Service dogs may be a friend to a child with autism and help keep the child safe, but the family with the dog needs the support of a good veterinarian.
The purpose of this study was to learn from families what it is like to have a service dog to support a child with autism. Each family must find its own way to bring a service dog into the family. The authors found that the troubles with service dogs may offset the good of having a service dog. The authors suggest that veterinarians look at the results of this study so that they can better help the owners of service dogs. Veterinary schools can teach veterinarians how to learn what needs to be known about families who want service dogs.









Please comment on this autism topic.
Autism Service Dogs
Aug 21, 2008 by AnonymousDoes anyone know of or know someone who currently has an Autism Service Dog? Do they attend school with their dog? In what counties?
Thank you for your help... please let me know at jbethlasanta@yahoo.com.
Carter
May 7, 2007 by AnonymousCarter Graymar, a six-year old boy with autism from Ontario, loves to play outdoors and swing. The only problem, his mother says, is that he runs to the street rather than staying in the backyard. Also, in July, Carter will be receiving a national Service Dog trained for him; the family raised $12,000 for the dog; so a fenced in backyard would be a dream come true. By virtue of an essay his mom wrote, Carter has the opportunity to win a backyard makeover from Sunlight Laundry; there are three other backyards in contention. In order for Carter and his Service Dog to play safely in a fenced-in backyard with a swingset, the Graymars ask that you visit Sunlight Laundry and follow the contest links to read their story. If the story touches you or someone you know, vote for Carter; the polls are open between May 7 and May 22nd.