Having furry friends can add fun and dating to anyone, Children with autismit can change your life.
A recent study from the University of Arizona School of Veterinary Medicine assessed the impact of Service dog About 75 families with autism and their caregivers.
Working with fellow dog provider dogs at nonprofits, researchers found that having a service dog is associated with “a significant improvement in a child’s sleep behavior,” including reduced sleep anxiety and improved sleep initiation and duration.
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In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Maggie O’Haire, the university’s dean of research, said the increase in programs pairing with service dogs has sparked research. Children with autism.
A recent study from the University of Arizona School of Veterinary Medicine assessed the impact of service dogs on children with autism and their caregivers. (istock)
Sleep improvements are especially important for children and the whole family, O’Hare said.
When the dog was there, the children were able to sleep more independently in their rooms, researchers found.
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“The dog provides that calm and source of comfort and perhaps reduces anxiety,” she said. “And if they wake up a little at night and have their service dogs there, they probably can do it easier. Falling asleep By yourself. ”
According to O’Haire, the family also reported that when going out in public with a service dog, there is less stigma and judgment and creates more positive social connections.
Make a big difference
Washington mom Amanda Harpel Franz shared that her son Evan, who has autism, enjoys many benefits of having a service dog.
“Evan is lively, curious and caring. He lights up our lives,” Harpel Franz described his 7-year-old son in an interview with Fox News Digital. “Most people who meet him say there’s something very loving and fascinating about him.”
Evan, 7, is portrayed along with his service dog, Calvin. Evan’s mother said he has consistently attended school and extracurricular activities without a struggle since the family welcomed Calvin. (Dog friend)
“He’s very active, I love being outsideI love connecting with his friends,” she said. He realizes that others don’t notice. Very empathetic and sweet child. ”
Evan was born a week earlier and experienced a seizure.
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Harpell-Franz later notices serious anxiety, difficulty understanding social cues, and signs of a regressed speech, which ultimately leads to him. Autism diagnosis.
“It definitely shapes how Evan sees this world and how he takes it in this world,” she said. “We definitely don’t see it as a deficit or a bad thing, but there are challenges.”
Evan struggled in a social setting before being placed with service dog Calvin through his dog companion.
Former foster parent and longtime dog owner Harpel Franz spoke about the “big difference” that Calvin, a mix of lab and golden retriever, made for his relationship with his son.
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Evan also slept well since receiving his service dog, his mother said. Calvin sleeps next to him every night, and physical pressure helps the boy get better rest.
“Evan and Calvin sleep in a row,” Harpel Franz said. “Evan reaches out and places his head on Calvin. Calvin places his arm on Evan.”
Calvin is trained to apply deep pressure when necessary, even while Evan sits in a chair with either his legs or his whole body. (Dog friend)
Since Calvin joined the family, Harpel Franz was Evan Going to school Extracurricular activities are consistently without struggle.
Calvin is also removing some of Evan’s attention in social space, she added.
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Calvin is trained to apply deep pressure when necessary, even while Evan sits in a chair with either his legs or his whole body.
“Calvin is lying on his body, which actually really calms him down,” Harpel Franz said. “To be honest, it was beautiful to see it happen naturally. That was one of the things we wanted.”
The Harpell-Franz family has three dogs at home, including Kalvin. (Chris Kitt Treedge)
Overcoming barriers
Theadora Block, research program manager for fellow California dogs, shares it with Fox News Digital. Specific family needs.
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Dogs, mostly labs, golden retrievers, or combinations, are “mellow, truly stable, love interacting with humans, and love working,” she said.
Service dogs are specially trained to calm and protect their owners and are positioned to suit the specific needs of the family, a representative of the dog’s fellow dogs said. (Dog friend)
Waiting for service dog placement can be up to two years, so if they’re interested in the future, Brock encouraged people to sign up.
O’Hare emphasized the need for More research A way for service dogs to better accommodate their families.
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“We’ve seen many incredible changes over the years for children with autism and their families,” she said.
“We’ve seen the barriers they face when it comes to access insurance and insurance support. These changes will require evidence.”
