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Autism Assistance Dogs
AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG PROGRAM
The Guide Dogs Autism Assistance Dog Program focuses on improving the quality of life for families of children living with autism.
An Autism Assistance Dog helps to increase safety and independence for the child and promotes positive behaviour changes.
ELIGIBILITY
Our dogs are trained to benefit children who:
- Demonstrate the most challenging and severe behaviours
- Are aged between three and eight years old
- Have a confirmed diagnosis of autism
- Experience difficulty with impulse control manifesting through tantrums and absconding.
SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY
The child’s safety is enhanced on outings by being tethered to the dog through a belt around the child’s waist.
The child is able to roam freely, but should they attempt to bolt, the dog is trained to sit or lie down and act as an anchor.
This gives the parent time to intervene and diffuse the situation.
The parent has physical control of the dog by a leash and collar when using this system.
The dog is trained to stop at kerbs and stairs and responds to a parent’s vocal commands.
SAFETY IN THE HOME
An Autism Assistance Dog provides increased security in the home by monitoring the whereabouts of the child.
It is trained to block doors and exits within the home should the child attempt to abscond.
OTHER BENEFITS
Families living with Guide Dogs Autism Assistance Dogs have reported the following benefits:
- Improved participation in social and leisure activities for the family
- Improved quality and quantity of sleep as the child may wake less with the dog sleeping in his/her room
- Positive changes in the child’s behaviour
- Comfort for the child
- Full legal public access, including restaurants and shops.
COMMITMENT
Once accepted into the program, one or both parents must commit to a minimum five-day training period to establish the working relationship and understand the dog’s abilities and skills.
Training is later provided in the home environment with the child.
OPEN ACCESS
A Guide Dogs Autism Assistance Dog has the same legal rights as a Guide Dog.
It is clearly identified by its coat which brings awareness of the dog’s special circumstances.
This helps increase public ease of access.
FUNDING
We rely on fundraising to ensure the long-term success of the program.
An Autism Assistance Dog is valued at well above $25,000 and undergoes an extensive amount of socialisation and training.
Successful applicants must assist with and contribute towards fundraising for their Autism Assistance Dog through sponsorship, donations and community involvement.
This can be discussed during the assessment process.
MORE DETAILS
Please contact Guide Dogs SA.NT on 08 8203 8333 or via our online inquiries form for more details about:
- Applying for an Autism Assistance Dog
- How you can help Guide Dogs with funding/sponsorship.