Autism Therapy Dog: Understanding the Benefits of Owning One

Individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can benefit from having an autism therapy dog as a companion. These dogs can provide support and have a positive impact on families with children with ASD. Although having a dog is an additional responsibility, the joy it brings to your child and family is worth considering. The bond between humans and canines is an age-old tale, revealing the depths of companionship and the healing power of dogs. For families with children on the autism spectrum, an autism therapy dog can be a lifeline to a world that can often feel overwhelming. These therapy dogs are not just pets, but rather, they offer numerous benefits to the child with autism, their families, therapists, and animal enthusiasts. In this comprehensive exploration, we will uncover the myriad benefits that these dogs offer.

What is an Autism Therapy Dog?

These are canines that are in charge of providing support, companionship, and happiness to people with ASD. Some dogs could have some special training designed to assist unique to the needs of a particular individual with ASD. These dogs could be trained for tracking as some kids with autism may wander off and have difficulty recalling where home is. They could also be trained to calm the child during meltdowns by snuggling with the child.

Learn more about doodle school

Several organizations could help parents look for service canines to be autism therapy dogs. This includes the following:

Pawsitism is a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs for those with autism. They have been our great partners and we’re happy that our dogs can make a great impact on the lives of other people.

What are the dog breeds best for children with ASD?

We have listed our top 5 choices for dog breeds that are best for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Golden Retriever - Their gentle and happy demeanor makes them suitable to be around children with special needs. They are easily trained and can be excellent companions during outside walks.
Labrador Retriever - Similar to the Golden retrievers, this breed is intelligent and could fetch medicine for you.
Poodle - Who wouldn’t fall in love with this smart breed? Poodles are gentle, and loyal animals that are great to be with kids.
Bernese Mountain Dogs - These breeds are great at providing comfort. Thanks to their build, some children feel safe and secure to be around them.
Doodle dogs - These are poodles mixed with another breed. They can be great in alerting the family of emergencies. In addition, they can also be the best companion during play time or during times of emotional stress.

Now that you’ve learned what dog breeds could be suitable as therapy companions, learn the benefits of having them around.

BENEFITS OF HAVING AN AUTISM THERAPY DOG

A Boost in Social Skills

Dogs are naturally playful and different breeds have different levels of energy. Having them around, children with ASD are more likely to develop stronger skills in interacting with others. They are more confident as they engage with other kids. They also have increased levels of oxytocin and serotonin which provide a calming sensation to one's body. With this in play, children with ASD are more motivated and encouraged to be with other people.

More Independence

Thanks to these therapy dogs, children with ASD learn to be dependent on themselves. They can communicate better and have better decision skills. Having the dogs around also makes them more comfortable, secure, and safe. This leads to a better mood and better communication of their emotions.

Reduced Anxiety & Fear

Children and Adults with ASD can experience panic attacks and may also suffer from emotional distress when triggered. Therapy dogs help reduce their fear and anxiety especially when there are changes in their usual routines. This anxiety could also show up during times when they meet new people. Autism therapy dogs can serve as their comfort zone. In addition, it could also alert their carers when they are about to experience panic attacks.

Stronger Bond between Pet and Child

Having a pet around encourages a strong bond between these furry animals and the child. The affection that they give to each other is beneficial for each other. These children are helped by these dogs in some ways to express their emotions.

Improved Cognitive Skills

Autism therapy dogs can help children improve in performing simple tasks which they might previously find difficult to do. These tasks could be walking the dog, feeding it, or just brushing its fur. This helps the children in following directions and also improves their focus.

The Gift of a Furry Guardian Angel

At the heart of Stokeshire Designer Doodles' distinctive program lies a commitment to training and nurturing dogs to become more than just family pets but true companions to individuals with specific needs. Their curriculum and socialization and testing protocols are rigorously constructed to produce outstanding therapy-grade dogs, ready to support those who need them most.

Benefits for Children with Autism

For children with autism, the unyielding loyalty of a therapy dog is a gateway to emotional stability, social development, and sensory regulation. These bespoke family members are attuned to their child's unique needs, offering:

Emotional Support

Therapy dogs provide a constant, non-judgmental presence that can be a source of immense comfort for children on the autism spectrum. In moments of stress or overstimulation, the gentle nuzzle of a furry friend can work miracles.

Social Interaction and Communication

A therapy dog acts as a bridge in the often-challenging world of social communication for autistic children. The unconditional love and interactive play can encourage positive social cues and interactions.

Sensory Support and Calming Effects

The world can be an overwhelming place for many children with autism, and therapy dogs are literal lifesavers in offering tactile comfort and a calming influence through their presence and the pressure of their furry bodies. We do recommend larger dogs for this effect.

Benefits for Parents of Children with Autism

The daily life of a parent with an autistic child is a mosaic of challenges and triumphs. An autism therapy dog can alleviate a portion of the burden, providing:

Stress Relief and Emotional Support

The stress of parenting a child with autism is well-documented. A therapy dog can be a catalyst for stress reduction, offering a welcome distraction and providing support during the most trying times.

Enhanced Safety and Security

Autism therapy dogs are trained to be vigilant and protective, functionally serving as a personal safeguard for children, easing parents' worries about their child's wandering or safety.

Companionship and Bonding Opportunities

The dynamic of the family unit can be greatly enriched by the inclusion of a therapy dog. These canines often become 'sibling' and beloved companions, fostering relationships and opportunities for emotional bonding that may otherwise be challenging.

Benefits for Therapists

In the hands of a capable therapist, an autism therapy dog becomes a versatile tool, offering:

Facilitation of Therapy Sessions

Through integrated participation in therapy sessions, a therapy dog can help in achieving therapy goals such as increased verbal communication, emotional expression, and social interaction.

Complementing Traditional Therapy Methods

The use of a therapy dog can complement other therapeutic interventions, enhancing their impact and offering a versatile approach tailored to the individual child's progress and responses.

Encouraging Emotional Expression

The calming presence of a therapy dog often makes children more comfortable expressing emotions, allowing therapists to observe and aid in addressing these emotions comprehensively.

Benefits for Animal Lovers

Beyond the immediate family and therapy circle, the ripple effect of owning an autism therapy dog touches the hearts of those who advocate for the human-animal bond, providing:

Fulfilling a Noble Cause

For animal lovers, training an autism therapy dog or supporting a program that does so is an opportunity to engage in a meaningful and noble cause, contributing to the betterment of a child's life.

Witnessing the Positive Impact on Individuals with Autism

The joy of seeing the transformation and improvements in the lives of autistic children due to the companionship of a therapy dog is a deeply moving experience for any animal lover.

Personal Satisfaction and Emotional Rewards

For those involved in training or supporting therapy dogs, there is no greater reward than the knowledge that their efforts have translated into tangible, positive changes in the lives of children and families.

A Shared Journey of Growth and Healing

The decision to welcome an autism therapy dog into your home is a pivotal one, resonating with the potential to transform not just individual lives, but the collective human experience. It is an invitation to witness the inexhaustible well of healing that flows from the heart of a dog. And as we close this chapter, we extend a call to action—explore the myriad ways you can support and contribute to the world of therapy dogs. Whether it's through advocacy, financial support, or even the adoption of a therapy dog into your own life, the possibilities to make a difference are as boundless as the love these dogs provide.

iN cONCLUSION…

With all of these benefits of having an autism therapy dog, you might want to consider getting one if you or a loved one has autism. It will not only help improve the emotional and cognitive development of a child but would also help in creating a special bond for the whole family. Life for children and adults can be challenging and frustrating at times. Having a therapy dog around will provide the support and security that you need.