Alex and Gus- An Autistic Boy and His Service Dog

[@Integritybykmatz]

I am a parent of a son with autism. We got him a service dog when he was 11 (named Gus as well). The dog helped him break through and relate to people, making friends, interacting in our world. He is now 17 and Gus is 7. He no longer takes Gus everywhere and when you meet my son, you won't even realize he has autism. He is a senior in high school and drives himself to school. He has a handful of friends and is in regular classes with minimal accommodations. We went from hiding under a desk, running out of class, having temper tantrums to participating in life... This in part was do to his faithful service do and in part to a great treatment team of OT, PT, SLP, psychologist, play therapist, educational assistants, gifted and patient teachers, psychiatrist and medication to get him to where he is now. He inspired me to go back to school to become a child psychologist. I am in my final phase and interning. His Gus now goes to work with me as a therapy dog for my clients. It takes more than a village to raise a child with autism. I strongly believe in the power of a well trained service dog and the bond with animals in general for autism and most psychological disorders. Keep going Alex and Gus! And thank you for being so brave and making this video!

[@BattyAunt]

I'm so glad your son is doing so well I always love hearing about kids that benefit from service animals. Blessed be😀

[@omars2426]

Wow. Great story!

[@Sophia-we3qs]

Shannon Kmatz powerful

[@anajohnson4988]

Shannon Kmatz my mom can relate to you very well. Why? Because I have Autism, I have a bunny named Lopy that I am looking to get signed up to be my service animal because he calms me right down when I am stressed.

[@mssburr]

Wow, That is great that you took to time to research every avenue you could for your son. So many parents give up. Your son is blessed to have you. And I am so glad you got him a service dog. They are so amazing. I wish every school would start education about service animals in all elementary and high school. Nuthin but luv to you and your son.

[@sid5193]

Outcomes like this are the reason I train service dogs

[@luisacama5092]

Sid 27 Thank you ever so much.

[@ava_grace0815]

Same I am secretary of a non profit that trains service dogs for veterans

[@sid5193]

Truth Only I’m so sorry I just saw this i train for nonprofit organization called paws with a cause they provide service dogs for free of charge to families you can Learn more at www.pawswithacause.org

[@nicky8023]

Bless you!

[@caitlynmurphy1636]

my little brother has autism and he's the best thing that happened to our family. it's tough when they are young but he gets better with every year.

[@susanollington5257]

@Truth Only it’s different for every kid, they’ll learn at different rates, some might not ever talk, and others can learn to talk as they get older, the important thing is to meet a kid where they’re at, not put expectations on them, and just focus on maybe doing just a little tiny bit better every day, it’s also important for many people to have professional disability teachers who know how autism works and how to help with some of the problem areas in your specific kid’s life The most important but also most difficult thing is patience, but having love and understanding makes it easier I recommend taking time to learn about your grandson’s disability and what kind of help is available in your/his area to help him get the best start in life he possibly can And if his parents are still around (hard to tell from your comment) be patient with them too, it can get overwhelming really quickly, and all they want is for you to understand how frustrated they are and how hard they’re trying Good luck with everything

[@susanollington5257]

@Truth Only I’m not a professional on the topic by any means, but I’ve done a lot of online research about it, and I have a cousin with low-functioning autism and a sister-in-law-to-be with high functioning autism. I do know that not every case is the same. I think with your grandson being a very intelligent boy, it might be helpful to sit down with him when he’s in a calm state of mind and just have a conversation about what he thinks might help him to have less severe meltdowns and how the two of you can work together to avoid them. Some starting points to discuss with him could include: - setting a schedule that you always stick to unless you give him a few days to prepare himself for a change in schedule - writing down the rules you’d like him to follow so they’re really clear, sometimes it can be hard for him to understand empathy and realise that he’s not supposed to do things because you didn’t say specifically not to. It can seriously stress him out when he gets into trouble in those situations and make him meltdown and not look at you because it doesn’t seem you’re on his side, he feels like he’s in a game where you’re changing the rules as you go, even though it might not seem like it to you. - when he has a meltdown, give him as much time as he needs, trying to comfort him if appropriate, and then talk gently about how it might have been avoided afterwards when he’s calm. If possible, google some things that have helped other people with high functioning autism avoid meltdowns and suggest trying those things with him. - give him opportunities to interact with different people, both adults and kids, but don’t force him to be friends with them, there’ll likely be some people he’ll get along 100 times better with than others, and they may be hard to find, but I think it’s important that he has people he feels comfortable with that aren’t necessarily his family. I know some people with autism will find it more difficult to get along with people they know really well, and others are the complete opposite - loud noises and flashing lights can be distressing for people with autism so it’s probably a good idea to minimise those as well I hope this is helpful, it’s really sad that no where in your country is able to help you, I think just being interested in being a part of the solution rather than the problem is the best start

[@genmarkamilley2214]

Hello 👋 how are you doing?

[@chandralynn2011]

My daughter is 8 and autistic. I have never even thought of the option of having a service dog. She, like many others with autism, struggles with social interaction and over stimulation. Many times, she does not know how to express her feelings. I cried while watching this video...I've also been the mom sitting on the sidelines watching as my child is put to the side or has to have "special" accommodations instead of participating with the rest of her class. If someone told me I could have one thing for my daughter, just one wish for the rest of her life, it would be independence.

[@genmarkamilley2214]

Hello

[@tatiana-gt9lt]

My little sister was 2 years old and blind, when we got Charlie, our dog, she feel in love with him. Now Charlie is 15 and soon will pass. 1 like= 1 prayer for my little sister and dog 😭😭😭

[@morrisdancer11]

I too have Autism in my family. My biggest advice would be forget "normal". It matters not that they fit in at all. Reduce stimulation, sound, lights etc. Let them use headphones when the noise is too much. Give them free access to a computer and show them how to access the subjects they like. They often like twirling so give them a balance ball. The basic point is Forget normal and fitting in. That's our measure not theirs.

[@MrsBJPalmer]

Vera Wroe may I suggest a swing? Indoor and out! We built an adult sized one with 2 single seats and a 2 seater in our yard. My artsy aspie has decorated part of it with drawn emblems of her favorite shows/book series. There are Star Wars designs all over the swing! (Wooden-4×4 posts.) Next time she refreshes the art work, I'm hoping to seal it and preserve it for the years to come!

[@finflwr]

As an autistic mum with an autistic son, I agree. It's the efforts to normalize us that cause us the most problems. Just allow the differences, so we can love ourselves for who we naturally are.

[@carmenconstantinescu814]

07:20 When he tried to kiss the little girl lmao.

[@meghanryan1176]

He definitely broke out of his lil shell on that one lol;) too cute:)

[@morganchristopher8682]

Carmen Constantinescu w

[@The_Woof_Pack]

It's cute when a little boy does it but once they're grown ugh...

[@dewanmdurnto3592]

Harrasment

[@semiautomatic.companion]

Agreed with Woof Pack, it's so flippin cute when it's a little boy but i hope he grows out of that impulse when he gets older because :flyushed:

[@markhand4530]

dogs are a gift from heaven

[@Hounwolf]

I’m particularly autisic but I have epilepsy,svere ptsd,depression,and type 1 diabetes so I have a service dog named alizo by the side all the time

[@charisalexandrajames-gille1254]

It is trained to get the child to relax.And it helps the child to feel safe.That what is trained to do

[@carmenwashington4597]

I have a 2yr old autistic son and I can relate it’s hard some days but I love every moment because I’m learning so much!! Keep being a great mom!!!

[@ladylsacanada8837]

Cutest little guy! Blessings on the family to be able to cope. The dog is his buddy for life.

[@marie.s8167]

I have depression but my dog has helped me through tough times and watching this really makes me think of her 🐕

[@genmarkamilley2214]

Hey 👋 how are you doing?

[@debrabosch3362]

my heart goes out to all the parents and dogs that help these special people live happy lives. hooray!!

[@torresg814ify]

This is so adorable. Absolutely touching and hits home. My 4 yr old son is Autistic. We looked into getting a therapy dog for him but the cost is just too high. Maybe one day....

[@Vic-rf6hs]

Haha, such a sweet kid. He went in for the killing kiss there near to the end lol.

[@kleinemaus6094]

My boy is ASD too. That frustrated scream...I know it well, and I know the pain in your heart. I pray we can get our boy a service dog!

[@kellykimani7609]

Ugh god 😩😭 the empathy, and way I can relate to that mom when she’s speaking about how sometimes you just want to have one moment where your kiddo can be with their peers and she’s getting teary eyed!! You’re not alone mama! Brought me to tears!! Love seeing the bond that’s built with Alex and Gus!! Thank you so much for this video & your vulnerability!! 💙💙💙

[@demonwarrior2979]

may God bless you your son and his best friend is love hearing this story is played it 20 times before I quit watching it so inspiring good job alex

[@sol8598]

I have autism. I wish I had a dog like this. 😀

[@noraarmenta1986]

i have a 13 yr old autistic son and his the best blessing i have...his my happiness, i love him to pieces...we. got him 2 dogs....

[@genmarkamilley2214]

Hey 👋 how are you doing?

[@sarahbennett5617]

i love seeing kids like this with services dogs.

[@mandyholmberg5106]

I have a childhood friend who has autism so that's why this is close to my heart she has taught me a lot about autism before I met her I had no idea what autism was at all

[@jay5112006]

I've got a 13 year old autistic son and hes has three dogs that all adore him and he loves back very much

[@janicepowell2188]

It's awesome that they got him a dog for their Austin son

[@marie.s8167]

Watching this makes me think of my old autistic friend he was awesome

[@Juhani139]

I see people in the comments are amused by the attempted kiss. Yes, it is amusing, BUT my kid is a lot like this little boy and I live in constant fear that he might do this. He doesn't understand the context of kisses and when it's appropriate and when not. My boy tends to give us a kiss when he wants something. Like if he wants us to put a movie on and we're tardy about it or we don't really want to, he knows he'll get what he wants if he gives us a kiss. So as a mother it's something I'm very careful about when we're around people/other children, to make sure he acts appropriately. I'm not keen on the mom in this video forcing the kid into a situation he's not comfortable with, BUT I think it is awesome that she is trying hard and that all those kids are getting exposed to a child with special needs and the service dog. It was heartwarming to see some of the children hold his hand to help him up the stairs and give him a hug etc. Love it!

[@911WASanINSIDEjob420]

maybe im in the minority but i think its just great seeing an autistic child be able to act on those impulses at all... all you ever hear about is how autistic kids live in there own world without real or normal social interaction seeing this made me feel hopeful for the boy and his ability to integrate into society a healthy adult. it takes baby steps... rome wasn't built in a day

[@amymanoharan284]

I used to work in spec ed, (self-contained BD/Autism). I saw FAR too many parents allow their children to only be in their own 'comfort zone' because they didn't want to see their kid struggle, or get upset. The thing is... those kids almost always got WORSE, not better. They retreated into themselves or into their little 'comfort routine' and never seemed to want to try anything that was difficult. After 8 years, I knew that a kid making those breakthroughs, or failing to meet goals was often the direct result of the parent. Coddling (or refusing to force them into challenging situations) does not help them. That serves to help the PARENT to feel reassured and safe. Even if it is difficult, frustrating, and exhausting, the kids HAVE to learn to work through it. I was in a self-contained special ed classroom working with kids with autism and a whole host of other diagnoses. We had fourteen students, two teachers, two paras, two security guards, and we were worn out by the end of the day. It was TOUGH. We worked with the kids to get them through it, each day was a struggle: but hearing a kid who entered the program not walking independently, not talking, in diapers, and poop smearing, to see him turn around in line and tell stupid jokes to another kid and then watch them laughing at the pun, that is what made it all worth it.

[@Nikki-oe7gr]

@@amymanoharan284, Wow! Blaming parents? Really? We had our daughter in special ed, and she started the poop smearing, head banging, and three hour meltdowns after we started, while having no significant increase in speech. After 2.5 years of chaos and misery, as well as witnessing teachers and aids very questionable practices, we pulled her out the system, learned the Son-Rise Program, which is child directed, and home schooled, within a month her speech was increasing--and it was spontaneous speech, her eye contact increased, she started using the potty, and her sleep pattern improved. Later on, she was able to participate in dance classes, and several recitals as well as public performances. We didn't force her to be in them. She wanted to. There is no doubt in my mind if we had continued to force her to attend special ed, she wouldn't be as far along as she is now.

[@samanthabertram5119]

I am so happy for Alex and Gus

[@joanbates9022]

hi I agree God bless Alex and Gus.Our don is adopted and has Downs and Autism. A lot of pain, we don't have a service dog but adopted 2 rescues one s Pit a sweetheart for me the other a German Chow mix. His name is Charlie. Nikolas our son loves him and Charlie is good to him.Canines especially trained ones are ebb Great! JOANBATES

[@lcbeeable]

What a beautiful child and a great dog- I can tell that Alex is loved and supported and getting the best of everything- such a happy story!

[@TheBlackSheCat]

What an incredible story! Thanks for sharing this. The dress up costumes (Alice with the Mad Hatter is pure genius!)

[@gloriav7646]

Watching them interact is so awesome ❤

[@jdisdetermined]

This was wonderful, thank you! All kids should get to grow up with a dog, it is wonderful, and they learn so much. Being an only child left home alone a lot, my dog was a godsend. Having him there with me made it ok, and I never really felt alone because my best friend was always there. I'd probably be in therapy if I didn't have a dog as a kid..

[@hellokenize7019]

Not every kid wants a dog ypu do know some or allergic to them

[@genmarkamilley2214]

Hey 👋 how are you doing?

[@deedeewinfrey3181]

Dogs are man's best friend.

[@julieobrien8405]

God bless these dogs and children

[@ashb7800]

so much like my lil sister. bless your and his heart. u are blessed with an amazing boy ❤💗

[@Kyla5027]

tears of joy

[@baileyvictoriaamber8546]

even tho I just discovered this im crying...

[@piemazerunnerpie80rblx67]

Gets Bullied Brings Service Dog to school Gets More Friends Logic

[@workingdogheretic]

Exactly im about to be bringing my service dog to school i already know who my true friends are . I dont care about having friends my dog is my one true friend. i wear his old tag and im getting his paw print tattooed on me .

[@aliki_1079]

Lol

[@Hounwolf]

LOL so true

[@Hounwolf]

So true

[@uh60helimech]

Good Boy Gus! Great Job Alex!

[@kimberlyscotty9176]

Thank You for this video!

[@michelledawn6559]

Our daughter is 15 years old and suffers from •Autism •Severe Anxiety •Panic Attacks •Sensory Processing Disorder •Asthma •Hearing Trouble She's had anxiety her entire life and suffers frequent panic attacks. These panic attacks result in her violently shaking, hypervinilating, and blacking out. Since she has asthma when she starts to hypervinilate it causes her to quit breathing. We can't tell when exactly she is going to have one. There are certain things that trigger them, but overall they just happen. She is autistic and has SPD we are going to be going to Little Rock soon for more information on them. Michelle does have breakdowns and very few friends due to her lack in social skills. August 27th, 2015 our daughter tried to commit suicide. She spent a week at Bridgeway and was able to recover from it. She is now on 50mg of Zoloff and still suffering multiple panic attacks. We've decided upon a Service Dog, because we feel that she will benefit greatly from one. We plan to have the dog trained to help her with various things and she will be able to hopefully gain some independence. Anything is appericiated. The money will go towards: •Training •The Dog (German Shepherd) •Vet Bills •Travel Fees •Supplies Overall the cost is estimated to be around 6k. Anything left will be donated back to another family. We've decided upon a Service Dog, because we feel that she will benefit greatly from one. We plan to have the dog trained to help her with various things. We are planning to personally buy the dog and pay for a trainer. We feel it would work best for both us and Michelle. Please find it in your heart to help us. We will post updates and more information keeping everyone updated on how everything is going. Please Go Check Out Our GoFundMe by clicking the link below: www.gofundme.com/gs4cfkps

[@miname3936]

Beautiful connection.

[@barbarahagan1757]

Such a importantly story.

[@odinpatterson5910]

it mack me vary happy I can not stop smiling I love kid with disposability because I can relat to them I also have a emotional support dog

[@rubywhalley2353]

one word amazing

[@jmeA86]

This was so wonderful to watch! He wanted to give that little girl a kiss SO BAD! Lol what a handsome little man and such WONDERFUL parents!!! 🌈💕 tears!!!

[@genmarkamilley2214]

Hey 👋 how are you doing?

[@impossumblemori]

There’s a book I read called Chester and Gus about a service dog and an autistic boy

[@blazingbite2379]

I had the same thing Alex had but Im easing into social situations at times , it gets mentally and physically exhausted experience

[@auburneytuckerson2959]

BlazingBite 237 Same, except that I'm still uncomfortable with social situations.

[@blazingbite2379]

AuBurney Tuckerson it's tough .. I had this issue even around relatives too .. I try to not let this bother me too ..I'm sure when time comes little by little you will over come your issue at hand

[@greed94]

My dog is no service dog but he did help me out a lot. Like, he was the only one who let me know when I was pissing him off or being too ruff and I eventually picked up on the signs. We hated each other at first but it picked up quickly.

[@auburneytuckerson2959]

Same with my mother's calico patchy lol. We hated each other at first but picked up later. Now when we meet up, she would sometimes come up to me and let me pet her. She would also rub her head on me when I'm sitting. She is marking her scent and claiming me as hers. When a cat does that with you, take it as a compliment.

[@jessicajason9738]

I have been there with the upset getting off the jump jump. It is hard sometimes. We are currently trying to get our son an Autism Service animal. We have hope it will help in public places and with his anxiety around people and in stores especially. The meltdowns are the hardest for him to recover from.

[@jadamixon7657]

that was so cute when he tried to give that girl a kiss

[@MrAMYJACK]

I've got to try.. those words have salty water running down my cheeks. As one human to another I Love You

[@carlyloftis9591]

7:22 Brave Dude!...

[@carlyloftis9591]

Fail

[@lynnemartino4187]

I am looking for a news segment that showed inmates at Ludlow jail prerelease program that has inmates train puppies until the pups are ready for adoption

[@ntdtv]

Hi Steve, Vladimir here with NTD Television. Our team was very impressed by your video and our editors would like to showcase it by uploading and crediting you on some of our social media pages and websites so that our fans can see it. We are one of the world's fastest growing media companies with over 100 million fans and 1 billion monthly video views across all of our social properties. Our motto is truth, hope, and humanity. Can I send you more information in my next message / email? Thank you! Warm regards

[@ntdtv]

Greetings dear Steve, thank you for your reply and for sending us your email. I will send you detailed information via [e-mail] . Please take a look if it is not hidden in spam box. Sincerely, Vladimir

[@ntdtv]

Good day dear Steve, Please are you considering our cooperation? Can we have your permission to upload your content on our pages with clickable link to your channel? Waiting for your thoughts. Kind regards, Vladimir

[@ntdtv]

Greetings dear Steve, thank you for your time. Hope we will cooperate in the future. I wish you all the best. Also, we strive to safeguard human rights around the world. We cover many stories which others don't talk about, including the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. These innocent people live by the principles of Truth, Compassion and Tolerance but have been persecuted since 1999. This video we created is among many efforts to raise awareness. Please watch this video when you get a chance. Feel free to share it with other people. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZqzXmiDm6Zkg80 Thank you. Have a great day. Best regards, Vladimir

[@LathaLukose]

So touching...

[@goatitisful]

Dogs are truly amazing.... 😊

[@harleelawrence9016]

7:22 he was trying to kiss a girl lol!!!!

[@brittanysellars1248]

Please prayer for him he is suffering dealing with bad condition 🙏

[@NPGLAMB]

I can’t wait to get my service dog

[@melissawarren8215]

Beautiful xx

[@seanshingatok303]

I love this.

[@Binx345me]

I have autism but dogs give me severe anxiety. What works for some people might not for others. But i hope this kuds parents try to get him to learn to use one of those communication devices, so that he can better communicate with them.

[@SteveVickAK]

Thanks, I totally get how dogs can cause anxiety. If it works, it works. If not, find what works. What works for you?

[@Binx345me]

@@SteveVickAK petting cats or any non canine animal.

[@nleb1993]

if they get leash to attach to Alex gus will keep him from wandering

[@narutofan9tf]

I wish there was a tv show based on Gus and Alex

[@clairestych2315]

i can tell it is emotianol i have autism

[@ortenciasegovia9107]

aww young love she was like nooo

[@ItsKardamin]

I have ptsd among other things and adopting a dog monday to train as psd. Psd training g around here is 24k and up sadly put of my family's budget

[@SteveVickAK]

Good luck with the new dog. They can do wonders.

[@tidepods7225]

CocoaAndTea no you don't have PTSD you liar!!!!

[@abbyamazing5600]

Videos 4cats WTF do you know

[@jaydrianpaiyne3873]

CocoaAndTea I have ptsd and severe anxiety after witnessing my brothers death I got a dog last month and we are training him

[@evanbeaulieu8772]

CocoaAndTea k

[@amberjohnson140]

gj Alex and Gus! :)

[@als2480]

I am currently looking for a dog to train to be my psychiatric service dog. I am going to go look at one named Floki soon. He is a German Shepard lab retriever mix. I had one I was looking at before him but someone got her first. Fingers crossed for Floki

[@charlleedodson]

This is the director’s cut also, perhaps in another video they do describe what his task is.

[@katefee6292]

He's so handsome

[@lauracelis8004]

7:20 He gonna get all the girls in highschool lmao

[@JanTheNan]

Please see the fb group together anything is pawsible.

[@arsenalfanworldoliver9462]

Thank you when do you live I live in uk

[@MrAMYJACK]

Some people are mean that is what that makes them feel important and others just lie

[@paytonlescalleet9714]

Sorry had a very bad day n I do no what an autism service dog does I have one her name is Sadie she's trained to do all those things for me to plus help stop meltdowns and do deep pressure therapy for me n more

[@rose11aca1]

Payton Lescalleet is

[@toodienini6920]

He wanted a kiss 😂😍

[@deenabounthalangsy9875]

5:33 Go Alex! Go Alex!

[@slimegods5019]

7:21 hew was tryna get a lil something 😘

[@alexiahill]

😍😢❤ aww he really wanted a kiss but he's so adorable

[@genmarkamilley2214]

Hey 👋 how are you doing?

[@9mler]

awww :'}

[@CalliKira]

downer thought: that dog will die before the kid. why can't pets live just as long as us? :c

[@yahulwagoni4571]

Then we woulnd't love them as much.

[@nolantom63]

I am a 56 high functionig autistic adult . I do have meltdowns of stress and depression . Anyone can help me ?

[@kleinemaus6094]

See a local therapist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis :)

[@ejc4813]

I have bipolar disorder and depression and will soon be training my dog Mia to be a service dog but I don't know if I can take her to school because some kids at my school have allergies

[@SteveVickAK]

Alex hada similar issue. But the student with allergies moved, so it worked out for him. I hope it can work for you, but we have to be respectful of others as well.

[@Shydo_Shiba]

He looks cute

[@billhughes6297]

We specialize in training Leonberger Therapy dogs! We are looking for a special family in need, that will fit our program! Please check out our website www.oakridgeleonbergers.com/

[@sashamurphy8745]

how do i donate to this ?

[@amberjohnson140]

Alexander is a Greek name it means Defender of mankind

[@51623allissa]

Oh. My heart hurts so much! I need that and I'm about to turn 30. Where do I start?

[@SteveVickAK]

You can try contact these folks www.gooddogservicecanines.org/. They may be able to help you get started.

[@emmajackson1028]

I have Aspergers syndrome I was wondering if this was an option for me if anybody has any imput I'm just not sure if it would be innapropriate

[@SteveVickAK]

I would do a google search to find a reputatble service dog trainer in your area. It is certainly a viable option. Good luck.

[@clifford2123]

I don’t like it when people say things like “your dog.” Or “the dog.”

[@greenandbluechannel7477]

Reveal your webcam

[@arsenalfanworldoliver9462]

how old is Alex

[@SteveVickAK]

He was in first grade during this video.

[@Venos604]

My son is also named Alex. I am wondering if a service dog would help him. He's not a fan of animals though. :(

[@neonotterpop2528]

Maybe let him see the dog and bond with it for a week a lot of service dog programs have that, and that can change everything

[@miriamxlb]

Fab mum you are ! Xx

[@everythingthatrhymeswithsa3116]

you can pet service dogs at work?

[@SteveVickAK]

Typically not, but some people allow it.

[@baileebrowne6664]

does he use a computer to speak

[@SteveVickAK]

+Bailee Browne He is becoming more verbal every year. He sometimes used a ipad in class to interact in group activities.

[@bethclemensen2102]

I have an adopted nephew with fetal alcohol syndrome. Nothing can be done to help these children. God damn it.

[@servicedogdixiemyangelwith6204]

Beautiful story have you heard of or seen child tethering where the child is tethered to the dog and there for can not quote run away I can send you some links just message me 😃 ps my neighbor is autistics and I am training a service dog for him and we use tht works like a charm 😉

[@katiemarshalltv6184]

Service dog Dixie ( my angel with fur ) Tethering is horrible for a dog and a child. In most cases of tethering, the child will wind up redirecting frustration onto the dog. Or they will continue trying to run, and will wind up hurting the dog. If the dog gets distracted and runs off--they're not robots, after all--the child can be severely hurt. Tethering is just a horrible idea.

[@kleinemaus6094]

Great Pyrenees are especially great with ASD kids both as ASD and anchor dogs! I want one for my boy.

[@kleinemaus6094]

@@katiemarshalltv6184 No. Done and trained properly, it is 100% essential for an ASD child with elopement issues. It has saved many children's lives.

[@rosewinter4818]

But what's the dog's task? If the dog doesn't task, if the dog isn't trained to do a task to physically help Alex, then he is just an emotional support dog. Which do not have public access.

[@ChronicallyRollingWithIt]

Yes, thank you! So many Autsm Service dogs aren't actually task trained. I follow one KZbinr with a Autsm SD and his is. But most I see online aren't. I was waiting for them to say he does Deep pressure threapy (Which I know a lot of autistics and people with sever anxiety/panic attachs can benefit from) but they never said anything about actual tasks.

[@rosewinter4818]

Officially Lydia's Life exactly! I get that the dogs are great for these kids and that they help them, but they aren't "service" dogs if they don't provide a *service* for the kids. That they personally know they are providing. A dog that is trained to behave well and walk by the side of a child is not a service dog, at most it would be emotional support. And, yes, these dogs help the kids exponentially, but if it is not trained for a task for this kid, its not a service dog.

[@ChronicallyRollingWithIt]

Yes, I totally agree!

[@charlleedodson]

It’s possible he does DPT and they just don’t mention it in the video.

[@ChronicallyRollingWithIt]

@@charlleedodson maybe.. But its a weird thing not to menton mention considering they didn't mention any other real tasks.