AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG PROGRAM
Empowering Children and Young Adults with Autism
Our Autism Assistance Dog Program helps children and young adults with Autism build confidence, independence, and connection through the life-changing support of a professionally trained and accredited Assistance Dog.
Applications quota has now been reached and applications are closed
Thank you for your interest in applying for an Autism Assistance Dog. At this time, we have reached our capacity and, unfortunately, cannot accept new applications. Updates on applications opening in the future will be announced on our social media platforms and website.
Assistance Dogs Australia is on the front line of training and placing Assistance Dogs, free of charge, with children and young adults with Autism in Australia.
Once placed with their new Assistance Dog, individuals with Autism show remarkable improvement across their social, verbal and cognitive skills as well as the ability to learn routines and structures that aid development, communication and community interaction.
An Autism Assistance Dog has full public access rights meaning they are allowed in any public place (with limited exceptions) and on all public transport. It is illegal to refuse entry to a service dog.
Recipients of an Autism Assistance Dog are provided with a public access licence as proof of Assistance Dog status and a service jacket for the dog. The hander must carry the public access licence with them when in the community with the Assistance Dog.
Our program considers applications regardless of race, gender or religion.
An Autism Assistance Dog can provide support in the following areas:
- Communication skills
- Confidence and independence
- Empathy to new situations
- Emotional understanding
- Social relationships
- Tactile perception
- Reduce anxiety
- Provide routine and stability
- Environmental understanding
- Self-esteem
- Family relationships
- Behaviour patterns
It takes 2 years and over $60,000 to train an Autism Assistance Dog and is achieved through the generosity of our supporters.
Criteria
- The applicant must have an accepted diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- The applicant must be five years of age or older.
- The applicant must be currently engaged in treatment with an appropriate clinician and have been doing so for at least three months.
All Applicants and/or primary dog handlers must meet the following general criteria:
- Be aged 18 years or older. If under 18, the applicant must have a legal guardian aged 18 years or older who will become the nominated ‘primary handler’ of the dog, is living with the applicant, and will be responsible for the dog at all times.
- Complete our Health Professional form.
- Be deemed suitable by ADA after completing the assessment process.
- Accept the financial responsibility and provide the resources to care for the dog (ie. meet vet bills, premium food and equipment) throughout the dog’s life.
- Provide the dog with a secure home, with a commitment to maintain the quality of the dog’s training, health, wellbeing, exercise and mental stimulation.
- Have current stable living arrangements to house an Assistance Dog.
- Have a consistent safe outdoor area for toileting and exercise.
- Nominate at least two suitable adults who will, if required, provide immediate care of the dog in an emergency or unforeseen circumstances (eg. hospital stays).
- All people living in the household must support the application.
- No members of the household have a history of, or current behaviours relating to, abuse, neglect or non-sanctioned violence towards humans or animals
- If any member of the household has an allergy to dogs, it must be manageable.
- All existing pets in the home must be appropriately vaccinated, on correct preventative medications (heartworm, flea, tick and intestinal worms) and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis for temperament. Pet dogs must be desexed and over the age of one year.
Please note that Assistance Dogs Australia will consider all applications regardless of race, gender, religion, and/or sexual orientation.
Journey Flow
Submission of initial interest for an Assistant Dog
1
Information
Session
2
Application
Form
3
Suitability Assessment
4
Accepted onto Waiting List for dog matching
5
Retirement support and possible application for a Successor Dog
9
Long Term ADA Support & Follow ups
8
Placement Training Class
7
Pre-Class Preparation
6
Explore our other programs
Beyond our Autism Assistance Dog Program, we offer a range of initiatives that bring the life-changing benefits of Assistance Dogs to people and communities across Australia.
From our NDIS-recognised placements to Pups in Prison and Facility Support Dogs, each program is designed with purpose – creating opportunities, connection, and independence for those who need it most.