Autistic Child and Pit Bull Are Best Friends (VIDEO)

It has long been known that children with autism, spectrum disorders, and ADHD benefit from the presence of pets –specifically therapy dogs. Kids who face a little bit more of a challenge when it comes to socializing or focusing in school experience lower blood pressure and higher cognitive and communication skills when frequently accompanied by a furry friend.

This is the case for Lacy, a seven-year-old girl, who has severe Autism and is considered to be non-verbal. In other words, Lacy cannot functionally communicate with others using her physical voice. It is estimated that 25 percent of people living with autism spectrum disorder are considered non-verbal, and it is assumed that if a child does not begin speaking by age four or five, they never will.

Though Lacy remains silent, we are happy to see that she has a four-legged best friend to help out on even the most difficult of days. Karma, a red nose Pit Bull, has never received the training required to be a “Therapy Dog.” Still, this loyal pooch instinctively knows the proper way to interact with Lacy and how to help address her loving best friend’s needs.

While Pit Bulls are often made victims of stereotyping, for their reputation as being innately fierce and untrainable fighting dogs, Karma proves that this is not the case. With a little bit of love, nothing can break the bonds between a dog and their human best friends. Watch as the inseparable two go about their daily lives, always hand in paw!