Sacramento Area Local News

E-mail

Close Window E-mail This Page

Autistic Boy's Canine Assistant Banned From School

Required fields are marked with an asterisk(*)

Recipient E-mail:*
- Your Name:*
- Your E-mail:*
Add a Message:
Send me a copy of this e-mail.

Type the characters in this picture:*

Click here to refresh with new letters

The information you provide will be used only to send the requested e-mail and will not be used to send any other e-mail communications. Read more in our Privacy Policy

Send E-mail

Print Share + Comments

May 19, 2008 5:45 pm US/Pacific

Autistic Boy's Canine Assistant Banned From School

MANTECA (AP) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: (File Photo)
CBS

Close

numSlides of totalImages

Monday was the first day of class for an autistic 4-year-old boy at McFall Preschool. It might have gone a bit better for Jayden Qualls if the school had allowed his canine assistant to tag along.

The problems began as Jayden tried to get on the school bus with his dog Houdini and the dog's trainer. The family said Jayden was denied access with his dog.

Once the boy finally arrived at school, the principal refused to allow Houdini on campus, said Jayden's mother, Tara Qualls.

Jayden's parents bought Houdini for $13,000 from Autism Services Dogs of America. The dog helps Jayden with walking, staying alert and emotional outbursts, the boy's mother said.

"They started jumping up, saying, 'The dog is not allowed here, we'll have to call the pound if you take that dog in,"' Qualls said.

School district officials say they need to determine if Houdini is an actual service dog or a companion dog.

There are 125 students at McFall Preschool with developmental disabilities, including autism.