Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
I have autism and ADHD and I got a dog as a pet because I thought it would be helpful for me and it has been! She is my favourite thing and she has already helped me loads with lots of things.
I would like to train her to be a "proper" assistance dog for me because she is very clever and it would be helpful to have her be an official assistance dog.
I know that there are charities that train dogs for autism support but they all seem to be for autistic children and not for adults.
Can anybody recommend somewhere that offers this for adults with autism? As a person who was assigned female at birth, despite having lots of struggles throughout my life I only received a diagnosis in the last couple of years so I am a bit behind on understanding help and support.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Living in the type of council property that I am here in Manchester U.K., I’m not allowed to have any pets - I read somewhere that cats are supposed to be good for people with autism - long before my diagnosis, when I was growing up in a little Irish village in Rural Ireland, my Mum had cats on an acre of land, so I became a cat lover - I improvised by having teddy bears instead and I currently have 40 teddy bears in my (queen sized) bed, including my beloved Paddington, Edward, James, Dafyd, Polie, Tara and Pandy Bears, to name a few, but especially my Paddington, he’s my best friend and my rock, even at age 53 - I don’t mind dogs, although my favourite breed is Labrador (adorable)
I think all animals can be good for regulating and you get happy hormones from petting animals. I've had a cat for almost 10 years and he is great, really wonderful.
But cats don't make you go out like dogs do. Willow is a border collie mixed with a poodle. She's been really great because she's been my support and distraction when I have to go out (I can't focus and worry about all the people because I'm focused on her) and if I get stressed well then I've got a snuggle buddy with me everywhere.
Another benefit I've found is that when people talk to you, if you've got a dog they ask about the dog rather than other small talk that could be anything. It keeps it more focused.
I am sorry you can't have pets, if it's ever possible I would recommend it! Or if you are able to, try and get to places where there are animals to pet. I heard that horses are supposed to be great therapy animals!