CONNECTING CANINE COMPANIONS
Autism Assistant Dog Max
For 71 years, Guide Dogs WA has been connecting people in need of assistance with specially trained canine companions.
Thanks to support from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, the organisation is now working to expand one of its most successful and life-changing initiatives.
Since commencing in 2016, the Autism Assistance Dog (AAD) program has placed more than 17 working dogs with children from 3 to 15 years of age. Each animal is individually paired with their companion and their family, passing through an intensive training program before graduating into a fully-fledged assistance animal.
Along with helping children achieve greater independence, safety and inclusion in day-to-day activities, Autism Assistance Dogs can have a lasting impact on the lives of carers and families — contributing to a reduction in stress and an increase in social activity, among other benefits.
Despite being a relatively new part of Guide Dogs WA’s operations, the introduction of Autism Assistance Dogs to WA has already yielded a number of remarkable success stories.
Fletcher, a nine-year-old who lives in Perth with his mum, dad and sister, was paired a Labrador named Koha in 2017.
The first graduate of Guide Dogs WA’s training program, Koha is now an indispensable part of Fletcher’s daily life. As well as ensuring that he doesn’t get separated from the family during public outings, Koha stays with his buddy at night to ensure that everyone can get a good night’s rest.
On some occasions, the impact of an Autism Assistance Dog can not only be life-changing but life-saving, as in the case of six-year old Wesley.
Before being paired-up with “super dog” Max, Wesley would often run away from his parents in stressful or unfamiliar surroundings, which resulted in a number of dangerous incidents out in public.
Fortunately, Wesley’s canine partner is now on hand to accompany him at all times, whether at home or travelling to school and around other parts of the local community.
To discover more, visit: www.guidedogswa.com.au
Published: 26 August 2022