Dogs for the Deaf, the largest and oldest Hearing Dog program in the United States, has expanded its training program to include Autism Assistance Dogs for children and families living with autism. The rise in autism rates is staggering. The evolution of programs geared toward successfully integrating children with autism into routine daily activities includes Autism Assistance Dogs.
Autism Assistance Dogs can provide added safety, particularly with children who tend to bolt. The parent controls the dog on leash with the child attached to the dog by a tether. If the child tries to bolt, the dog is trained to sit and act as an anchor, giving the parent time to step in and take over. Autism Assistance Dogs can also have a calming effect on the child in general, but more specifically, during the transition from one activity/environment to another. Some children with autism experience a greater desire to communicate if they
bond closely with the dog.
There is no single solution to the challenges autism creates. Autism Assistance Dogs are not a "solution" but a tool that comes in the form of four legs and fur that may or may not be the right choice for your child.
Autism Assistance Dogs are not baby sitters or protectors. Significant amounts of time and energy will be required during the bonding process and for the ongoing training as is necessary with any type of Assistance Dog. As with any dog, these dogs require the time and work necessary for grooming, exercising, and maintaining their training.
We are very excited about this new addition to our programs at Dogs for the Deaf. It will allow us to help more people and more dogs.
Because this is a new program and we will be learning a great deal from our first few placements, we will be placing the first few Autism Assistance Dogs in homes within driving distance of our training facility. That way, it will be easier to monitor the placements and correct problems as needed. We know we will have "course corrections" to make in these first few placements, and want to be able to make these corrections as easily and cost effectively as possible.
As soon as we have the first few placements going well, then we will look at applications from across the country.
FAQ - Autism Program
Do you train Hearing Dogs for deaf children with autism?
No, our Hearing Dog training program is separate from our Autism Program.
Are there age limitations for placing an Autism Assistance Dog with a child?
We do not have absolute age restrictions. We make decisions on a case by case basis, but approximate ages, for best results, are 5 to 15.
What are the benefits of an Autism Assistance Dog?
Autism Assistance Dogs provide added safety, particularly with children who tend to bolt. The dog is trained to act as an anchor, giving the parent time to step in and take over. Autism Assistance Dogs also can have a calming effect on the child in general, but more specifically, during the transition from one activity/environment to another. Autism Assistance Dogs can also lessen the severity and frequency of "meltdowns" which are so common in children affected by autism.
Can you train the dog we already have?
No, we do not train people's pets. Assistance Dogs need to meet very specific criteria. Our trainers evaluate and choose dogs from shelters for our training programs.
Can we keep the dog or other pets we have?
We do not place Autism Assistance Dogs in homes with other dogs. Pets other than dogs are usually approved during the application process, unless the other pets would create unusual distractions for the Autism Assistance Dog.
Do I need to have a fenced yard?
Yes, a fenced yard is required.
Will the dog go to school with my child?
We are not training dogs to accompany children to school at this point in time. If your child has special classes and/or programs they attend, the dog may or may not accompany the child depending on the situation and environment.
Can the dog go everywhere, other than school, with my child?
Not necessarily. Some of our dogs make absolutely wonderful partners for children with autism but do not have all the confidence necessary to feel comfortable and secure in all environments. These dogs go in the car, to the park, on family outings like camping, boating, etc. but do not accompany the child into stores, malls, or other public places.
Some of our dogs do have certification for public access. These dogs are confident and relaxed in any situation, so they can accompany the child into stores, malls, restaurants, etc. Unfortunately, because these dogs are much more difficult to find, the wait for a dog that has public access rights is longer than for a dog that we do not certify for public access.
Doesn't the ADA give me the right to take the dog everywhere?
Technically, yes. But as an organization with over 30 years of experience training Assistance Dogs we are adamant about the fact that only a small percentage of dogs are truly confident and stable enough to handle the stress of working in public. If the dog is not relaxed and comfortable in certain environments, they will be unable to relax and comfort your child, and may actually increase the agitation.
Do you charge a fee for the dog?
We do not charge a fee for the dog. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee. If after the application/interview process you are approved for an Autism Assistance Dog, there is a $500 Good Faith Deposit that is fully refundable one year after you have received your dog.
How long is the wait for an Autism Assistance Dog?
Our Autism Assistance Dog program is a new, small, pilot program, so we really don't know the answer to that question, but our estimate would be 1-3 years.
If approved to receive an Autism Assistance Dog, how does the family training and placement process work?
The first phase of training involves the parents and/or significant care givers coming to our facility for a week of training without the child with autism or any of the other children. This involves travel expenses and staying in a hotel during the training week.
The second phase of training is done in your home. The trainer brings the dog to you and works with your family for a week. The trainer stays in a hotel and Dogs for the Deaf pays for their expenses.
Dogs for the Deaf does require regular progress reports and ongoing communication with all working teams. We provide follow up support for the life of the team.
What qualification does Dogs for the Deaf have for training Autism Assistance Dogs?
We have more than thirty years of experience pairing people and dogs in need for the benefit of both. We understand what it takes to select and train Assistance Dogs. Our trainers go through a 2-3 year Apprenticeship program. We have received training from an Autism Assistance Dog organization with more than ten years of experience. We also have an advisory board made up of individuals actively working in the autism field.
The Autism Assistance Dog Application Process
Applicants are screened carefully to ensure that an Autism Assistance Dog is right for them.
Things to Consider:
We adopt our dogs from animal shelters.
Autism Assistance Dogs are typically over 50 pounds and between 1 and 5 years of age.
We evaluate dogs based on temperament and age; not looks, sex, or breed mix.
Our dogs live in kennels and will not be fully housetrained.
The dogs are young and active and need lots of exercise.
All dogs either shed or require haircuts. If you do not want to deal with dog hair, do not apply for an Autism Assistance Dog.
If you are interested in learning more and/or applying for an Autism Assistance Dog, please contact us with your name, address, e-mail address, daytime phone number and the best way to reach you.
You may reach us at (541) 826-9220 or 1-800-990-3647 ext. 319, or CLICK HERE to send an e-mail. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. We look forward to hearing from you and will be glad to assist you.
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