Canine Assistance and
Support for Special Needs Children
Autistic children have special needs that make everyday living a challenge. Because they are unable to adjust to or navigate society like their peers, they often require support when carrying out tasks that others take for granted.
Parents and caregivers find it difficult to balance their work and family commitments with providing the level of help that autistic children may require. Rather than risk their employment or take time away from other pressing duties, they can manage better by pairing their children with dogs that are trained to provide support and comfort for autistic individuals.
The Role of a Companion Dog
Dogs that are trained to help autistic children carry out important duties that help their human companions function better in everyday life. Children with autism, for example, often find it difficult to speak and interact with others at school. They cannot make eye contact and are often shunned by their peers who believe that they are being anti-social.
When they have a specially trained canine companion with them, these children may be forewarned of social situations that could trigger behaviors like rocking, looking away, or other actions that make it difficult for them to engage their classroom friends and carry out other everyday activities. Their dog provides support that they need to feel calm and comforted, helping them learn better and remain a central part of their learning environment.
Children with autism sometimes are also prone to tantrums because of feeling anxious or afraid. Their dog can give them the security and friendship that they need to avoid tantrums while at school or in public. They may gain confidence and also overcome fears and anxieties that once made going to school, shopping, or elsewhere difficult and overwhelming.
Choosing the Right Canine Friend
Before you choose a support dog for your child, it is important to know what qualities to look for so that you know the dog will provide the level of support your child needs. It is important that you select a breed of dog that has proven to be helpful in this support role. Breeds like Labradors and retrievers are often preferred for this special role because they have the calm demeanor, attentiveness, and size desired by their owners.
It is also vital that you select a canine that has been raised and trained by a licensed, professional facility dedicated to offering support dogs for autistic individuals and other special needs clients. You should do your research by visiting the facility's website and also asking for recommendations and proof of their certification.
Finally, your support dog should come to you with the proper paperwork and proof of its special needs support training. Many businesses and public places require that this proof be made available so that they can distinguish your canine companion from family pets. You also should inquire about a vest or leash that signals that your child's dog is a support animal rather than a pet.
Children with autism face many challenges in everyday life. Whether going to school or out in public with their families, these children may feel overwhelmed, frightened, and out of control. They can function better and gain reliable support and comfort by being paired with a dog trained to help autistic children.
Autistic children have special needs that make everyday living a challenge. Because they are unable to adjust to or navigate society like their peers, they often require support when carrying out tasks that others take for granted.
Parents and caregivers find it difficult to balance their work and family commitments with providing the level of help that autistic children may require. Rather than risk their employment or take time away from other pressing duties, they can manage better by pairing their children with dogs that are trained to provide support and comfort for autistic individuals.
The Role of a Companion Dog
Dogs that are trained to help autistic children carry out important duties that help their human companions function better in everyday life. Children with autism, for example, often find it difficult to speak and interact with others at school. They cannot make eye contact and are often shunned by their peers who believe that they are being anti-social.
When they have a specially trained canine companion with them, these children may be forewarned of social situations that could trigger behaviors like rocking, looking away, or other actions that make it difficult for them to engage their classroom friends and carry out other everyday activities. Their dog provides support that they need to feel calm and comforted, helping them learn better and remain a central part of their learning environment.
Children with autism sometimes are also prone to tantrums because of feeling anxious or afraid. Their dog can give them the security and friendship that they need to avoid tantrums while at school or in public. They may gain confidence and also overcome fears and anxieties that once made going to school, shopping, or elsewhere difficult and overwhelming.
Choosing the Right Canine Friend
Before you choose a support dog for your child, it is important to know what qualities to look for so that you know the dog will provide the level of support your child needs. It is important that you select a breed of dog that has proven to be helpful in this support role. Breeds like Labradors and retrievers are often preferred for this special role because they have the calm demeanor, attentiveness, and size desired by their owners.
It is also vital that you select a canine that has been raised and trained by a licensed, professional facility dedicated to offering support dogs for autistic individuals and other special needs clients. You should do your research by visiting the facility's website and also asking for recommendations and proof of their certification.
Finally, your support dog should come to you with the proper paperwork and proof of its special needs support training. Many businesses and public places require that this proof be made available so that they can distinguish your canine companion from family pets. You also should inquire about a vest or leash that signals that your child's dog is a support animal rather than a pet.
Children with autism face many challenges in everyday life. Whether going to school or out in public with their families, these children may feel overwhelmed, frightened, and out of control. They can function better and gain reliable support and comfort by being paired with a dog trained to help autistic children.
