A colleague of mine recently advocated for a child with autism to be able to bring his service dog to school. Predictably the school reacted negatively. The school staff's response did not even consider the potential educational benefits for the child.
Service dogs have been shown to act as a social bridge to other children. They have helped children with dangerous behaviors like elopement. In school, children who have issues with literacy have read to the rapt attention of service dogs without judgment or stigma. School staff have reported "the child [with a service dog] has been more focused on his/her school work and is able to sit at the desk for longer periods of time."
The idea of having dogs in school is still novel. It should be carefully considered given the needs of an individual child, the potential benefits, and the limitations of that child's placement. Promoting safety, increased attention and better socialization, and supporting literacy are all compelling educational goals that should not be reflexively rejected.
I have a parent that is attempting to seek a service dog for his autistic dog,but got turned down already through NEADS for services,can you forwardme your contact so when I see him at my daughter's school P.T.O. meeting I can give it to him,please.My heart went out to him.Thank you.
Posted by: Trish | February 02, 2008 at 09:15 PM
What about the other students in the classroom who are allergic to dogs?
Posted by: Lori | September 15, 2009 at 05:04 PM
I am fighting the school system here in Kentucky over my son's service dog (he has autism). Are there any schools out there that will do what is the law without a fight? Let me know if you are out there...we are willing to relocate.
Posted by: Berlinda | November 20, 2009 at 12:33 PM