Autism Assistance Dogs
PILOT PROGRAM PROVIDES HOPE
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CHANGING LIVES
Our Autism Assistance Dog Pilot Program is designed to help improve the lives of children living with autism and their families.
Every child with autism is unique. However, typical behaviours can lead to isolation, mobility issues, sociability issues and lack of awareness of danger and limits.
HOW IT ALL WORKS
The autism assistance dog is tethered to the child by a belt system and acts as an anchor should the child attempt to run away.
The parent has physical control of the dog via a leash and collar.
The dog is trained to stop at all kerbs, steps and stairs and responds to commands from the parent, such as "left" and "right".
BENEFITS MAY INCLUDE
- Increased safety and independence for the child
- Control of the child through commands to the dog
- Teaches responsibility
- Positive changes in behaviour and lower aggression levels
- Comfort when the child is upset
- Full public access to a variety of environments, including shops.
An autism assistance dog can help a child with autism to participate in social and leisure activities, reducing the stress associated with interacting with other people, including teachers and other students.
APPLICANT GUIDELINES
The acceptance of a family and child on to the program will depend on various criteria being met from information gathered from the application form and interview.
Applicants should bear in mind the following guidelines:
- The child must have a confirmed diagnosis of autism from an official body.
- Parents must be committed to their involvement in the program and willing to be interviewed at home by a Guide Dogs SA.NT staff member.
- Parents must demonstrate a commitment towards dog training and be able to attend a five-day training course at a location to be advised. This is followed by training at home with the child.
- One parent must be available to look after the dog at home during the day.
- The family must be able to provide a safe and secure environment, and be able to care for the dog financially, such as vet bills, food and toys.
- Applications can only be considered for children between the ages of three and eight.
- Families that already have a pet dog cannot be considered as this can interfere with the training of the autism assistance dog.
ENQUIRIES
For more details please contact Guide Dog Services either by phone (08 8203 8333) or through our online inquiry form.