The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

The objective of the presentation is to understand the appropriate use of service dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder. Service dogs can be used as a successful tool in behavior modification and safety, as a learning aid and for social growth. Participants will learn how dogs can be used as an individual’s service dog or as a facility dog for many children. The presentation will also explain when a service dog is not always the answer and when placement should not take place, as well as discuss the impact and the future of service dogs with individuals with ASD.

Following are guidelines to be considered for the family, child and dog for placement of a service dog.

From the family standpoint:

• Interview process
• Removing stress, not adding to family stress
• Full family cooperation needed
• When placement is the answer and why
• When placement is not the answer

From the child's standpoint (objectives and goals to be considered with the support team):

Advantages:

• Safety (bolting, blocking the door, climbing over fences, sleep walking)
• Early intervention
• Education (modeling, imitation, demonstration)
• Socialization catalyst for family and child
• Behavioral modification
• Behavior interruption or redirection
• Responsibility and caring for another living being
• Service dog included in child’s curriculum and IEP plan
• A sensory bridge
• Communication skills
• Physical activity

Disadvantages (when not to place a service dog):

• Aggressive behavior from the child towards others
• Self-destructive behavior towards themselves, which can be displaced to another being
• Overly excitable in presence of dog
• Sensory overload when exposed to dog (smell, licking, hair, noise)
• Too high a distraction to be with the dog (overpowers learning)
• Added stress to already overworked parents or school aide (to have another being to care for)
• Unrealistic expectations (dog is not the babysitter or crossing guard at the corner)
• Not willing to learn to work the dog

From the dog's standpoint:

• Training (specialized training by reputable trainers)
• Autism/seizure response
• Cost 

• Follow-up required regularly
• Characteristics needed (stable, alert, obedient, bonded, highly socialized training, exposed to children)
• Needs to be happy, not overly stressed in the placement environment
• Constant re-evaluation of environment and working conditions required
• Teachable moments (go with the flow)
• Facility or individual’s service dog (which role is more beneficial for each case)

Future of the favorable improvement of ASD with service dogs:

• Improve future training and maintain high standards for autism service dog training (Train the Trainer program)
• Cues used (e.g., Get Help, Awaken, Block, Trash, Forward, Back, Move Up, Wait, Stay, Stand, Sit, Count, Lights, Crawl, Snuggle, Kiss, Focus, Visit) [Aces Academy data]
• In therapy sessions: speech and PT
• Service dog in the school environment with its own handler and student
• Studies needed – proper protocol
• Measurement of success – family, therapists, teachers

Video examples will be shown of service dogs successfully working with children with autism.