The use of service dogs to aid those with autism has been on the rise in recent years, but in a new trend so-called therapy dogs play a similar role in shorter bursts.

While service dogs traditionally are trained to be full-time companions for an individual, therapy dogs work with a variety of kids at residential schools and treatment centers.

The dogs are capable of withstanding high levels of stress, allowing them to act as a calming influence when a person gets frustrated or loses control. More than that, however, kids are encouraged to pet, play with and care for the dogs, tasks that can form a bond that experts say allows them to relax and improve communication skills.

While not everyone responds to the animals, progress can be remarkable for some. One teacher said her functionally nonverbal students are more motivated to learn to speak now that Yori, a yellow Labrador retriever mix, started attending classes, reports The New York Times. To read more click here.

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