• Search and Rescue/Tracking: Nick, like almost all children with autism, has a strong tendency to wander away. Despite safety measures of a security system and locks on the doors and windows of our home, Nick has snuck out of our house. We’ve been fortunate to have always found him before he got far away. We need to keep a vigil eye on him at home. And, the risk of him getting lost when we are away from home (in a crowded shopping mall, on a family vacation) is much greater. In the event that Nick ever wanders away, a service dog with tracking skills will find Nick within precious minutes when simply given the command to find his boy.
Autism Service Dogs
A BOY WAITING FOR A SERVICE DOG
Autism Service Dog Skills
• Behavior disruption: Autistic children commonly engage in repetitive behavior. Some tendencies include hand flapping and spinning objects. A service dog trained in behavior disruption will be trained to recognize Nick’s particular behaviors as a signal to place his or her paw or nose on Nick to stop the behavior. To the dog, when given an occasional treat, this is a game. It encourages Nick to cease his repetitive behavior, and may even help him engage with the dog and more socially appropriate behavior.
• Tethering: This skill will provide one of the greatest benefits for Nick and us. Here, the service dog wears a special tethering leash. Nick will be connected to the dog with one portion of the leash. We, the handlers, will control the dog with a second leash. With tethering we will find a new freedom out in the community. Currently, shopping, trips to amusement parks, public gatherings and other outings are things we try to avoid with Nick as we constantly have to have our hand on him or be close enough to run after him should he try to run away. Tethering will help us and offer Nick more independence as our hands are off him. In the event Nick impulsively runs towards a dangerous situation (like an oncoming car) or disobediently bolts, we as handlers command the dog to go into a down onto the ground which will hold Nick from running. With time many children get so accustomed to tethering that they actually find it calming when out in public.
• Sensory interventions: Nick’s autism makes him crave heavy sensory input. A service dog will help provide the deep pressure Nick needs to calm him. The dog will be trained to sit on Nick’s lap and to allow Nick to lie against him. A potential outcome is that Nick will decrease his less socially acceptable ways of seeking sensory input, such as jumping or running in public places.
