Autism Service Dogs
- Thread starter NewfMom
- Start date
Pregreen
New member
sendchocolate
New member
very interesting. Thank you for posting that. I have two with high-functioning autism. One with Asperger's traits. (two diagnosed, third not) Life is....interesting.
R Taft
Active member
We work with quite a few children with Autism........We had no experience, except for the fact that we have been doing Riding for the disabled with two of our horses for a long time. Annabelle, who was our problem dog made an attachment to two children with Autism. We had just brought her along to the events every fornight. Annabelle ended up spending extra time with these kids on their parents and occupational therapists request. One of the boys started talking, only to Annabelle intitially........He now has his own Service dog, a golden retriever. His training was more or less just obedience and tolerance testing. They are great to watch together. the young lad has made huge progression since meeting Annabelle and now living with his own dog. he still loves Annabelle and she is incredibly tolerant of him.
I am currently doing Assitance dog training as part of my Course..But we are doing the assistance dogs for the disable more, pick up stuff and such. I think the dogs that are good with the Autistic kids are a more sensitive special character, who seem to drawn to the kids, like Annabelle. Annabelle is not trained, except in obedience, but she is drawn to special needs children. Especially the withdrawn autistic children and boys more then the on girl. She still goes to the special school once a fornight. I just don't have enough hours in my week. I took Toby along to and he had a fabulous time with Katy and some hightly energized Down's Syndrome children. Annabelle avoids them. It is hard to pick
I am currently doing Assitance dog training as part of my Course..But we are doing the assistance dogs for the disable more, pick up stuff and such. I think the dogs that are good with the Autistic kids are a more sensitive special character, who seem to drawn to the kids, like Annabelle. Annabelle is not trained, except in obedience, but she is drawn to special needs children. Especially the withdrawn autistic children and boys more then the on girl. She still goes to the special school once a fornight. I just don't have enough hours in my week. I took Toby along to and he had a fabulous time with Katy and some hightly energized Down's Syndrome children. Annabelle avoids them. It is hard to pick
Sue M.
New member
One of NPD's rescues that I fostered was adopted by a family whose son has the Asperger's syndrome. It was a match made in heaven. The unique relationships that develop between person and dog are a true testament to the benefits of these kinds of programs. Whatever you are thinking about doing Sharon... Go for it!!!!