Kynsi, a UCLA-trained Therapy Dog, Brings Comfort to Oceanside Students
Published on 4.29.25
The debate over how to best educate students with autism and other special needs is a pressing issue in Australia, where the nation's fastest-growing disability continues to grow. However, there are also innovative initiatives underway that aim to provide emotional support and comfort to students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
One notable example is Kynsi, a therapy dog trained by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District. Kynsi, a mix of a Black Lab and Golden Retriever, has been serving students at Nichols Leadership Academy in Oceanside, California.
Kynsi's handler, Rachel Prentiss, who also has cerebral palsy, notes that the dog's presence is calming and engaging, helping students with autism stay focused and connect with others. This initiative highlights the potential benefits of incorporating therapy animals into educational settings to support students with special needs.