“When I am upset or anxious, I go to Polly for comfort. She’s a calming presence… She also lays on my lap, providing deep pressure that is so soothing to me.”
Awareness of neurodiversity is growing, and that is progress. But awareness alond is not enough. Too many autistic children and adults still face overwhelming barriers in everyday life, from navigating school or work to simply stepping outside their front door.
Dogs for Autism is a Hampshire-based charity changing that reality. Since 2019, our specialist team, many with lived experience of autism, has trained and provided life-changing autism assistance dogs, free of charge, to children and adults across the UK.
Our dogs do not judge. They simply accept the person exactly as they are. Carefully trained to respond to individual needs, from road safety and deep pressure therapy to recognising rising anxiety before a meltdown occurs, they provide calm, confidence and security. For families who have felt trapped at home, that early intervention can mean the difference between isolation and independence.
As one mother shared:
“It has been really hard as a mother knowing that I cannot always provide what Ellie-May needs to access life in the way that seems so easy for others.”
Each partnership costs around £25,000 from puppyhood through to retirement. As a small charity, we rely entirely on voluntary donations.
You can help to continue changing lives by joining Sponsor a Puppy programme. From just £5 a month, you can follow a puppy’s journey and help change a life.
Visit www.dogsforautism.org.uk
Together we can enrich lives and expand horizons – one partnership at a time.
Registered Charity number 1181615.
