Service Dogs and Autism

Service Dogs and Autism. You may not know much about the subject but these animals provide life-changing support for children who are non-verbal or have sensory processing challenges. Research consistently shows that service dogs can improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and increase social engagement for children on the autism spectrum. Beyond companionship, these specially trained animals serve as steady anchors in overwhelming environments, helping children navigate public spaces, school routines, and new experiences with a sense of calm and safety.

Studies highlight that children with service dogs often experience fewer behavioral outbursts, improved communication—even non-verbal forms—and greater inclusion in family and community activities. The remarkable bond formed between a child and their service dog demonstrates how service dogs and autism support goes far beyond simple assistance; it fosters independence, confidence, and connection, setting the stage for meaningful growth in everyday life.

Enjoy this story from father John Fela about their experience…

A few years ago, my now ex-wife floated the idea of getting a service dog for our autistic, non-verbal son. She felt it could support him on multiple levels—helping him calmly and safely navigate his environment both at school and in public, keeping him emotionally regulated, and providing a soothing companion.

I was initially skeptical. How much trouble would it actually be? At the end of the day, would it create more work for us? Service dogs aren’t like seeing-eye dogs; they require an adult handler at all times to guide them and give commands. On top of that, it’s still a dog—a new family member we’d have to adjust to.

Ultimately, I trusted his mom’s intuition, and we began researching trainers and agencies. The one she recommended most strongly was an organization based in central Iowa, about five hours from our home in northern Illinois. This agency worked with returning veterans and special-needs children, training both the dogs and the families. While the drive would be long and regular for a time, we agreed it was the best choice. Plus, with a travel trailer we’d just purchased, we could make it a small vacation along the way. My ex-wife mapped out campgrounds along the route and near the agency, making it easier for all of us.

Our first visit and intake happened in July 2019. We loaded our SUV, hitched the trailer, and set off with our son, his grandmother, and two family dogs in tow. After a stop at a KOA campground in western Illinois, we continued to another campground just 20 minutes from the agency in rural Iowa. Cedar Rapids was the nearest large town, and the agency itself was surrounded by farmland and a small doggy daycare.

The intake building was medium-sized with a memorial for veterans in the driveway, a large indoor training area, a family-friendly common room, a full kitchen, and bedrooms for families staying overnight. In the back were kennels and an outdoor exercise area. We met the head trainer and staff in the common area, which allowed our son to jump on the leather sofa and explore freely—something the staff welcomed.

We began by introducing our son to a service dog in training, a black Goldendoodle named Otter. He was lively, playful, and naturally drawn to my son. The trainer showed how Otter could calm our son with commands like “crash” and “visit,” laying across him or resting his head on his lap. We practiced more intensive training in the main area, learning how to tether our son to the dog, give commands, and manage public situations.

Over subsequent weekends, we practiced both in the training center and out in public. Trips to places like Walmart were initially stressful but proved transformative. Our son was easier to redirect, holding the dog’s handle instead of grabbing at shelves. Remarkably, the usual judgmental glances from others turned into looks of understanding and compassion, as the service dog made our son’s needs more visible and accepted.

However, Otter ultimately wasn’t a match for our family. Then Covid hit, pausing training for a year. When training resumed in 2021, we transitioned to a new trainer. Training now involved separate trips for me and my ex-wife and in-home sessions for potential dog matches. By fall 2021, we were matched with Damon, a black lab, just as our son was entering the challenging phase of puberty.

Damon arrived for in-home and school training on my son’s birthday in December—a perfect gift. The trainers worked with both schools and our homes to ensure a smooth transition. Damon quickly became attached to my son, and over the next months, school staff noticed significant improvements in his behavior. Damon offered emotional support, companionship, and a sense of security.

The culmination of this journey was my son’s eighth-grade graduation in summer 2022. Normally restless, he was able to sit through the ceremony with Damon by his side. As the principal introduced him as “Christopher Felageller accompanied by Damon,” the audience erupted in applause. That moment made me realize the true value of a service dog—not a burden or something that made our son stand out, but a support that helped him integrate, socialize, and ultimately belong. A true gift.

Service Dogs and Autism: Support for Non-Verbal Children

*This blog post was originally published under the title “Our Days with Damon” by the author John Fela. It has been optimized for this website without changing any of the context and is used with permission of the original author