For a number of autistic children, having a pet dog makes the difference between life and death. Methodically trained guide dogs help create an environment in which autistic children feel comfortable enough to lead more ordinary lives. Autism spectrum disorder is a major public health problem and is the most common neurological disorder, affecting 1 in 110 births in the United States (Autism Society, 2009). The severity of ASD can vary from Asperger's syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism in which the child can function relatively well in society, to classic autistic disorder or ASD, which severely inhibits the child's ability to socialize. or to communicate (NINDS). Autism is most strikingly manifested by deficits in the formation of social relationships and communication (Adams & Burrows, 2005). “Imagine for a moment that you are locked in a crazy room where lights flicker, room temperatures fluctuate, loud music blasts your ears, and strong smells overwhelm you. This is how most autistic children experience the world on a daily basis. They are dysregulated in processing sensory data, and all parts of the body and life are affected. - (Hollingsworth, 2011) Companion dogs for children with autism represent an invaluable resource in playing an imperative role in creating independent living skills. Safety is the most important position a pet dog plays in preventing the child from running away or rushing into a dangerous situation. like a busy street. Children with autism may “display unpredictable and unstable behavior,” such as running away without warning, which could put them in serious danger (Adams, Burrows, Spiers). Pet dogs are trained to alert parents when the child may engage in an activity...... middle of paper ...... November 05, 2011. .Foden, Theresa and Connie Anderson Ph.D. “Dogs, horses and ASD: what are animal-assisted therapies? » Kennedy Krieger Institute. March 8, 2011. The web. .Hollingsworth, Shanna. “Psychiatric Service Dogs: Children with Autism.” Society of Psychiatric Assistance Dogs. 2008. Internet. November 5, 2011. .Holloway, Monica. Cowboy & Wills: a love story. New York: Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2009. Print. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). (October 19, 2009). Autism fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm.Pavlides, Merope. Animal-assisted interventions for people with autism. London: Jessica Kingsley, 2008. Print.