Autism Service Dogs
Autism Service Dogs are trained to provide support, companionship, safety, and assurance to human partners and their families.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that Autism Service Dogs may increase the human partner’s self-esteem, ability to communicate, and ability to empathize. These dogs may help with sleep disturbances, reduction of anxiety, and sensory regulation.
Aspen Service Dogs is happy to provide a consultation for an Autism Service Dog for Adults with Autism and Children with Autism.
Service Dogs Can Help:
- Calm individual when agitated
- Prevent the individual from self-harming
- Prevent the individual from bolting
- Facilitate social interactions
Our daughter Carla was very fortunate to be a recipient of a service dog from Aspen Service Dogs of Edmonton, AB in April 2019. Having the dual diagnosis of autism and epilepsy, Carla requires 24 hour support and needs frequent monitoring to live a safe and full life. With the help of Aspen Service Dog’s Maria Illes, Carla was matched with Zafi, a beautiful black 2-year-old labrador retriever that we believe has significantly enhanced the quality of her life. With Maria’s guidance and support, Carla was able to undergo a training period enabling her to become the permanent beneficiary of Zafi’s companionship and support. […]The benefits of having Ivy team up with Carla have been many including security, comfort, and encouraging independence. Whenever Carla is out and about, everyone stops to say hello to her and asks about her beautiful companion which encourages Carla to develop appropriate conversation and build trust. Ivy has enriched Carla’s life and her loving and friendly manner have endeared Ivy to the wide array of others who contribute to Carla’s well-being. We are deeply grateful to Maria Illes and Maureen MacKay of Aspen Service Dogs for their willingness to take on this adventure with us, to help make Carla’s life a fuller and more enriched one with Ivy at her side.
