Monday, February 7, 2011

Adding Family Dog to Autism Team


ST. LOUIS -- Trained therapy dogs can make a big difference in the lives of some children with autism.
But they're also expensive.
That's why a local doctor is recommending some families look no further than their family dog for help.
Higgins the therapy dog is already a big help in Dr. Rolanda Maxim's autism clinic at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.
Young patients anxious about having their height and weight measured can watch Higgins do it first.
"In the company of a dog, a child will become more relaxed, more interactive, more social, less anxious," says Dr. Rolanda Maxim, an autism specialist at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center.

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