Autism Assistance Dogs
Autism Assistance Dogs are not only a living miracle to the affected child or adult, but also to the entire family. These special dogs are trained to assist the individual, and in some cases the parents of the child, in a variety of ways.
Below are a few examples of the ways in which a dog trained for Autism assistance can help a family of a child with Autism or, for some of the commands, an individual.
Commands
Tether Training
If your child has a tendency to dart away from you, or if you have trouble holding on to your child for guidance, our dogs can be trained to assist in a form of guidance themselves. Little Angels Autism Assistance Dogs can wear a special “tether” harness that has a leash attached to the belt loop or harness of your child. When the child tries to dart away the dog is trained to resist this pressure, thus keeping your child safe. Not only does this keep the child out of danger, but over time it can also teach the child to stop darting. Many children who struggle against having their hands held by their parents do well with following a dog they are tethered to. Regardless of a tether being used or not, many children find satisfaction in holding onto a special handle attached to the dog’s vest that is designed especially for them. It gives them a sense of confidence and security to feel that they are walking their own dog. This can also keep a child focused on the dog and keep other distractions at bay.
Commands
Tracking
Commands
Alert
Some children with autism demonstrate repetitive behaviors such as flailing their arms, hitting various surfaces, stomping their feet, etc.. Parents often say that just a simple touch to their child’s arm will interrupt these behaviors so the child is redirected. Our dogs can be trained to recognize these signs from the child, and paw at their leg to interrupt the behavior.
Commands
Social Bridge
If your child has a tendency to dart away from you or if you have trouble holding on to your child for guidance, our dogs can be trained to assist in a form of guidance themselves. Little Angels Autism Assistance Dogs can wear a special “tether” harness that has a leash attached to the belt loop or harness of your child. When the child tries to dart away, the dog is trained to resist this pressure, thus keeping your child safe. Not only does this keep the child out of danger, over time it can also teach the child to stop darting. Many children who struggle against having their hands held by their parents do well with following a dog they are tethered to. Regardless of a tether being used or not, many children find satisfaction in holding onto a special handle attached to the dog’s vest that is designed especially for them. It gives them a sense of confidence and security to feel that they are walking their own dog. This can also keep a child focused on the dog and keep other distractions at bay.
Commands
Friendship
Is an Autism Assistance Dog Right for My Child?
Obtaining an Autism Service Dog for my child:
In order to obtain a service dog for your child you must:
- Have a child with autism to the extent that the disability hinders the aspects of day-to-day life.
- Be willing to be the handler and leader of the dog for your child. Your child cannot handle the dog alone.
- Have a family that loves dogs.
- Have patience to work through problems (even a trained dog is still a dog).
- Have finances to provide your dog with veterinary care and maintenance for the next 10-12 years.
- Be willing to travel to San Diego, California or Bartlett, New Hampshire for handler training with your child and at least one additional adult to provide child care while you are in your lessons.
Having a Service Dog for your child can be life-changing.
Obtaining an Autism Service Dog for myself as an adult:
Little Angels is happy to train Autism Assistance service dogs for adults with Autism, however the tasks that these dogs perform are often quite different from that of an Autism Assistance dog for a child. The primary goal of an Autism Assistance dog for an adult is to make everyday environments less overwhelming and easier to manage. While the tasks will be catered to you as an individual, the training will look very similar to that of our psychiatric service dogs. We would suggest reviewing the tasks of a psychiatric service dog to see how those specific tasks could assist you.