Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can significantly hinder a person’s ability to manage daily responsibilities and attain their long-term goals. Since ASD is a spectrum, it can present differently in every individual and bring with it a unique set of challenges.
Service dogs can provide life-changing support for people struggling with disabilities, and that includes autism spectrum disorder. In this post, we’ll explain exactly what a service dog is and the kinds of tasks they can be trained to do to improve the lives of people with ASD.
What Is a Service Dog?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is a type of working dog that has undergone training “to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” The tasks can vary drastically depending on their handler’s individual needs.
By performing these trained tasks, a service dog can alleviate symptoms significantly, which in turn allows their handler to better manage their daily obligations and cope with everyday stressors.
There are several service dog training organizations and charities in the US, each better suited to certain needs, disabilities, and budgets. However, the ADA doesn’t require service dogs to undergo training with a third-party organization. This means people with disabilities are legally allowed to carry out service dog training themselves.
Common Autism Service Dog Tasks
Service dogs can perform a variety of tasks to help people with ASD, including:
Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
This task involves a service dog strategically placing their body onto their handler’s own body. The pressure and warmth of this act can help ground an individual with autism and calm them during times of distress, such as when they’re experiencing sensory overload.
Mitigate Self-Harming Behavior
A service dog can be trained to recognize self-harming behaviors, such as head banging, skin picking, or hand biting, and interrupt their handler by nudging them, tugging on their clothes, or gently moving their hands away.
Guide to Exit
When a person with ASD is becoming overwhelmed in a situation, a service dog can be taught to guide them to the nearest exit and lead them to a safe space without drawing unwanted attention. For example, a service dog can be taught to tug on their handler’s sleeve in a social situation or bark, implying they need to be let out to relieve themselves.
Crowd Control
Many people with ASD struggle in crowded, busy areas. A service dog can be taught to perform crowd control, where they circle around their handler to physically prevent strangers from getting too close.
Ease Sensory Overload
A service dog can be trained to identify signs that their handler is experiencing sensory overload and then perform tasks that help mitigate this and ground them. For example, if their handler is becoming overwhelmed by noise, the service dog can lead them to a quieter, darker area of the room.
They can also be strategically trained to reduce environmental stimuli, such as switching off lights or retrieving noise-canceling headphones for their handler.
Communication Assistance
When someone with autism becomes overwhelmed in a social situation, they may find it hard to communicate. A service dog can be trained to retrieve an assistive tablet or written messages on cue, providing their handler another means to convey their words.
They can also be taught to strategically retrieve a medical information pack for an emergency responder in times of crisis.
Noise Alerts
When someone with autism is overwhelmed, they may experience a shutdown and be unable to properly hear or distinguish sounds in their environment. This can cause them to not hear their name being called or miss other crucial sounds, like fire alarms.
A service dog can help assist with this by alerting them to vital sounds through tactile stimulation, such as licking their hand or nudging them.
Get an Autism Service Dog Today
If you feel that an autism service dog would be helpful for you or someone in your family, don’t be afraid to get in touch with a healthcare professional. They’ll guide you through the process and be able to evaluate your needs accurately.
However, be mindful that taking on an animal is a big responsibility. You should only consider getting a service dog if you have the means to care for them and support them financially.
With a handler who can meet their needs, a service animal is truly a life-changing companion like no other that will benefit the handler beyond the autism service dog tasks they’re trained to perform.
