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Self-harm prevention is one of the many benefits of owning an autism service dog. If you have a child who suffers from self-harming behavior as a result of autism, autism service dogs can be specifically trained to intervene. According to an article in Psychology Today by Dr. Stanley Coren, self-harming behaviors can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, from the person cutting and picking their skin to banging their head against a hard surface. Although these behaviors are alarming to family members, there has been an increased focus on service dogs who are trained to intervene when these episodes occur.
Psychology Today also relates the story of a woman who filmed herself during a self-harming episode. In the video, she is seen slapping her head repeatedly while her large Rottweiler gently pounces on her and nips at her arm. The woman eventually collapses to the ground, hugging her dog. This is just one of the many powerful ways in which our four-legged friends can come to the aid of a person suffering from a mental illness.
If you have a child who experiences self-harm as a result of autism, an autism service dog may very well be the perfect solution. Most kids enjoy having a canine companion, and the dog can perform potentially life-saving techniques if the child experiences difficulty.
Here at Ady’s Army, we’re passionate about autism service dogs, which is why we raise money for families to have these remarkable animals. If you would like to learn more about this topic, please feel free to contact us.
