A puppy tends to be a beloved addition to any family , but for a family supporting a child with autism an Assistance Dog can make a crucial difference to their happiness and stability . April 2 is Autism Awareness Day and Autism Assistance Dogs are a little known but hugely beneficial form of 'animal therapy ' . It turns out man 's best friend are actually 'kid 's best friend ' , with pups changing the lives of many children with autism who may otherwise struggle to talk , communicate , walk or socialise . An 'Autism Assistance Dog ' is used to keep a child with autism safe and are an incredible tool to help them develop social skills and positive relationships . The term 'Autism Spectrum Disorders ' ( ASD ) is an umbrella term that includes Autistic disorder ; Asperger 's and Atypical Autism . April 2 is Autism Awareness Day and people may be oblivious that man 's best friend are actually 'kid 's best friend ' , with pups changing the lives of many children with autism ( stock picture ) Children with autism often have difficulty with social interactions and their verbal and non-verbal communication skills may be badly affected . They can struggle to cope with change and unfamiliar environments and routines . 'The Autism Assistance Dog ( AAD ) Program is designed to improve the quality of life for both the child with autism and his or her family through three key areas : safety , independence and inclusion , ' according to GuideDogs SA . Every child is unique meaning matching the right dog to their need 's and their family is crucial . The dog can provide companionship for the child , as well as social and emotional support for the parent to bring joy and 'brightness ' to the household . It has been reported by families participating in the Austism Assistance Dog Program that the companion can also foster positive interactions between siblings , encouraging play . The highly trained , specialised working dogs are licenced to accompany the child in essentially any location . 'An Austism Assistance Dog ( AAD ) has the same legal rights of access as a Guide or Hearing Dog . It is clearly identified by a coat which has securing points and a handle that the child can hold if appropriate or required , ' according to GuideDogs SA . 'The purpose of the coat is to bring awareness to the special circumstances regarding the dog . This also increases the ease of access to public places by differentiating the status of an AAD from that of a pet . ' The dog can provide companionship for the child , as well as social and emotional support for the parent to bring joy and 'brightness ' to the household ( stock picture ) It can make family outings or even a quick trip to the shops possible where a child with autism may have struggled before . It can also give parents peace of mind as they know their child is being looked out for by a dog which has been specially trained to help their master avoid harm 's way . The comfort of having their furry pooch by their side can offer a sense of stability for the child and be a calming presence on all members of the family . Children with autism 'have a high tendency to 'bolt ' when they feel anxious or stressed . This is made even more alarming as they are often far less aware of danger and may not respond to direction . This can be a great challenge , requiring constant observance from their carer to ensure the child remains safe . 'On outings , the child 's safety is enhanced by being connected to a coat on the dog 's body , through a safety belt around the child 's waist , ' explained Guide Dogs SA . 'The parent has control of the dog through their own lead and will apply vocal commands to the dog . The child is encouraged to walk beside the dog but if they do choose to run off on their own , the dog is specially trained to quickly and calmly take control of the situation . 'The dog is trained to resist by sitting or lying down , acting as an `` anchor '' , ' GuideDogs SA explains . 'This gives the parent time to intervene and diffuse the situation . ' However , the importance of this lesson is that , through the repetition , children 's attempts to bolt are often reduced or completely eradicated . 'These dogs are a friend when you need one any hour of the day , every day of the year . 'They are also skilled for a few select tasks if you happen to need a hand… or a paw ! '
Assistance Dogs are a little useful but crucial tool for children with autism . They are used to keep the child safe and encourage social skills . Children with autism often have difficulty with social interactions and their verbal and non - verbal communication skills may be badly affected . Autistic children ' have a tendency to ' panic ' when anxious or stressed . The Assistance Dog is used to keep a child out of harm 's way and make outings more manageable for the carer .