the door. For a person with autism, it may not be immediately obvious which of the many external stimuli is the urgent one requiring their immediate attention. A person with autism may have to sort through both major and minor stimuli—the sound of crickets, the smell of the fabric softener on their clothes, a car driving past outside—to determine which of these, if any, needs their attention. They may understand that a smoke alarm is urgent and requires them to exit the building, but it might take more time to realize the alarm is sounding in the first place. Autism assistance dogs may use a command to "ground" their owners by sitting on their feet, applying pressure when the owner is anxious. See also Guide dog Hearing dog Medical response dog Mobility assistance dog Psychiatric service dog Seizure dog Service animal Child harness References Citations Sources Assistance dogs Treatment of autism