Service dogs may lessen anxiety in autistic children

Data on cortisol awakening response measurements of 42 children with autism spectrum disorders showed that trained service dogs reduced stress hormone levels and improved socialization skills of the children. In the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, parents reported an average of 33 behavior problems before living with a dog compared with 25 while living with the animal.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-17/pets/29765111_1_autistic-children-service-dogs-cortisol