Owen Care has another location in Mexico City, where the demand for autism service dogs has continued to grow exponentially. To help address this need, Owen Care USA is offering financial support through grants. This initiative is designed to ease the burden on families and ensure they can access the life-changing benefits of a service dog more
quickly.

Autism Service Dogs are specially trained to assist children who have been diagnosed with autism and they play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life, Here's more detail about their roles:
 

• Wandering Prevention: Many children with autism tend to wander, which can be dangerous. Autism service dogs are trained to keep the child physically safe through the anchoring method, which prevents the child from running away and staying by the child’s side, even in unfamiliar or crowded environments.
   

• Emotional Regulation: Many children with autism struggle with anxiety, sensory overload, or emotional regulation. The presence of a service dog can help the child self-regulate his/her emotions, reducing anxiety and providing a sense of security.

 

• Meltdown Assistance: During emotional meltdowns, autism service dogs are trained to help the child by providing deep pressure therapy, which helps reduce sensory overload. Deep pressure can lower anxiety levels and promote a sense of security, aiding in relaxation.

 

• Help with Sleep Regulation: The dog’s presence applying pressure during the night can help soothe the child allowing the child to stay asleep, sleep on their own and sooth the child making it easier for them to return to sleep.

 

• Promotes Language Development and Social Interactions: Children on the autism spectrum often have limited verbal skills or be non-verbal, and they can struggle with interpreting social cues or body language. A service dog can help break down communication barriers and can assist in making it easier for the child to engage in social activities and interact with others. In educational settings, service dogs can also foster greater engagement in the classroom, supporting both learning and social development.

 

• Routine and Structure: The responsibility of caring for the service dog can help children and adults with autism develop routines and understand structure.

 

• Behavior Disruption: Autism service dogs are trained to intervene when certain repetitive or harmful behaviors occur, such as self-harming behaviors (e.g.,hitting or biting oneself). The dog may nudge or gently interrupt the behavior to refocus the individual.

 

• Increased Independence: Service dogs provide children with autism with greater independence by assisting with daily tasks, encouraging them to be more confident in public spaces, and reducing reliance on caregivers or parents.

Autism service dogs don’t only benefit the individual; they can provide significant peace of mind to families. Parents feel more secure knowing their child is safe with a well-trained companion, and siblings often feel less anxious about their autistic family member’s wellbeing.

The overall impact of Autism service dogs on the lives of those with autism and their families is profound, making them invaluable companions beyond just providing typical assistance.