Should aspies have service dogs?

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Should aspies have service dogs? (If they want one)

Not me, I don't need one.

No, because they'd scare and traumatize our cats

If you can benefit from a service dog, yes. If not, adopt a pet dog.

No, cause dogs are "ocky poo."

Can I have one that plays Frisbee?

often it could be just government paid pets, great for the pet businesses and breeders

I imagine a companion animal could be genuinely very comforting for an autistic

I don't see how it could be of benefit, but I like dogs so I'd like to be given one.

If you can benefit from a service dog, feel that your disability is severe enough to warrant the service dog, and want one, then I don't see why any disability should not have one.

Service dogs can absolutely benefit people on the spectrum, including people who have Asperger's rather than classic autism. These people, who get benefit from it being a service dog beyond having a companion, should have a service dog as an option.

(Personally, I could absolutely see a service dog helping me, I just don't think I can justify getting one because of not wanting to prevent others from getting the dog instead (and the money cost thing...). As a whole I could see them benefiting me, yet don't feel I'm actually disabled enough to justify it.)


Not voting because what my vote would actually be "If the service dog aspects benefit them"

Dogs and cats make good ESAs: Emotional Service Animals. I know you can get a dog certified as an ESA for depression. Having the certification means it's easier to take the animal on a plane or bus. Which would be good for Auties, bc a lot of Auties have trouble driving and need to use public transport when they move.

I do feel significantly calmer around people when my dog is with me. My dogs and cats can ALWAYS make me feel better when I'm upset. I don't know what I'd do without them!

I think that only people who are badly affected by their AS need a dog. I wish I had a dog because I am scared to leave the house by myself.

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I have HFA, ADHD, OCD & Tourette syndrome. I love animals, especially my bunnies and hamster. I skate in a roller derby team (but I'll try not to bite )

Sydney my border collie is my service dog, just because.

What about service cats?

Depends. You can't just chain a dog to someone and hope for the best.

The duties of service animals differ - some are there for emotional support, others are trained to carry out tasks such as preventing the handler walking into danger or interrupting self harm. But like guide dogs for the blind the training for the handler is as extensive as the training for the dog.

Service animals seem far more common in the US than in the UK, and more species are used in the US, eg monkeys.