Dog Therapy: The Latest Addition To The List Of Therapies For Autism

Animals, over the years, have proven their inestimable importance in the treatment procedures of individuals with special needs. For instance, persons with visual impairments are accompanied by trained Seeing-Eye dogs to adequately negotiate their physical environment and avoid any accidents. A growing number of researchers and doctors have propounded the theory that dogs can be used in the treatment of autistic individuals, for not only do they provide physical protection, but also emotional support.
"Autism dogs" are trained to provide assistance to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. These dogs are physically connected to the autistic individual by means of chains or ropes for either of the two following reasons.

• Firstly, these "service dogs" ensure the safety of the autistic individual. For instance, they will prevent a child with autism from darting across a busy street. If the child has a tendency to walk wayward and get lost, then the dog can prevent the child from straying off by virtue of its own weight. These service dogs are also trained to follow instructions from parents. They are trained to notify the parents if they sense any danger. Such instances may involve the moments when the autistic child is unhappy and has a propensity towards causing harm to himself/herself. The presence of a dog is like an additional source of security, as it is not always possible for a parent/care-taker/relative to accompany the autistic child.


• Secondly, proponents of this method also state that the child tends to develop an emotional relation with the "service dog". Moreover, the presence of the animal can help to minimize, and gradually eliminate the frequency of emotional outbursts that are common among autistic children. The dog can also function as the focal point for conversing with other children. In this way, the autistic child will also develop his/her language and communication skills.

There are numerous testimonials that attest the effectiveness of "Dog Therapy" in the treatment of autism. Two primary outcomes have been observed:

• Enhanced physical security and safety.


• Enhanced emotional, retentive and social skills.

Parents and family members need to submit applications for obtaining a "service dog" to the organizations where they are available, like 4 Paws For Ability, National Service Dogs, Autism Service Dogs Of America etc. The cost incurred is approximately around 20,000 dollars. The basis of procurement of a service dog does not, in any way, depend on the severity of the debilitating condition, or the age of the autistic child. The application does not focus on the autistic child's level of functionality.
Once the application has been granted, then the parents of the autistic child can work in unison with the trainer and condition the dog to get habituated to the particular conditions of the autistic child. Moreover, the dog is also trained to follow instructions given by the parents.
The definite causes of autism, and the particular chemicals that can improve the condition are still much debated, just as the several complementary non-invasive therapies that are aimed at the overall cognitive, linguistic and emotional development of the autistic child. "Dog Therapy" is yet another addition to the list of contested therapies for autism treatment. Yet, it has already proven its success, as children who undergo this therapy are safe from accidents, and can develop their emotional skills.

Donald Kevin is a researcher working at an autism clinic in California. In this article, he provides important information regarding methods for Autistic Treatment.

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The Benefits of Animal Therapy For Autism

For those of us who have had pets in our lives, it's no great surprise to learn that interactions with animals can have therapeutic and healing benefits. Many animals soothe, comfort, and calm, just by their quiet presence. And animals are now also being used as a form of autism therapy.
A New Mexico Highlands University School of Social Work graduate student named Jennifer Baról lead a research project to study the benefits and impact of animal-assisted therapies on children with autism when used as a treatment tool.
The study, entitled "The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on a Child with Autism" ran for 15 weeks between July and November of 2006. It was geared toward the goal of discovering whether or not there is any evidence that therapies based on animal-assistance would be able to improve an autistic child's social skills.
The results of the study were interesting. For example, before undergoing the animal-assisted therapy with an eight-year-old Australian Cattle Dog named Henry, participant Zachary, who was five years old, experienced a dramatic struggle in order to communicate. Zachary was prone to throwing tantrums as well as covering his ears and eyes when he became frustrated with his lack of ability to be understood. Participation in new activities was stressful to him. He couldn't understand how to play with others and had never before uttered a complete sentence.
However, once Zachary met and bonded with Henry, he went through a virtual transformation. His self-assurance level is much higher and he is willing to experience new activities with an obvious curiosity. Furthermore, Zachary is better able to understand what is going on around him, including the needs of others. Moreover, halfway through the therapy for the research project, Zachary completed his first sentence.
In the case of Zachary, a whole new world of experiences and understanding was opened up by the animal-assisted therapy. Within the mental hospital clinical reports, there have been many reports of autistic children who have built strong relationships with individual animals, such as pet dogs or cats. When autistic children play with animals, any violent tendencies they may have will typically disappear. They take on quite maternal characteristics, taking special care of the animal including feeding, cleaning up after them, and interacting with them.
The blood pressure of autistic children will also usually be lowered when experiencing an animal treatment. Furthermore, symptoms such as insomnia and headache can be eased with this treatment.
The companionship of animals can help reduce any lonely feelings in autistic children, promoting a base of healthy character development within them, including personality traits such as being respectful, trusting, contributing, committed, self-confident, and responsible. Autistic children can also learn decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, and both language and social skills through interactions with animals.
This kind of therapy can be beneficial overall, as well as in times of greater trial, such as puberty - when your child will go through many changes and have many questions and will be in need of greater stress relief.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans' brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out about animal therapy for autism and for information on autism service dogs please visit The Essential Guide To Autism.

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