Autism Therapy Dogs
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Find Autism Dogs in the US
- North Star Dogs
North Star has a variety of programs and price ranges ($200 and up)You can train under their guidance or they will train with you. They will also help you pick a dog at your cost. - Autism Services Dogs of America (ASDA)
ASDA only works with autism cases. They're more expensive ($13,500 and up). They do offer a fund-raising packet for accepted applications. They completely train and assist you in getting the child and dog together. - All Purpose Canines
All purpose sets you up with a trained dog for about $15,000, they offer the same services as ASDA, but they charge an application fee, and travel expenses.
Find Autism Dogs in Canada
- Welcome to National Service Dogs
National Service Dogs is enriching the quality of life and enhancing the independence of children and families living with autism and special needs
How do autism therapy dogs work wonders?
My first
encounter with a canine hero, says it all.
Two years ago, I met a little boy with a shy smile sitting on a park bench with his dad.
At this boy's feet, lay a small dog. A "collie mix" according to the boy who proudly told me the pup's lineage.
The boy's dad seemed pleased. He ruffled his son's hair and gave him an over the shoulder hug.
However, the boy quickly broke free. Apparently, he had something very important on his mind.
"Read dat!” he said, yanking my shirt, pointing directly to his dog's red tee shirt. “Look!”
The boy's father leaned forward to get his son's attention. "Say please."
"Ya, Ya Please!" he said, once again pointing to his dog's shirt. "Read dat. Read dat!"
I read it aloud, "Please Ask Me About My Dog."
"What's your dog's name?" I asked.
"My Dog!" Now the boy happily pointed at himself.
"He's my dog!" he added with a smidge less vigor.
It appeared just having me ask something was enough to calm the boy's restless spirit because the boy sat back down and bent over to gently rub the dog's belly
The pup rolled up willingly as the boy’s hand approached.
His dad told me the dog's real name, but I'm bad with names, and I'm not going to make one up. Names don't matter anyway. The pup by any name was special.
The laid back dog who really didn't do much other than wear a tee shirt and go belly up was a miracle worker.
Dad explained his son was autistic. Before getting the conversation starting dog, his son never made an effort to communicate with anyone, even family.
I guess it's a fact, kids and dogs are truly a match made in heaven.
pajamamoma 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing this story! My son is autistic and I would love to get him a dog that was trained for children with autism which they now have. Dogs are very special and seem to know and feel things before we even do. They truly are a mans best friend.