Service Dog Helps Student with Autism Excel in College
A medical study proved their benefit for people with autism
Service dogs can be vital to an autistic child’s developmental success because of their impact on sociability, ability to bond, and sensory management. In fact, according to a study conducted in 2014 and published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, several benefits of service dog ownership were seen among children with autism. Over 94% of parents said that their children developed a strong bond with the pet, resulting in a calming nature and ease in the children with sensory issues. “Dogs can help children with autism by acting as a social lubricant…if the children with autism invite their peers to play with their dogs, then the dogs can serve as bridges that help the children with autism communicate with their peers,” stated Gretchen Carlisle.
