Shine
10th April 2024
Autism assistance dogs matched with families in need
By Ke Jiayun
Three autism assistance dogs that graduated from training school in December have been matched with families in need and found their forever homes.
Recently, a ceremony took place at the Shanghai Children's Art Theater to introduce the dogs and the families they will support, and to mark World Autism Awareness Day.
The nation's first licensed emotional support dog that was formerly a stray also made its debut at the event.
Autism, a neurodevelopmental condition that typically emerges in early childhood, affects a significant number of people in China. The prevalence of autism, as reported by the National Health Commission, is 0.7 percent among domestic children.
While there is no definitive medical cure for autism, rehabilitation training is a key intervention method, ideally beginning before the age of 6.
Autism assistance dogs have been proved to help such children manage their disability and live more independently, as well as improving their social interactions and relationships.
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