1. Burrows KE, Adams CL. {{Challenges of service-dog ownership for families with autistic children: lessons for veterinary practitioners}}. {J Vet Med Educ}. 2008 Winter;35(4):559-66.
The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges of service-dog ownership for families with autistic children. Through a qualitative interview process, this study has found that the integration of a service dog into a home environment is a highly dynamic and interactive process with numerous benefits and challenges. Public-access issues, learning to interpret dog behavior, the time constraints of increased social interactions, and the time of year the dog is placed into the family are important components affecting parental satisfaction. Parent, family, and child challenges included the dog being extra work, finding added time to maintain training, financing care for the dog, and the impact on family dynamics. These factors and challenges were appraised in order to understand the impact that they could have on the perceived success of the placement, parental satisfaction, and the dog itself. Despite the effects and consequences of these challenges, the parents overwhelmingly reported that having a service dog to keep their child safe and to provide companionship was well worth the many inconveniences of service-dog ownership. Most importantly, attention needs to be drawn to these challenges to promote the safety of both the child and the dog, minimize stress on the family, and encourage veterinary support of these highly dynamic relationships.
2. Minnes P, Steiner K. {{Parent views on enhancing the quality of health care for their children with fragile X syndrome, autism or Down syndrome}}. {Child Care Health Dev}. 2009 Mar;35(2):250-6.
Abstract Background International research in recent years has begun to focus on the medical problems of individuals with intellectual disabilities and on family stress in accessing health services for persons with developmental disabilities. Less is known about the needs of individuals in different diagnostic groups, or about their experiences of systems of care. Therefore, we report the results of focus groups with parents of children or adults with fragile X syndrome, autism or Down syndrome. Methods Semi-structured group interviews with parents of children, youth or adults from each of three diagnostic groups probed perceptions of challenges and successes in obtaining and negotiating healthcare services in Ontario, Canada. Results Parents described diverse barriers to care, the need for advocacy in securing services, perceptions of service delivery and the role of healthcare professionals in regulating access to a wide range of services. Diagnostic services represented one area of central concern to parents from all three groups. Discussion Focus group data yielded a wide range of concerns. Suggestions for enhancing the system included expanding syndrome-specific education for medical students and health professionals and creating a centre that could offer service-related information for parents.
