autism

Autism is a disorder that affects 1 in every 54 children in the United States. Autism, more correctly known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a family of developmental disabilities involving difficulties with social skills and in some cases, is characterized by repetitive behaviors and nonverbal communication.  Asperger’s syndrome, now known as high functioning autism, is not accompanied by a speech delay but children who have this disorder commonly have a high level of social anxiety and have a hard time “reading” other people. Dogs are commonly used as therapy animals in a variety of settings and the use of dogs…