How To Get A Therapy Dog For Autism

Assistance Dog Information

Service dogs have been found to be very beneficial for some children and adults with autism. Autism Speaks has put together a list of resources to help you learn more about service dogs and connect you with organizations that may be able to help you and your family find a service dog that is right for you.

Service Dog Organizations

4 Paws for Ability
4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of children with disabilities and veterans by training and placing quality, task-trained service dogs. This provides increased independence for the children and assistance to their families. 4 Paws for Ability also helps educate the public regarding use of service dogs in public places.

Autism Service Dogs of America 
Our mission at Autism Service Dogs of America (ASDA) is to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals living with autism, and their families, by providing exceptionally well trained service dogs. Our service dogs provide physical safety and an emotional anchor for children with autism.

Assistance Dogs International
Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is a coalition of not for profit assistance dog organizations. The purpose of ADI is to improve the areas of training, placement, and utilization of assistance dogs, staff and volunteer education, as well as educating the public about assistance dogs, and advocating for the legal rights of people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs.

Blessings Unleashed
Blessings Unleashed is a national life-changing program that turns rescue dogs into heroes for children with autism. Our mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with autism by training and placing highly skilled service dogs. We accomplish this by properly training select rescue dogs for their future individualized task and educating recipients to utilize and care for their service dog.

Canine Companions for Independence
Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA, Canine Companions is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs, and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. The result is a life full of increased independence and loving companionship.

Custom Canines Service Dog Academy
Custom Canines Service Dog Academy is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization of volunteer professionals and individuals who embrace the endeavor of creating and supporting lasting partnerships between highly skilled service dogs and the community of mankind with diverse impairments and disabilities, thus greatly enhancing their quality of life. The dogs of Custom Canines are placed with their human partners at no cost.

Informational Blogs and News Items

7 tips for getting a service dog for an autistic child
from Autism Daily Newscast

Service dog or therapy dog: Which is best for a child with autism?
from Autism Speaks

Autism and pets: More evidence of social benefits
from Disability Scoop

The Therapeutic Power of Pets for Children with Autism
from Stages Learning

Lending a paw: 'Chester the Super Hero Dog'
from Arkansas Online

Autistic child's family raises money for service dog
from the Natchez Democrat

Autism Assistance Dog

Autism Assistance Dog

An Autism Assistance Dog can be case specifically trained in the areas where the individual needs assistance. An Autism Assistance Dog can be trained to provide task trained assistance with calming, comforting and redirecting commands. ResponsibilityMany children enjoy learning how to brush, feed, and take care of their service dog. Assisting with TransitionsThe Autism Assistance dog has the public access rights to provide a source of comfort and consistency when environments change and anxiety might be high. Many families are able to go more places because they have the service dog.

SERVICE DOGS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

SERVICE DOGS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Service Dogs for Children with Autism act as constant companions to children with autism to help them improve social interactions and relationships, expand verbal and nonverbal communication, teach life skills, increase interest in activities and decrease stress within the family. A PAWS Dog doesn’t pass judgment, but breaks into the world of autism and becomes a crucial part of the family’s life. Because of LEWIS, we are sleeping with a peace that’s eluded us for years.”– Daniel, Parent of PAWS Service Dogs for Children with Autism ClientDaniel and Dorene Taylor have two young boys – Elliot, who’s seven, and Owen, who’s nearly six. It was a chance encounter with a stranger a few months after Elliot’s diagnosis that spurred Daniel to investigate Service Dogs for Children with Autism (SDA). Because of LEWIS, Dorene and I are sleeping with a peace that’s eluded us for years.”In the morning, Daniel typically takes LEWIS outside, plays with him and practices commands.

How To Afford A Service Dog

How To Afford A Service Dog

Before you or a family member get a service dog, check your local laws about eligibility requirements and plan how you will be able to afford one. Service dogs vs. emotional support dogsService dogs differ from emotional support dogs in that a service dog is trained to perform a job that their owner cannot. Before your service dog comes home, you’ll want to prepare your living space with dog food, toys and other pet supplies. Although you’re not required to go through an ADI-accredited program to get a service dog, doing so ensures that the service dog received the care and comprehensive training needed to successfully serve your needs. Landlords are required as part of the Fair Housing Act to make reasonable accommodations to service dogs, so don’t assume that only expensive apartment complexes will allow service dogs.

13 Best Dog Breeds for Autism Children & Families

13 Best Dog Breeds for Autism Children & Families

While most kids benefit significantly from growing up with a family dog, it has been proven to be even more beneficial for children with autism. LabradoodleBred as a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador, the Labradoodle is a popular choice for families of children with autism. So What’s the Best Dog Breed for Autism? Although these service dog breeds for autism are some of the most reliable and tested canines when it comes to helping children with special needs, it doesn’t mean other dog breeds and mixes aren’t going to be a good match. Maximum Safety for Autism with AngelSenseWe all want to keep your children with autism as safe as possible.

Autism — Service Dogs of Virginia

Autism — Service Dogs of Virginia

Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. While there is currently no known single cause of autism, early diagnosis and intervention helps a person receive the support and services that they need, which can lead to a quality life filled with opportunity. Once such intervention is an Autism Service Dog. Service Dogs for young adults with Autism act as constant companions that help improve social interactions and relationships, expand verbal and nonverbal communication, teach life skills, increase interest in activities and decrease stress within the family. Must have an Autism diagnosisApplicant must be in a therapeutic program for a minimum of six monthsPlease see Applicant Criteria for more criteriaIf you are interested for applying for a service dog, please see the Application Process for details.

Autism Assist Dogs

Autism Assist Dogs

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Autism Service Dog Program

What is the Autism Service Dog program? Such as specialty service dogs, training such a highly specialized service dog takes time. As a general rule our service dogs begin their training as early as 8 weeks old. Autism Assistance Service Dogs help children and adults who are on the autism spectrum. Having an Autism Support Dog does not mean it's an easy task.

Is a Therapy Dog Right for Your Child with Autism?

Is a Therapy Dog Right for Your Child with Autism?

While there can be benefits, a therapy dog may not be the right fit for every child or family. Sometimes “therapy dog” is used as a blanket term, but there are differences between service dogs and therapy dogs. Sometimes a therapy dog can help a patient overcome a stressful or traumatic procedure, or they might help with occupational or physical therapy. Specific ways a therapy dog might help a child with autism include:Children who have autism often deal with emotional outbursts. Alliance of Therapy Dogs is an international registry of certified therapy dog teams.