ASDA (Autism Service Dogs of America)
was founded in 2002 by Priscilla Taylor. Incorporating her love of
dogs and her background as a special education teacher, she formed
this non-profit, community-based organization to aid special
children. While many service dog agencies existed to meet diverse
needs, none provided specially trained dogs for children with autism.
Ms. Taylor, Founder and Director of ASDA, received some of her
education at Assistance Dog Institute, the only institution of higher
education for dog studies in the world. The ASDA was not part of
this study, but I felt it should be included to give more meaning.
While ASDA may be a great organization,
their advocacy of having autism service dogs for parents to enjoy an
evening out while leaving the child at home tethered to a service dog
seems like cruel and unusual punishment and an abandonment of their
responsibility as parents. I can only hope that they hired a baby
sitter as well. If not then I feel there is something wrong
happening here.
Service dogs for autism provide a
physical and emotional anchor for children with autism. When out in
the community, a service dog can increase safety and make families
feel secure. In many cases, the service dog accompanies the child to
school, where its calming presence can minimize and often eliminate
emotional outbursts, enabling the child to participate in his or her
school day. Transitioning among school day activities is eased and
the service dog provides a focus through which the child can interact
with other children. This helps increase the opportunity for the
child to develop social and language skills.
Even though the above is promoted and
stated by ASDA, I know what has happened around the country with
other service dogs. I am wondering if an adult is not required for
supervision of the dog in the classroom and at the school. Many
school districts have prevented service dogs in the school until the
age of 14 to 16 unless accompanied by an adult.
I will give ASDA credit for stating
that not every child with autism will benefit from a service dog.
The do say that they screen and evaluate each situation to have a
goal that ensures a successful match of the child, the family, and
the dog. Because of the successes that have been achieved, demand
for specialized service dogs for autism is growing rapidly. Under
the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA), there are no exceptions
to where a service dog is allowed; all public places must allow
access. It is important however that the child’s school be
cooperative. ASDA will not place dogs with children whose school
will not allow a service dog. As least they did acknowledge this.
I can be appreciative of the fact that
the ASDA wants dogs that have reached adulthood and be fully trained
first. It is also important to remember that while the dog will
probably become a trusted member or your family, its purpose is as a
service animal, not a pet. I do like that they have a socialization
and training program from eight weeks of age, and then graduate to
the advanced training at approximately 18 weeks of age.
From my experience of being with a
trainer of mobility dogs, I know how important the advanced training
is and most of the steps involved. The dogs accompany the trainer to
various locations, schools, classrooms, and public places. During
this time the dogs are being trained in public access skills,
socialization skills, and other skills they will need as a service
dog for the special challenges of autism. Upon passing the public
access test, the dogs will be matched with a child and family from
the waiting list.
