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"[Our son] is still loud but now he is skipping and singing rather than screaming. It is truly wonderful to see this confidence emerging in Dylan." — Kristen, Dylan's mom
What are Autism Support Dogs?
Our Autism Support Dog program is designed to improve the quality of life of families with autistic children. It is based on the principle of providing a fully trained dog to the parents and the autistic child along with the correct training and support to ensure that the dog works to the maximum of its abilities.
Although each and every autistic child is unique, many exhibit behaviors that lead to social isolation both within the family and with other people, mobility issues and a basic lack of awareness of danger in everyday situations.
For parents and family members, this results in highly stressful daily life and an inability to function normally in social situations. For example, not being able to go to the mall or to a restaurant. In addition, there are genuine issues of safety with many children displaying a tendency to bolt in open spaces.
What are the benefits of an Autism Support Dog?
Just as no two children with Autism exhibit identical types of behavior, so too the benefits of each Autism Support Dog partnerships are unique.
Some of the benefits that can be experienced are:
- Increase safety for the child
- Control the child by commanding the dog
- Passively teaches the child responsibility
- Under the B.C. Guide Animal Act Autism Support Dogs enjoy the right of full public access
- Positive changes in behavior, lowers aggression/frustration levels with the child
- Comforts when upset
- Meet the needs of parents for a degree of predictability in social settings for the child and themselves.
It will help to bring independence not just for the children but also for their parents.
An Autism Support Dog can allow the child to participate in education, social and leisure activities as the canine reduces the stress associated with interacting with other people and getting involved in social situations.