Autism Dogs

Autism dogs are trained to assist a person with autism to improve their social interactions and relationships and expand their verbal and/or nonverbal communication. The dog can also intervene when their handler becomes over-stimulated, helping to alleviate stress.

An autism dog can help a person deal with transitions from place to place or activity to activity, increase responsibility, and add consistency to each day.

Examples of how a service dog may assist a person with autism include:

• Providing various levels of deep pressure to prevent or respond to over-stimulation or meltdown
• Interrupting stimming, or repetitive behaviors
• Resting their head in the person’s lap to ease anxiety or agitation
• Sitting between the person’s legs feet for tactile interaction which may increase focus and alleviate anxiety

Please note: Susquehanna Service Dogs does not permit tethering of a dog to an individual to prevent elopement.

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