Autism dogs: Call for regulation as demand quadruples
Charities training support dogs for children with autism are calling for more regulation after figures revealed a quadrupling in requests for help. The charities collectively recorded 3,795 inquiries in 2017 - compared with 946 in 2012. They said demand for the free dogs meant longer waiting lists for desperate families who may instead turn to unaccredited paid-for alternatives. The government said it wanted to create a UK standard. Assistance dogs are trained to provide companionship and help children with autism remain safe and calm and in busy situations.