I think it's a great idea. I suffer from anxiety and have arthritis in my feet (among other chronic pain issues), and now that my Mom passed away (3yrs ago), and my husband can no longer drive (horrific accident left him a paraplegic 4½ yrs ago), I more often than not, find myself out driving/running errands alone, and think a service dog would be a great help with distraction. For your son, as well!
I try not to wonder if a person needs their service animal, as no one ever knows what another person's story really is. MAYBE they are taking advantage, but what are we going to do, walk up and confront them? lol
I know *I* look perfectly normal in public, but trying to appear 'normal' is very stressful and I'm always relieved when I get home. My husband is an angel and will go with me if I ask, but that would require me driving our handicap van (the bottom is lowered for a wheel chair along with heavy duty tie-downs anchored to the floor that hook to the bottom of his chair to keep him in place). Then after we've been out, the van has to be back up 'just so', so it's parked directly in front of our ramp to the porch. The point of this long explanation is for me, it's infinitely easier to drive the Honda. And I would love to have a service dog with me so I don't feel alone.
Oh. Are you wondering how hard it is to certify the pet as a service animal? I haven't a clue, but I'm sure one needs to go thru some sort of mental health tests to prove they aren't faking. Although maybe not, maybe one can simply order that vest for their animal off Amazon! lol