There are some families that don’t have a home convenient for animals. Try weighted blankets. My son is now 24 yrs and still sleeps with his. I had a weighted vest when he was small. I Also would have him lay down and applied pressure to each of his joints then massaged the arm or leg and then go to the next joint. He Lo ved it and would calm down and most often fall asleep. I have raised my son at a time when there wasn’t much help or advise, just trial and error. Many people have asked me to write a book. My son is doing very well. Has a full time job and is independent. I’ll answer any questions

Such a brilliant idea! My son when his anxiety is extreme he will be calmed by just sitting with his dog.

I would take your son to a shelter. Let him visit with the cats and the dogs. See what he is drawn to. That would be the best first step in my opinion. We got our son a pure bred Lab. He actually likes cats more. Wish I'd done what I suggested to you. Now we're stuck with a dog we don't really want... lots of work. ;)

There is a difference between support/guide/therapy animals so please check that first. I do agree that the greatest amount of care (& $$) may be comingn from you and that it would be important to take your child around animals and see how they are with them. Ps Labs are great autism assistance dogs but they shed like crazy and are a larger animal. https://www.dogguides.com/? Is one place to read up on them.

The Difference Campaign - Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides

https://www.dogguides.com/

We have two cats who are very in tune with our Aspie.