Our charity, Support Dogs, Autism Assistance Project is life changing for a child with autism and their families. We are excited that The Pixel Fund is helping us to create another life changing partnership.
Our project is focused around training a specialist Autism Assistance Dog bespoke to the specific needs of a child’s autism to help combat the difficulties of everyday life for that child to help change not only their life but their parents, siblings and wider community.
The majority of children with autism are unable to communicate or express their feelings in a way that is understood by others even their families; which leaves them lonely and frustrated. They have little sense of danger or of the consequences of their actions. Many children with autism have a tendency to bolt and wander off from their care givers, putting themselves in danger and often resulting in injury.
Autism Assistance Dogs are trained to provide safety, and facilitate a more independent and more socially inclusive life for the child with autism and their family. Autism assistance dogs work to reduce stress and promote positive developmental changes in the child. They assist with the child’s daily routine, creating calming influence and help with many aspects of the family’s life. A predictable and reassuring companion that reduces the child’s stress and eases sensory overload and other common challenges for children with autism.