Autism Assistance Dogs
Role of PTS Service Dog
Cognitive and Safety
-
Alerting handler to their increased anxiety levels allow participant to move around knowing that they are safe from anxiety attack.
-
Take “home” safely. - The dog is trained to take the participant safely to the last secure place or the place that they departed from.
-
Sensing and identifying abnormal situations (such as breathing distress, nightmares, falling, panic attacks, hiding, taking cover etc.), reacting accordingly, alerting handler to withdraw, raising the alarm when required, and remaining in a safe position until relieved.
-
Creating a base for the Participant allowing them to retain a presence in the "here and Now"
-
Create incentive for longer periods of positive "socially acceptable" behaviours.
Participant Support Team
-
Reducing the 24 hours a day burden.
-
Improving the "home" atmosphere by softening stress situation.
-
Improved self-confidence and reduced co-dependence on carers
-
Reducing emotional burden on the household members due to reducing co-dependency.
Participant Emotional Wellbeing
-
Reduced clients feeling of loneliness, isolation, confusion and anxiety by being a physical, non-judgemental companion, diverting client’s attention and improving morale.
-
Daily walking the dog also promotes contact between the participant and other people in his environment allowing for more interaction and community involvement.
Participant Physical Wellbeing
-
Daily walking the dog also promotes improved physical health. Improving balance while walking with the harness (if required) and saving from falls
-
The real need of taking care of the dog ensures that the participant maintains a steady daily routine which is enforced by the dog when it is forgotten.
-
Bending to attend to dog, grooming and petting are all physical activities that are required for the client’s wellbeing.
-
Find lost or dropped items for participant.
-
Assist with a physical disability requirements
Never be alone