Dogs Help Autistic Children

Dec. 9, 2010 - PRLog -- (Nutley, NJ)—Recent findings show that dogs have a positive influence on children with autism.

A study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology reveals that dogs have a positive impact on autistic children’s stress hormone levels and help to reduce stress and behavior problems.

The study from the Université de Montréal discovered that after interacting with service or therapy dogs, children had lower cortisol levels than those without dogs. Cortisol is a hormone that the human body produces in response to stress. It simply means that children who spend time around dogs feel more comfortable and relaxed.

“Dogs are very smart and sensitive animals, especially trained dogs,” says Joe Dwyer, dog trainer, owner of four dogs and author of the new book Shelby’s Grace. “Autistic children are usually lonely or isolated kids with almost no friends. That is why dogs can be crucial in their lives—dogs can be friends and companions and help these kids build confidence at the same time.”

In his book, Mr. Dwyer describes his remarkable odyssey with an abused pit bull named Shelby, who he saved from a shelter. In return, she saved him from a terrible depression, and together they recovered their senses of purpose. Now Shelby is a certified therapy dog who helps people in difficult times.  

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects communication and social interaction. Kids with autism require special care, attention and a lot of love—which can be provided by trained therapy dogs, says Mr. Dwyer.

Experts believe that the ways in which interacting with service dogs benefits autistic children health-wise are still in the discovery stage. But present studies show that children with dogs do much better and generally:
• Sleep better.
• Feel less stress.
• Have a more confident attitude.
• Enjoy improved psychological health.
• Exhibit better social interaction skills.

“It’s nice to see the attention that therapy dogs are getting for their work with children with special needs. I’m glad that people are taking it seriously,” says Mr. Dwyer. “Dogs are perfect friends for anyone with a disability who wishes to experience love, companionship and joy. I’m glad that more and more people are understanding the power of our four-legged friends.”

About the Author
Joe Dwyer is a motivational speaker, a life coach and a member of the National Speakers Association. He is also a dog trainer and a martial artist. Previously, he worked as a chemical engineer and an executive for Verizon and the Archdiocese of Newark. Joe is a man of faith and spirituality, and he supports rescue groups and therapy dog training. He lives in Nutley, NJ, with his family and four dogs.

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