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Autism Support Dogs

pastaladypastalady member
in Special Needs

Does anyone have a dog? We are thinking about getting on the list. I have heard great things and looking for anyone's experience. DD is a bolter/runner so a dog could bring a lot less stress I think. Plus we just love dogs. Our Kai passed away 4 years ago now.

 Also hippotherapy, anyone do? What age did you start?

[IMG]http://i50.tinypic.com/30xit04.jpg[/IMG]
Olivia Kate is almost 4!
Diagnosed with autism this year and doing great!
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Re: Autism Support Dogs

  • bumpuser511563bumpuser511563 member

    Ha! I may have heard of this from my Behavioral Therapist to get a service dog awhile ago!

    I am going to follow this post too only because I want to know if there is such a thing out of curiosity!

    We are sad we can only get a beta fish in an apartment complex but DS loves fish and turtles.

    What I do know from what she has told me is if one individual has a service dog and lives on an apartment complex they cannot take that individual out with the dog due to laws.

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  • sweetie0228sweetie0228 member

    We have 2 dogs. Neither are special needs trained or certified.

    The trainer we worked with for our second was trained at a special needs dog training facility.  He specifically worked with dogs to track and/or stay with the child in case of elopement. And said that both of our dogs were good personality candidates

    My DS with AS is 13.  Both dogs seem to know when "something is up with him" and then they stick to him like glue, especially outside.

    I wouldn't consider my DS an elopement risk but I've also come to realize I shouldn't put anything past him. 

    DS also plays w/ the dogs a game he calls search and distroy missions.  He hides treats all over the house and works w/ the dogs to find the treats.

    Nothing formal but there is something about the connection the dogs have with him.

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  • MaxandRubyMaxandRuby member

    I have a friend traveling to get their austism service dog next week. I am so excited for them. I don't know much about them though since we aren't dealing with ASD.

    DS2 started hippotherapy at 2.5yr old.

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  • pastaladypastalady member

    Here in Canada (at least in my province) autism support dogs are the same as other service dogs. You get on a list for a fully trained dog, free of charge. The dogs wear vests and signs saying they are working dogs. The same rights (ie going anywhere in public etc) apply as seeing eye dogs. 

    I heard having a dog in the room can help with sleep too. Since DD has major sleep issues that would be great! 

    [IMG]http://i50.tinypic.com/30xit04.jpg[/IMG]
    Olivia Kate is almost 4!
    Diagnosed with autism this year and doing great!
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