Registration for PAWS Sessions are currently closed

Due to the overwhelming amount of interest and immense success rate, applications have closed.

We are working hard to reopen the application process and will provide an update in mid-2020.

Children and families living with Autism program

Autism is a persistent developmental disorder, evident from early childhood, that affects almost 1 in every 150 Australian children. True to our pioneering nature, Assistance Dogs Australia have been on the front line of training and placing dogs with children with Autism in Australia.

Once placed with their new Assistance Dog, children 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.

Additionally, one of the most rewarding elements of this kind of placement is the impact our dogs have on the entire family. Often siblings of children with disabilities undergo stress and isolation from other family members, but our very special dogs have a habit of bringing families back together — providing assistance for kids in need, but also companionship, improved sleep, peace of mind and stability for the entire household.

An Autism Service 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

An Autism Service Dog has full public access rights meaning they are allowed in any public place* and on all public transport. It is illegal to refuse entry to a Service Dog.

*The only exceptions are zoos, aquariums, sterile environments, food preparation areas and quarantine areas.

People who receive an Autism Service Dog are provided with a photographic identity badge as proof of Service Dog status, which they must take with them in public, and a Service Dog jacket for the dog.

Children and families living with Autism Services

PAWS Workshop

We know that each child on the autism spectrum is different, and so before applying for an Autism Service Dog, parents are required to attend a PAWS Workshop with Assistance Dogs Australia. These workshops are a great chance to meet our staff and explore how an Autism Service Dog will work within the family.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Assistance Dogs Australia now provides clinic-based Animal Assisted Therapy sessions delivered by occupational therapists, Claire and Lauren, in Engadine NSW.

Our two occupational therapists are also able to provide school-based group sessions at local primary and high schools.

Our dog co-therapist team includes Labradors named Asta, Bentley, Ike, and Joy.

Animal Assisted Therapy promotes engagement and motivation through inclusion of a trained dog in therapy sessions to support social, emotional, cognitive and physical functioning.

The involvement of a trained dog in occupational therapy has been found to decrease physiological arousal and stress, and provide motivation to engage in social interactions, play and functional tasks.

Animal Assisted Therapy facilitated by an occupational therapist may work towards individual goals related to:
• Social participation and communication skills
•  Emotion and sensory regulation
•  Self-care and activities of daily living
•  Fine motor, gross motor, and coordination skills.

Sessions can be clinic or community-based to support individuals to develop school and work-based skills, to increase community engagement, and build confidence catching public transport.

In 2017-18 Assistance Dogs Australia and the University of Sydney conducted a pilot research project investigating the outcomes of Animal Assisted Therapy with young people living with autism spectrum disorder. Two research papers are currently in the peer review process for publication, with more on the way. Stay tuned for research publications related to the outcomes of Animal Assisted Therapy with individuals with autism, parent perceptions of Animal Assisted Therapy, and the impact of Animal Assisted Therapy on behavioural indicators of anxiety in children living with autism.

Animal Assisted Therapy at Assistance Dogs Australia is provided in accordance with the Animal Assisted Intervention International Standards of Practice.

If you would like more information about Animal Assisted Therapy, please contact Debby at info@assistancedogs.org.au

How can I apply for an Autism Assistance Dog?

To express your interest in an Autism Assistance Dog, parents must attend our PAWS workshops.

Am I eligible?

These workshops are open to parents of children from 5 years old, with a clinical diagnosis of autism. Families are welcome whether they have a pet dog or not.

Will my pet dog get public access rights?

Pet dogs will not receive public access rights or become registered assistance dogs.

I don’t yet have a pet dog. Do I need to get one before I attend the workshops?

Owning a pet dog is not a requirement. We have designed workshops for both families who do not yet have a dog but are considering giving a home to one, as well as those families who already have a dog in the home.

Will you supply a pet dog for me?

We’re unable to supply a pet dog for you as each family will have different requirements and preferences and so will be suited to different dogs. The workshops will cover information on topics such as factors to consider when thinking about getting a pet dog, what type of dog to look for, and the options for sourcing a dog. Find out more about the workshops here.

How do I attend the PAWS Workshops?

Due to the success of our programme, applications are now closed. We will update our website when we have more information on other session availability.

Is there a cost for joining the PAWS Project?

As we are a charity, there is a one off cost of $70 payable at workshop one. This covers all materials given, lunch and refreshments at each workshop.

Will I be able to bring my child along to the workshops?

Unfortunately we are not able to offer childcare during the workshops. The workshops are designed to provide parents with the necessary information and experience to take home with them to introduce to the rest of the family. The majority of workshops are held during school hours to hopefully make arranging childcare easier.

Will I be able to bring my pet dog along to the workshops?

For a number of reasons, including not having the necessary facilities, we do not allow pet dogs to attend workshops. We will provide dogs for practical elements where appropriate.

Will I be able to purchase materials and access support without attending the workshops?

Due to the nature of the PAWS Project, it is necessary for at least one parent to attend all three workshops.

Workshops will include a considerable amount of demonstrations, discussions and opportunities for practical dog handling, and so the support materials alone will not be sufficient to cover the PAWS Project.