Families vs Schools on Service Dogs for Autism

Service dogs have long been used by the blind, but training them to help those with autism is relatively new. While there's little research on how these animals affect autistic children, families like Kaleb's say they have seen marked improvement. And the support group Autism Speaks includes a list of dog-training groups among resources on its Web site.

clipped from www.msnbc.msn.com At issue is whether the dogs are true ‘service’ pets or simply companions CHICAGO - Like seeing-eye dogs for the blind, trained dogs are now being used to help autistic children deal with their disabilities. But some schools want to keep the animals out, and families are fighting back. Two autistic elementary school students recently won court orders in Illinois allowing their dogs to accompany them to school. At issue is whether the dogs are true "service dogs" — essential to managing a disability — or simply companions that provide comfort. School districts say they are not discriminating, just drawing the line to protect the safety and health of other students who may be allergic or scared of dogs. "It's done so much more than we thought it could," said Kaleb's mother, Nichelle Drew. "We want Kaleb to be able to experience more of life," and the dog has helped him do that, she said.