CBS News/ November 16, 2010, 2:46 PM

Family: Let Boy Take Autism Service Dog to Class

GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. (CBS/AP) The family of an autistic Florida boy is fighting the Collier County School District over whether he can bring a service dog to school.

The family of 6-year-old J.C. Bowen says the dog, a yellow retriever named Pepsi, helps the boy with issues related to his autism and seizures. The dog helps the child stay calm and knows what to do if he starts having a seizure. The family says the dog can catch J.C. if he starts to fall.

J.C.'s parents tried to get the dog added to his individualized education plan but says their request was denied.

An attorney for the district told the Naples Daily News he couldn't comment because the family and district are in the middle of a hearing that will resume next month.

What do you think? Should J.C. be permitted to bring the dog to class?

9 Comments Add a Comment

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wulutes says:: It's kind of a stiff statement labeling Autism as a disease....Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Some of the world's brightest figures were on the Autism Spectrum and can you imagine where we would be if they were not allowed to continue their education. No light without Edison, No phones without Bell, No Microsoft without Gates....think of where we would be. Silicon Valley is known for the large amount of Aspies...Don't have preconceived notions until you try to be informed.; reply

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andrewsangel says:: Everyone deserves to be in mainstream school, if there are children who are allergic to the dog, they can be placed in another class, obviously it is a working dog so it is not going to bite anyone...hearing some of you say NO just makes me angry, as if your child is better because he isnt disabled? In reality, disabled children are usually smarter than a "normal" child, so how do you think your child is better than anyone elses? I am sick and tired of people singleing out disabled kids for any reason, adjustments can be made for the children who are for whatever reason, not wanting to be around the dog....the disabled children have to make adjustments all the time, there is no reason other kids cant do it too.....i can only imagine what you people say about homeless people....i am so not proud to be an american when i hear talk like this....they are not throw away kids and they deserve a chance just like your child!!!; reply

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barbaram99 says:: service dogs can not be barred. They are for the disabled..I do not use a dog. I use a white cane..That dogs has to be with its handler..the schools are wrong in dening the service dog..It is a working dog..Allow it..This reminds me of a deaf student who faced the same issue..It made nataioal news. The deaf boy live in NY. I talked to his father from Seattle.; reply

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confused2byu says:: What about the kids that are allergic to dogs, scared of dogs, or cat lovers? Are their rights just ignored? If the child has special needs then he needs to be put in a school trained to meet those needs.

Also if this kid does fall and the dog doesn't catch him is the school liable for neglect?; reply

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aChangeOfIdeas says:: I teach at a school that allowed a service dog for a child who had far less reason to have a service dog than the boy in this article. Of course, if any kids in the class are allergic to dogs...; reply

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dramamama1113 says:: Let him take this special dog with him. Dogs cannot be trained to detect seizures they are born with this wonderful ability. My dad had a service dog that was his lifeline til his passing this year. If Pepsi helps him and keeps him calm then I say welcome to school Pepsi!; reply

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kanajune says:

Nope. Service dogs for the blind are one thing; to extend that to areas outside of that will require some thought and changes in legislation. While the dog I am sure is a great comfort to the boy, one has to ask if JC needs to be in a protected facility if he is subject to many seizures requiring intervention. Sometimes mainstreaming is NOT the best answer to every disease.


rhondamt replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; Service Dogs are becoming increasingly common for detecting seizures, the hearing impaired, and more. If you truly believe they are only for the blind, it shows some old-fashioned narrow-mindedness.