I am seeking information on obtaining a "service dog" for a 10 year
old boy with Asperger's syndrome (a form of autism) and a learning
disability.  He is a fifth grade student in a public elementary school
but lacks the social skills to develop friendships. He becomes easily
frustrated and will have "meltdowns."  A family member saw a recent
Jane Pauley show that discussed Asperger's syndrome and showed a child
receiving help through a service dog.  In addition, there is an 8 year
old girl in the family currently receiving treatment for attention
deficit disorder, and she also has problems with making friends. 
Family lives north of Boston. This child with Asperger's syndrome has
already been begging for a dog. I would also be interested in costs as
mother is a single parent living on a limited income.

It might be worth the family's time to contact the Lockbox Foundation.

You can learn more about it here:

http://www.autisticsociety.org/autism-article618.html

Contact info is here:

http://www.lockboxfoundation.com/get-involved/index.html

Thank you so much Pinkfreud for your help and taking the time to add a
comment to my question.  I am very grateful and appreciate of the
information you have provided.  Thanks again.

You may have already researched this, but I wanted to let you know in case. 

http://autism.about.com/cs/serviceanimals/l/blsvcdog.htm

This discusses ways to self-train a dog for service.  It has a link to
the legal issues (dogs being allowed in schools, etc.).

I think that if you're on a budget but have some time to spend on
training, the best way to go would be to contact a rescue group. 
There are many on Petfinder.com.  The best rescue groups will work
with you -- for instance, you can describe what you need
(kid-friendly, larger breed, well-socialized, patient) and they will
either have one for you or they'll keep their eyes peeled for any that
are perfect for you.  They foster dogs in homes, and so can get to
know their personalities well.  Getting a dog 2 years old and up will
help you immensely as you'll know their personality for certain
(nothing is certain with a puppy, even purebreeds) and they'll be out
of their adolesence so they'll be easier to train.  Post this question
on the message boards at Petfinder and you may get some very helpful
answers as well.

Good luck!

Thanks Gordie9! Will check out the site.  I am trying to gather as
much information as possible.  I appreciate your recommendations on
choosing a dog old enough that you will be able to know the
personality and what to expect.  Thanks again for taking the time to
post a comment.