Service Dogs for Children with Autism

Stability & Comfort

Enjoy stability and comfort with an autism assistance dog.

We train service dogs for children (and adults) with autism so these individuals can feel safe, accepted, and connected to the world around them.

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Children and adults with autism long for safety, acceptance, and the ability to communicate with others.

A day without a safety scare, emotional meltdown, or sensory overload is rare for those on the autism spectrum (and their loved ones).

Even good days are difficult as parents try to identify their child’s needs — and as the individual with autism struggles to connect with the people and world around them.

While we still don’t have a cause or cure for autism, we know that small victories can make a big difference.

Your child can achieve small victories every day by feeling safe, finding comfort, and connecting with others.

We’ve learned how to train service dogs for children with autism to alleviate symptoms, interrupt repetitive behavior, and follow cues from their parent or guardian.

With an autism assistance dog, individuals with autism can stay safe, reduce sensory overwhelm, and communicate better with others.

Research has highlighted a few autism-related issues that our dogs can help with:

AUTISM CAUSES EXTRA SENSITIVITY TO SOUND AND TOUCH.

Loud noises or sudden touches can easily scare a child with autism, but dogs communicate in subtler ways than we do. For example, while a person speaking loudly might alarm your child, a dog can quietly offer them a gentle nudge without startling them.

THOSE WITH AUTISM TYPICALLY HAVE LOW LEVELS OF OXYTOCIN.

This hormone promotes love, bonding, and safety. With low oxytocin levels, children with autism often struggle to connect with others or show their emotions. But petting a dog actually releases oxytocin in the brain, helping your child with social bonding.

PEOPLE WITHOUT AUTISM MAY NOT UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILD AT FIRST.

A child with autism may struggle to connect with peers or behave properly, which neurotypical folks (those without autism) have trouble relating to. But with a service dog by their side, your child can improve their social skills and stay calm at school or in public.

Do I Qualify?

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Our autism assistance dogs can comfort and guide your child by:

Safely crossing a parking lot as your child holds onto their leash

Acting as an anchor to keep a child from “bolting”

Interrupting a breakdown or repetitive behavior with a gentle nudge

Applying deep, hug-like pressure to comfort your child

Helping your child move calmly from one situation to the next

And more

This placement is for individuals higher on the autism spectrum scale.

There is a two- to three-year wait time, perhaps longer, for an autism assistance dog.

Not all placements provide full public access, and applicants must be at least 8 years old to be eligible for autism assist dog.

You (or your child) must be verbal and able to give a dog cues independently. Right now, we're only placing in-home skilled companion dogs for autism assistance. This means that the dog provides support to their person in the home only. They do not have public access and are not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The applicant must have previous exposure to dogs and be comfortable around dogs. If the applicant has sensory issues, make sure they're okay with a dog licking them, dog saliva, and shedding.

We occasionally place dogs with adults with autism, depending on the applicant's needs for a dog.

An autism assistance dog

can change your child’s life.

Do I Qualify?

Apply