Service dogs helpful for kids with autism, research shows

April 9, 2025

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Service dogs helpful for kids with autism, research shows

Having a furry friend can add joy and companionship to anyone’s life, but for children with autism, it can be truly transformative. A recent study conducted by the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine explored the impact of service dogs on autistic children and their caregivers in 75 families. Partnering with the nonprofit service dog provider Canine Companions, the researchers discovered that having a service dog was correlated with significantly improved sleep behaviors in children with autism, including reduced sleep anxiety and better sleep initiation and duration.

Lead researcher Dr. Maggie O’Haire, the associate dean of research at the university, explained that the inspiration for the study stemmed from the rise of programs that pair service dogs with autistic children. The positive changes in sleep patterns observed in the children were particularly significant for both the child and their family. The presence of a service dog allowed children to sleep more independently in their own rooms and provided a source of comfort and calmness, reducing anxiety and helping them fall back asleep if they woke up during the night.

Families also reported experiencing reduced stigma and judgment, as well as making more positive social connections when out in public with a service dog. The benefits of having a service dog were not limited to the children with autism but extended to their caregivers as well.

One such family that has experienced the life-changing impact of a service dog is the Harpell-Franz family from Washington. Amanda Harpell-Franz’s 7-year-old son, Evan, who has autism, has thrived since welcoming his service dog, Kalvin, into their lives. Evan, who also has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, faced challenges in social settings before Kalvin came along. However, since Kalvin joined the family, Evan has been attending school and extracurricular activities consistently and without struggle.

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Kalvin, a lab and golden retriever mix, has become an integral part of Evan’s life, providing comfort, support, and companionship. Kalvin’s presence has helped Evan sleep better, with the physical pressure from the dog aiding in promoting restful sleep. Additionally, Kalvin is trained to apply deep pressure when needed, providing a calming effect for Evan in various situations.

Theadora Block, research program manager at Canine Companions, highlighted how service dogs are specially trained to meet the specific needs of each family. These dogs, primarily labs, golden retrievers, or a mix of the two, are known for their calm and stable demeanor, as well as their love for interacting with humans. Block encouraged those interested in getting a service dog to sign up, as the wait for placement can be up to two years.

While the benefits of service dogs for children with autism are clear, more research is needed to further understand how these amazing animals can support families facing unique challenges. Dr. O’Haire stressed the importance of gathering evidence to advocate for policy changes and insurance support to ensure that more families can benefit from the incredible bond between service dogs and children with autism.

In conclusion, the impact of service dogs on children with autism goes beyond providing companionship – it can truly be life-changing. These furry friends offer comfort, support, and a sense of security, helping children navigate the world with more ease and confidence. As more research is conducted and awareness is raised, the potential for service dogs to make a positive difference in the lives of children with autism and their families is limitless.

See also Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s tough Bronx persona is under fresh scrutiny with a resurfaced childhood nickname from her suburban upstate New York upbringing casting doubt on that publicly portrayed image. The progressive champion’s latest spat with President Donald Trump over the Iran strikes again called into question her true upbringing when she declared on X she was a “Bronx girl" to make her a point against the president. The 35-year-old congresswoman wrote in part on X: "I’m a Bronx girl. You should know that we can eat Queens boys for breakfast. Respectfully," she said, referring to the president’s upbringing in Queens as she called for his impeachment over his decision to bypass Congress in authorizing U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Ocasio-Cortez was born in the Bronx but moved to Yorktown – which is nearly an hour outside New York City -- when she was 5 years old and went on to attend Yorktown High School where she graduated in 2007. She was considered an accomplished student there and well thought of by teacher Michael Blueglass, according to a 2018 report by local media outlet Halston Media News. “There, known by students and staff as ‘Sandy,’ she was a member of the Science Research Program taught by Michael Blueglass," the report states. “She was amazing," Blueglass said, per the report. “Aside from her winning one of the top spots and going to the [Intel International Science and Engineering Fair], she was just one of the most amazing presenters in all of the years I've been at Yorktown. Her ability to take complex information and explain it to all different levels of people was fantastic." After high school, Ocasio-Cortez attended Boston University, where she majored in economics and international relations, per the report. Ocasio-Cortez’s “Sandy" nickname — which carries a more suburban and preppy tone — appears to undercut her politically crafted image as a tough, inner-city fighter, one she has portrayed since her famous 2018 congressional campaign where she eventually ousted former 10-terms Congressman Joe Crowley. New York GOP Assemblyman Matt Slater, who now represents Yorktown, added to the scrutiny of Ocasio-Cortez’s persona in the wake of her brash with Trump and released images of Ocasio-Cortez from his high school yearbook. He claimed he and the rising Democratic star attended Yorktown High School at the same time when she was a freshman and he was a senior. "I saw the attacks on the president and her [Ocasio-Cortez] claims that she's a big, tough Bronx girl," said Slater. "To sit there and say that she’s a Bronx girl is just patently ridiculous." "Everybody in our community knows this is just a bold-face lie," said Slater on "Fox & Friends First" last week. "She grew up in Yorktown, she was on my track team." "She's lying about her background, she's lying about her upbringing," Slater claimed. Slater’s post sent social media ablaze and prompted Ocasio-Cortez to respond after an image if her family’s home was posted online. “I’m proud of how I grew up and talk about it all the time," Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X Friday responding to the post. “My mom cleaned houses and I helped. We cleaned tutors’ homes in exchange for SAT prep." “Growing up between the Bronx and Yorktown deeply shaped my views of inequality & it’s a big reason I believe the things I do today!"