Autism is a mental health disability that impacts millions of people across the United States, and even around the world. While autism tends to be treated with medications and therapy, did you know that a service dog can help? That’s right, a service dog for autism can improve social interactions, prevent social anxiety, and even provide an outlet for different types of assistance when necessary.
When it comes to service dogs for autism, you’ll find that each case is different, which means that how they’re trained and how they help varies. The good news is that this guide has your back. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Service Dog?
Service dogs are canines that are trained to assist with mental or physical disabilities. Autism impacts everyone differently, so that service dogs can provide mental and physical assistance. Service dogs aren’t your average pet, either, and you’ll find that they have protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). These protections allow service dogs to accompany you in public spaces, on flights, and in housing that’s not usually pet-friendly.
In order for a service dog to be legitimate, they need to be trained to provide assistance for a specific task for someone. This training is often extensive.
Does Autism Qualify for a Service Dog?
Yes, autism qualifies for a service dog. In fact, it’s one of the disabilities that qualify for a service dog. What’s more, you’ll find that conditions that are present as a result of autism may also qualify. For example, a service dog may not help with general autism symptoms, but they may be able to help with panic attacks or something similar.
That said, you’ll need to consult with a licensed mental health professional to determine if autism qualifies for a service dog.
How Does a Service Dog for Autism Help?
Service dogs for autism help in many ways. You’ll find that they can ease the tension during social interactions and that they can assist with physical impairments that autism may cause. Learn about the most common ways that a service dog for autism can help below.
Help with Anxiety
Did you know that anxiety impacts people who have autism at a higher rate? In fact, upwards of 20% of people who have autism experience anxiety. While this may not be the sole purpose of a service dog, you’ll find that they can help people manage symptoms of anxiety.
This is because the presence of a service dog can reduce cortisol levels and ease the tension during social interactions that may cause anxiety.
Safety
Service dogs for autism can keep people safe. Children who have autism, for example, may wander or stray from their parents, school, or wherever they are in public. Having a service dog can prevent someone from wandering, which keeps them safe.
Service dogs can also escort someone with autism away from danger, especially through big crowds or in the event of a fire or something similar.
Sensory Assistance
Service dogs for autism can also help with someone’s senses. If someone is having a reaction to too much stimulation, for example, a service dog can apply deep pressure therapy or guide them away from that stimulus.
Service dogs for autism can also help people avoid potential triggers. If large crowds or flashing lights trigger sensory overload, service dogs can guide people away.
Physical Assistance
Service dogs for autism can also help with physical disabilities. If someone with autism has trouble moving around or requires a wheelchair, for example, service dogs can help them get around.
Service dogs can also help people who drop items or need an item brought to them. This includes reminders for medication and much more.
Our Final Thoughts on a Service Dog for Autism
Autism is a condition that varies based on the person, especially when it comes to the severity of the symptoms that come with it. While service dogs for autism can help, you’ll need to speak with your doctor to determine if a service dog is right for you or a family member.
For these reasons, it’s important to take the process slowly and learn as much as possible about how a service dog for autism can help. Thankfully, this guide serves as a great foundation.
