Dogs with Wings: Champion - Autism Service Dog

[rachelchunter]

It's good to know the child has a friend, even a dog. Wish I'd had one as a kid. I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, aged 11. As soon as kids heard that I had learning difficulties, it didn't take long for bullies to have another reason to hurt me. I didn't have any friends. Soon after, I got kicked in the back on my way home from school. It made it worse that I'd had my appendix removed just a couple of weeks before that, and the bully knew it. No wonder I left school early. =o[

[tool987ja]

@rachelchunter

Asperger's children don't have learning disabilities, I thought it was moreso a social hinderance? I know lots of children who have Asperger's and they're brilliant.

[rachelchunter]

Goes to show how much YOU know about it. Both me and my mum were told by experienced doctors that Asperger's Syndrome is an "autistic spectrum disorder". And I've been seen by a number of experts who have also confirmed that I have Asperger's Syndrome and that I clearly have learning difficulties. Why else would I have needed my own classroom assistant at school? Maybe next time you'll do some research on the subject before making such stupid comments.

[fireflytattoo]

There are many ways a service dog can help a child with autism. The tether idea is wonderful and always supervised by an adult. Is Champion also trained to redirect if your child starts to have a melt down? I have heard that dogs can do that by chasing thier tails so that the child has something else to concentrate on. Also circling the child so they don't open the front door of the home. It's nice that the parents potentially have an extra minute in the shower and know that the child is safe!

[ediann]

I am also learning more about my son's condition af autism and epilepsy and I feel it is amazing how these dogs are trained to help autistic and epileptic children and adults. These dogs are like guardian angels and are truly a child in need's best friend! I wish to provide my son with the care of a dog to help monitor him with his medical conditions as I am always worried for him and his safety.

[rhondadbe]

This seems like a great idea for the child and the parent! I think it's fantastic, gives the child a sense of freedom, a way to make friends, and gives the parent a break, but they know their child is safe.

[Sarranduin]

On the matter of purely personal opinion, I also don't think someone should have a service dog if they don't know what the dog is supposed to be doing to help them- it's one thing for a dog to be working with a child and a parent, but the case presented here just seems off.

[debho2002]

The dog provides a service to the entire family. It gives the parents an opportunity to just relax for a second. Autistic children bolt. You can just blink and your child will be gone. It might be helpful to educate yourself a little before dismissing the benefits of a service dog.

[Sarranduin]

A dog should never, ever be directly tethered to a child. No matter how good the dog is, they are not robots, and can always take off or misbehave if they are stimulated right. Particularly distressing is the hint here that the dog and the boy might be left without supervision, giving so much opportunity for anything to happen. The act of having a dog "babysit" a child is irresponsible.

[debho2002]

I think you are totally misreading this and clearly you don't know anyone who has a child with Autism. These dogs are never left alone tethered to a child. The tether is an aid to keep the child from bolting into traffic or other harm. The parent is behind the child with a leash connected to the dog.

[dinahkcm]

This is very potentially useful! (even though I dislike the tone and delivery of the voiceover) Anyone out there want to join me in a campaign to promote dog (and possibly cat - see silentmiaow's videos) support friends for autistic children and adults? I think it could transform a lot of lives!

anyway this is in the posautive youtube group and sense subgroup, thank you.

[Kimmack1980]

What a great comment!