4 Paws 4 Ben
So you may be asking yourself, how can a service dog help a disabled child? Service dogs are trained for many different disabilities including those similar to Ben’s. Autism Service dog training began in the mid 1990’s, but has gained enormous notoriety in recent years. These dogs are specially trained to meet the child’s needs and quickly become close companions, providing a constant in their lives.
Some of the benefits and tasks of a service dog are:
Safety! Ben is unaware of environmental dangers: traffic, etc. The dog will keep Ben from wandering off since he will be tethered to the dog. It will protect him from running out into streets, parking lots, etc.
Tracking: Ben's dog will be trained to track his scent, if in the event Ben does escape we will be able to give the dog a command to track and find Ben.
Emergency Alert: The dog will be trained with a hand signal so that if Ben is choking or hurt, he will be able to sign to the dog and have the dog alert one of us.
Behavior Redirection: By nudging, licking, or pawing…essentially redirecting Ben’s attention. The service dog will assist in coping with emotional overload which will decrease negative outbursts. One child said…”She helps me, she calms me down, she lets me know she’s there when I’m about to have a meltdown.”
Create a consistency in Ben’s life as the dog will go everywhere that he goes, even within places of public accommodation (ex. school, doctor’s office, restaurant, etc.). The only place a service dog can be refused entry is a private home. All public facilities are required, by ADA, to allow entry to the service animal. Stability and calm reassurance that the feelings of anxiety or fear are not needed because the trusted dog is always by his side. This will help make routine changes less traumatic by the dog being a constant factor in Ben’s life.
Develop Ben’s social skills; Increase positive interactions and at the same time decrease isolation from peers; increase Ben’s participation and functional level; improve language skills by learning to give the dog commands; focus improves, sleep improves and the length of attention span increases.
Provide friendship, companionship, and unconditional love. A source of great comfort when Ben is in a high stimulus environment. The service dog’s presence will offer a calming influence and provide a sense of security to Ben and his family.
Teach responsibility. Ben, with guidance, will be responsible for feeding the dog, making sure he/she has water, brushing the dog, etc.
Reduce family stress levels.
What is a Service Dog?
Click here to learn more about 4 paws for Ability and how they have helped so many people.
Ben's Service Dog, Starburst
