Service dogs for the Autistic

Dogs do it again! They continue to prove their worth and importance in our society, and another
job has popped up for them. We’re happy to report they’ve accepted the position and are making
great strides.
Autism continues to increase at a rate of 6-15 percent each year, and there are currently 3.5
million Americans living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, according the Autism Society of
America.
Those who have dealt with getting the care needed for a loved one understand the daunting and
very expensive path they often find themselves walking down while searching for relief.
Enter Service Dogs for the Autistic.
Historically, service dogs have helped those in need by supplementing physical restraints, such
as being the eyes for someone who can’t see, or working with those having recurring seizures.
With Autistic children and adults, these service dogs are providing support that is more
emotional in a world that can be quite isolating. They provide patient and consistent
companionship while also keeping those afflicted safe through extensive training.
One of the fundamental symptoms of Autism is that he or she doesn’t connect well with other
people and/or their environment. Autism service dogs are proving to be that connection needed
by being a steady and consistent force in their day-to-day lives.
Another common symptom is severely Autistic people don’t detect potentially dangerous
situations and having a service dog stops them from walking into the street or leaving the house
unattended.
In addition to the priceless companionship they’re able to provide, these service dogs are
bringing down health care costs.
The health care fees for Autistic adults and children have settled deep into the billions per year
(and counting). These dogs are offering a safe way for families to cut costs by supplying them
with a full-time therapist and confidant.
Prices for a well trained dog start as low as $12,500. Not bad considering the U.S. cost of autism
over the lifespan is about $2.4 million for a person with an intellectual disability, or $1.4 million
for a person without intellectual disability.
Dogs continue to amaze, impress and greatly improve the lives of so many. They are truly our
sixth sense and change lives by seeing (and smelling) things we can’t detect. They deserve our
respect and appreciation as they patiently touch the lives of so many people.
For more information on Service Dogs for Autism visit:
https://www.pawswithacause.org/
http://4pawsforability.org/
http://autismdigest.com/service-dogs-and-autism/

Kate Brack, author.