Each client has a unique story, but the impact seems to be consistently the same; NSD Service dogs have changed their lives for the better. When speaking with staff about the impacts service dogs have on children with Autism, three main themes were repeated. These themes were wraparound care, impact on the entire family, and safety.

Service dogs are effective additions to the holistic care of children with Autism. Wraparound care involves supporting people in all areas of their lives- wrapping them with care. In addition to care opportunities such as medication and support at school, service dogs aid in mood regulation and redirection. Service dogs often attend school with their child where positive differences in behaviour are seen including increased focus. One staff recalled a story where the service dog was involved in speech therapy with “a non-verbal child who began expressing themselves in new ways once the dog entered their life. The way the parents lit up when sharing this specific development made it very clear how much of an impact the dog had on their child and their family dynamic”. This quote also feeds into how service dogs impact the entire family of a child with Autism. 

NSD staff consistently learn about the positive impacts Autism service dogs have on the entire family dynamic. Some clients have expressed that they had no idea what the dog would do for the whole family, and how much their lives would change. One staff member remembered a client saying “Our autism service dog saved my life, our marriage, and helped our child at the same time”.  Autism service dogs often provide some independence to their child, and offer them support the parents may have once offered. With parents having some reprieve from care, they have time for self care, work, and other activities they may not have previously had time for. 

The final main theme that came up when speaking to staff about the impacts of Autism service dogs was the sense of safety the dog provides to children and their families. Children can hold a handle or be tethered to the dog so they know they cannot elope with their service dog. With the assistance of a service dog many children stop eloping all together or it drastically decreases in frequency. Parents know their child is safe with a service dog.  Autism program clients have described having a service dog as an extra set of eyes or somebody else you trust watching out for your child when out in public. Families become more able to go to places they couldn’t before having a service dog, such as a restaurant, on vacation, or places with large crowds.  With an Autism service dog, families are able to go on these public outings and know their child will be safe, calm, and grounded.