Dogs for the Disabled has extended its services to help children with autism and their families.
For a child with autism life can be confusing. The world becomes a mass of pictures and noise that never makes sense. There is no known cure for autism, and every individual is affected differently, but one thing remains the same, normal life stops for the whole family.
How does a dog help?
- A dog communicates in simple consistent messages
- A trained dog can remain calm in busy environments, helping a child to feel relaxed and safe
- A dog is a constant focus for a child in unfamiliar environments
- A dog thrives on routine and follows simple rules, which can provide a structure for the child to follow
We provide two services to help families with a child with autism to lead a more fulfilled life:
An Autism Assistance Dog service – the provision of a specially trained assistance dog
Parents Autism Workshops and Support (PAWS) – supporting families to get the most out of a relationship between a pet dog and their child
