Autism Service Dogs
Service dogs trained to assist individuals with autism perform a variety of tasks to help mitigate their disabilities. Some of the key tasks they may be trained for include:
Agitation response: Calming the handler during moments of distress or anxiety.
Assist in creating a safe personal space: Helping the handler feel secure in social situations.
Buffer in crowded places: Acting as a barrier in busy environments to reduce overwhelm.
Deep Pressure Therapy: Applying weight to provide comfort and reduce anxiety.
Provide distraction: Redirecting the handler's focus during stressful moments.
Reorient to the here & now: Using licks or nudges to ground the handler in the present moment.
Snuggle: Offering physical affection and companionship to foster emotional connection.
These tasks contribute to greater independence and improved well-being for individuals with autism.
An autism service dog is trained to support individuals with autism by enhancing their independence and helping them navigate daily activities.
Autism service dogs play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism, fostering greater independence and confidence.
Skywalker (Mermaid litter) is a lifesaver for Autism meltdowns. She does Deep Pressure Therapy, but she’ll sometimes add in some licks to distract (her own little addition!). She has also alerted for oncoming migraines due to low blood sugar.
-Amanda P in Long Island, New York