Autism assistance dog

For a child who may bolt towards a road, the dog works as a safety anchor. The child wears a belt clipped to the dog's harness, a parent holds the lead, and the dog is trained to plant itself and sit if the child tries to run. A familiar dog alongside can also make busy outings less overwhelming for some children. Families and trainers are candid about the limits: the arrangement only works if the child will keep the belt on.