AUTISM Service dogs for Children

Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a child’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. An early diagnosis and intervention helps a child receive the support and services that they need. Once such intervention is an Autism Service Dog. For children with autism a service dog can make a huge difference. Autism Service Dogs are trained in a variety of tasks that can address a range of behaviors and issues caused by autism.

Autism Service Dogs are trained to help with:

  • Conversational skills by becoming focal point for socialization and conversation

  • Improving social skills

  • Increase fine and gross motor skills by throwing a ball or playing other games with the dog

  • Regulate emotions with tactile contact or deep pressure

  • Easing transitions by being a constant companion

  • Improving sleep by having the dog in bed

Autism Applicant Criteria:

  • Has a diagnosis of Autism

  • Be 3-10 years old*

  • Be in an ongoing education program

  • Be in a speech, physical, occupational or recreational therapy program. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy highly recommended.

  • Have excellent family support

  • Have a parent or guardian trained as a facilitator

  • Please see Applicant Criteria for more criteria

Expectations for parent handler:

  • You can commit to making time in the child’s and your life to devote to this partnership, regardless of other family or work obligations. The bond between Service Dog and child needs to develop based on the child’s interaction with the dog, but the dog may always look to the parent for guideance. A parent must help facilitate this bond.

  • You recognize that your child and the Service Dog will never be alone in public and that you are always present as a facilitator.

  • You understand that the dog can only be alone for 4 hours each day. 

  • You are not expecting the dog to alert you when the child elopes.

  • You anticipate that you can safely manage your child’s behavior in a public setting while safely handling a dog. Remember, even a highly trained Service Dog is looking to you (the adult) for direction and commands.

If you are interested for applying for a service dog, please see the Application Process for details.

*Apply early as there may be a waiting period