Children facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often struggle with daily activities. While therapy and medication can help, service dogs have become valuable companions for these children, offering emotional support, safety, and independence.
However, these specially trained animals provide more than just companionship—they actively assist in managing symptoms and improving the overall well-being of children with the conditions mentioned above.
The Role of Service Dogs in Supporting Mental Health
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that cater to the unique needs of children with anxiety, autism, and PTSD. They go through rigorous training to directly influence a child’s mental and emotional health. Their presence alone can be known to offer reassurance, reduce stress, and create a sense of stability in what would otherwise be a challenging situation.
How Service Dogs Help Children with Anxiety
Anxiety can be highly overwhelming for children, making it difficult to navigate social settings, school, or even just their daily routines. Service dogs help in several ways:
- Deep Pressure Therapy: Many service dogs are trained to provide deep pressure therapy by leaning against or lying on their handler, which helps regulate emotions and reduce panic attacks.
- Interrupting Negative Behaviours: If a child engages in repetitive or anxious behaviours, a service dog can nudge, paw, or distract them to break the cycle.
- Providing a Calming Presence: Having a service dog nearby offers a sense of security and comfort, reducing stress and making new or overwhelming experiences more manageable.
How Service Dogs Assist Children with Autism
Children with autism often struggle with sensory processing, communication, and social interactions. A service dog can be a valuable companion for both the child and their family by:
- Encouraging Social Interaction: Service dogs can act as social bridges, helping children engage with peers and improve communication skills.
- Preventing Elopement: Some children with autism tend to wander or run away. Service dogs are trained to track and retrieve them or block them from running into danger.
- Reducing Sensory Overload: In noisy or chaotic environments, a service dog provides a grounding presence, helping the child stay calm and focused.
How Service Dogs Support Children with PTSD
Children who have experienced trauma may struggle with trust, fear, and flashbacks. Service dogs can offer stability and security in the following ways:
- Nightmare Interruption: Many service dogs are trained to wake children from night terrors or provide comfort during distressing moments.
- Crowd Control: A service dog can create a physical barrier between the child and overwhelming crowds, reducing stress in public spaces.
- Recognizing Signs of Distress: Dogs are intuitive creatures that can detect changes in breathing, posture, and heart rate. When they sense distress, they intervene by nudging or leaning into the child for reassurance.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Service Dogs
The presence of a service dog can greatly improve a child’s quality of life. These dogs provide emotional stability, boost confidence, and encourage independence. Many families also experience reduced stress, knowing that their child has a constant, reliable source of support.
How a Support Dog Can Benefit Your Child
If you believe a service dog could help your child, consulting with a professional is the first step. Grant Coupland, a Registered Provisional Psychologist at Supporting Wellness, offers therapeutic services alongside his facility support dog, Benji, provided by the Lion’s Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. With over 14 years of counselling experience, Grant specializes in supporting both adults and youth through evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed practices, and solution-focused therapy. His extensive experience working with individuals and families affected by mental health challenges, trauma, and life transitions makes him a valuable resource for those exploring the benefits of a support dog. Through his work with Benji, Grant integrates animal-assisted therapy into his practice, helping clients manage stress, anxiety, and complex emotional challenges.
If you’re interested in learning more about how a support dog could benefit your child or seeking mental health services with a professional who incorporates animal-assisted therapy, visit Supporting Wellness to explore available resources and book a consultation.