April 30, 2009
How Service Dogs Help Kids on the Spectrum
Beijing, the service dog who helped our son with Asperger's syndrome.
By Diane McLean
There was a time that I hated the checkout line at the grocery store, but not for the reasons that mothers of neurotypical kids might suspect. For my son Daniel, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, the checkout line pushed his social anxieties through the roof. Daniel cringed and scowled if a friendly cashier greeted him, acknowledged him in any way, or even looked at him. Employees seemed confused when Daniel turned his back or even growled when they complimented his cool shoes or team jersey. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
That was before a 30-pound ball of fluff named Beijing entered our world. Beijing is Daniel’s service dog. The Sharpei-Golden Retriever mix not only improved trips to the grocery store, she changed Daniel’s life. The world of strangers isn’t so scary anymore. Compliments don’t feel like threats to Daniel anymore. A friend of mine even remarked how “normal” Daniel seemed now. He even has a job at a pet store, where he’s at ease with customers and other employees. And Daniel now goes through the grocery checkout line on his own, makes his purchases, talks with the cashier, and looks employees in the eyes on his way out and says, “You have a great day.” Music to my ears.
Getting a service dog for Daniel started out as a pie-in-the-sky dream. He always had a close connection with our family pets. On rough days, they found their way to Daniel’s lap, curled up with him, and gave him unconditional love. Their calming effect was so profound, it made me wonder what Daniel would be like if he could take them everywhere. That thought triggered the relatively quick search for a service dog to help Daniel with moods and anxiety problems. After completing the application process, we received word from the training organization that a dog was ready for Daniel.
By definition, a service dog is specially selected, trained, and tested to assist a person with a disability. Service dogs, also known as assistance dogs, are not pets, and are entitled access with their handlers to all public facilities, such as stores, schools, and restaurants. Like all privileges, however, service dogs come with big responsibilities, so it may not be a good option for everyone.
For Daniel, however, being responsible for Beijing is a huge part of what helps him. His attention in public is completely on her and away from his social anxiety. He focuses on giving her commands and on her behavior, his job as her handler.
Beijing is a people magnet. In public, people often approach Daniel and want to know about her. In the early days, I responded to questions, like “What kind of dog is that?” or “What kind of work does your dog do?” However, after about a month, Daniel started answering the questions himself. He made eye contact with strangers and said things like, “Her name is Beijing. She’s part Sharpei and part Golden Retriever.” Or, “She helps me with anxiety. She’s really nice. Would you like to pet her?”
In a short time, Daniel also learned to advocate for himself. He carries a copy of the Americans with Disabilities Act in Beijing’s harness and politely educates people about his rights or service dog access laws. He learned to advocate for himself.
People often ask how Beijing helps Daniel. Unlike other kinds of service dogs, she doesn’t turn on lights or help him cross the street safely. But in a million little ways she has helped Daniel become more independent. She helps Daniel connect with people, allowing him to develop better communication and social skills. Her calming presence provides security and decreases anxiety in social situations. She helps him be OK in the world.
Daniel now attends school without Beijing, a choice he made this year. To keep her skills sharp, I take her to my elementary school, where I am a school counselor. After becoming certified as a Professional Therapy Dog Team, we work with kids in a variety of ways. Beijing goes for walks with students who need a break, teaches kids how to be good listeners, models how to follow directions, and provides emotional support to students and staff alike, even our dog-loving principal.
Beijing continues to help Daniel with socialization, mood stability and anxiety. Through my work in schools, Beijing also helps many other kids overcome disabilities. By helping people become more independent, we see firsthand how man’s best friend provides a great service. For us, dog days are the best days.
For more information
There are many service dog organizations with a wide variety of fees, services, and training requirements. We obtained Beijing though C.A.R.E.S., Inc. in Concordia, Kansas. Learn more about them at www.caresks.com or contact Sarah Holbert or Megan Lewellyn at 800-498-1077.
NOTE: Does your child love dogs? Beijing will be working with children during “Dog Days of Summer,” a social skills program for second- through sixth-graders. To find out more about Beijing and Diane, or to register for “Dog Days of Summer” or other social skills programs, go to www.dogdaysforkids.com or email Diane at diane@dogdaysforkids.com.
