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Autism assistance dog

Boot72

Hi,

throwing it out there to all!

has anyone got, had or are considering an autism assistance dog! My 8yr old has aspergers and is incredibly academically intelligeand buis has challenging behaviour, bolts, hides and really struggles with anxiety which manifests as anger, he then repeatedly self harms.

dogs have really seemed to have had a calming influence and we are looking to get an assistance dog privately and we would appreciate any experience, opinions eteat many thanks

xx

  • Glad to hear that you can now get assistance dogs for people with ASD.  This was only available in USA when my sons were younger.  Anyway I only now of one person who has an assistance dog for her daughter who is 7.  It is early days for them but they are starting to see changes in her behaviour.  She is a lot calmer and is talking a lot more (mostly to the dog).  

    another option is to volunteer to walk dogs say privately or at a rescue centre.  We did this for a number of years and the children found it very rewarding.

    If not dogs due to the level of commitment needed there are riding charities that cater for people with ASD.  My sons did a course in horse whispering and then moved onto riding.  

    Hope some of this information helps.

  • This is where have been offered a puppy, my son is still young ands with support would develop independence. As a mum it is hard to give your child freedom with their peers when they don't have the emotional intelligence. I feel this is where an assistance dog will begin to help......

  • I would like one. But I don't think I would be allowed because my ASD is not severe enough. Even though  I love dogs and find them very therapeutic. Luckily someone else who lives in my house (I live in a low-medium supported house) has a dog I can see sometimes. I have looked into just getting a rescue dog but it's hard. I dont know if I am ready to look after my own dog all by myself that isnt already trained. This is where I looked

    www.servicedogseurope.com/home