Child's best friend

Assistance dogs are transforming the lives of children with autism and bringing peace of mind to their families.

- Nicky Pellegrino

Impulsive and unpredictable behaviour is often a feature of autism spectrum disorder, and taking children out of their usual environments may be stressful and risky. As a result, many families feel trapped and isolated.

Specially trained assistance dogs can change the lives of children with autism and their parents, literally opening up their worlds and giving them greater freedom.

Researchers from the University of South Australia recently studied eight families and had them map the places they went before and after they received an assistance dog. Not only did they venture further afield and visit more places with the dog, but there were fewer "meltdowns" among children, who were soothed by its presence when feeling overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of a new environment.

Occupational therapist Shelley Wright says perhaps the most surprising aspect of the study was the idea of "freedom through restraint". "Parents are often scared a child will run off," Wright says. "Bolting is the term they tend to use. So, children with autism may end up being strapped into a pram a lot longer than typically developing children, to keep them safe."

Once tethered to a dog, which is trained to anchor them if they try to bolt, a child with autism is free to walk without there being any fear of them running away, perhaps towards a busy road.

There have been concerns about this use of a tether, and suggestions that an easy-release Velcro fastening should be used instead. But families in the study pointed out there is no point in a harness that a child is able to rip off and, while being attached to the dog may be a form of restraint, it is one that allows more freedom for both children and their families, giving peace of mind, and potentially saving lives.