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Dogs for the Deaf, the oldest and largest Hearing Dog program in the U.S., has expanded its program to include Autism Assistance Dogs for children with Autism. With the incredible rise in the rates of Autism, Dogs for the Deaf wants to help meet the need by providing specially trained dogs to help children with Autism and their families.

One mother of a child with Autism in Canada said that she was never able to let go of her child's hand or arm outside of the house until the Autism Assistance Dog arrived. Another said that the night after the dog arrived was the first time her six-year old Autistic child slept through the night.

Autism Assistance Dogs are trained to help keep the children safe when out in public. Larger dogs are used to act as an anchor should the child begin to bolt away from the adult. The dogs can also help increase a child's ability/willingness to connect and communicate-helping improve family relationships and dynamics. These dogs can also provide a calming effect on the child, helping to reduce the severity of a tantrum or meltdown during daily transitional activities.

Ginger, a Black Labrador, is the first Autism Assistance Dog completing training at Dogs for the Deaf. She will be ready for placement soon.

Dogs for the Deaf will still, of course, continue to train Hearing Dogs for people with hearing loss and provide Miracle Mutts for those with special physical or emotional needs. Dogs for the Deaf rescues most of its dogs from shelters up and down the West Coast. "It's a win-win situation---rescuing dogs and helping people."

For more information or to request an application, contact Robin Dickson or Sena Short at Dogs for the Deaf, 541-826-9220.

Last changed: Sep 08 2010 at 11:04 PM