Assistance Dogs

In 2005, the Irish Guide Dogs launched a programme to provide Assistance Dogs to children with Autism. This program was the first of its kind in Europe. Since then the program has flourish with 100+ families in Ireland now using Assistance Dogs on a daily basis.

An Assistance Dog is the same breed, age and temperament as a guide dog. It is trained specially to work with an autistic child and his/her family and as with a guide dog has unlimited access to public places such as shops, restaurants, cinema etc.

The main function of the dog is to help keep the child safe but many parents also report other benefits such as improvement in the child's behaviour due to the interaction between the child and dog and the reassurance of the dog's presence

Autism assistance dogs are known to:

• Increase safety levels and alleviate the bolting behaviours by acting as an anchor when tethered to the child
• Provide independence as the child doesn't have to hold the parents hand
• Provide greater freedom to go out in public due to the calming affects the dog has on the child
• Help with transitioning which leads to reduced stress levels and a more positive experience for all
• Act as a constant companion, offering unconditional love and friendship
• Improve socialisation skills

In Ireland, applications for Assistance Dogs for Autism can now be made to 2 different charities

If you are interested in applying for an assistance dog from IGDB then contact Clíodhna Ní Laoghaire, Client Service Administrator

Tel: 021 487 8218 / Locall 1850 506300

AADI is a new charity founded earlier this year, with its headquarters in Mallow Co. Cork. Their primary service is to provide highly trained assistance dogs for children with autism and their families.

They have their first two dogs were placed with families at the beginning of November 2010 and are already making a difference. They are in the embryonic stages at this time but their target is to train up to 20 dogs a year.

This charity will provide a valuable service that can have life changing effects for children with autism and their families.

Each assistance dog costs in the region of €15,000 to train, and as a charity, aadi receives no government funding, and they rely entirely on voluntary contributions. Assistance dogs are provided free of charge to the families of children with autism.

One of the main ways aadi are fundraising is through their website AADI Website.

If you are interested in applying for an assistance dog from AADI contact:

Tel: Office 022 43851 / Nuala 087 799 8179