regulate the
physiological stress response to environmental trig-
gers. Less maladaptive behaviors can indicate more
opportunities for developing new, pro-social skills.
#WIN-WIN.
Similarly, therapy dogs are often used for occupa-
tional therapy to help increase children’s fine and
gross motor development by performing simple
tasks such as brushing the dog’s hair, playing catch,
or going for a therapeutic walk. Simply stated, ther-
apy dogs can provide significant support to a child’s
occupational therapy needs, helping to increase in-
dependence toward goal mastery.
Parents of a child with autism should remember a
number of things when considering a therapy dog:
• Dogs should be matched to the family’s person-
alities and home environment.
46 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 65
• Therapy dogs should be matched to meet the
child’s developmental needs.
• Families should be prepared to undertake ser-
vice dog training.
• Use reputable agencies that specialize in ser-
vice dogs for children with ASD/developmen-
tal disabilities.
References:
Berry, A., Borgi, M., Francia, N., Alleva, E., & Cirulli, F.
(2013). Use of assistance and therapy dogs for chil-
dren with autism spectrum disorders: A critical re-
view of current evidence. The Journal of Alternative
and Complimentary Medicine, 19, 73-80.
Burgoyne, L., Dowling, L., Fitzgerald, A., Connelly,
M., Browne, P.J., & Perry, I.J. (2014). Parents’ perspec-
tives on the value of assistance dogs for children
with autism spectrum disorder: A cross-sectional
study. BMJ Open, 4(6), e004786.
Burrows K., Adams C., Millman S. Factors affecting
behavior and welfare of service dogs for children
with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Applied
Animal Welfare Science,11, 42-62.
Burrows, K., Adams, C., & Spiers, J. (2008). Sentinels
of safety: Service dogs ensure safety and enhance
freedom and well-being for families with autis-
tic children. Qualitative Health Research, 18, 1642-
1649.
Annie Tanasugarn is certified as a Behavior Analyst
by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She
holds an MS degree in clinical psychology and is
completing the final steps of her doctorate degree.
Annie comes with 15 years of clinical training in
behavior management for both neurotypical and
developmentally delayed children and specializ-
es in autism spectrum disorders. Annie has been
trained in multiple intervention techniques, which
are integrated into her comprehensive one-to-one
and parent training programs. Annie is the owner/
CEO and operator of her online blog, The Autism
Analyst, and additionally holds a private practice
in helping empower children and families impact-
ed by autism and behavioral problems.
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