Autism Dogs Charity

Autism Dogs Charity

Autism Dogs Charity is a leading UK-based registered charity (No. 1199343) that specialises in training and providing autism assistance dogs. Unique in the sector, the organisation is led by an autistic CEO and a team of autistic professionals, ensuring their service is uniquely tailored, accessible, and grounded in lived experience.

Who We Are

The charity is a professional multidisciplinary team comprising dog trainers, canine behaviourists, social workers, psychotherapists, and veterinary surgeons. They are the first and only autism assistance dog programme to hold Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society (NAS). Their mission is to empower autistic children and adults by providing highly trained canine companions and comprehensive human support.

What We Do

• Assistance Dog Programme: Providing bespoke-trained dogs that mitigate the specific challenges faced by individual handlers. Training focuses on enhancing safety, independence, and social inclusion, enabling handlers to access public spaces, attend school/work, or live independently.
• Foundation Programme: A specialised initiative designed to provide early intervention and foundational support, currently being rolled out in specific regions (e.g., Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Wiltshire, and the Cotswolds).
• Human Support & Education: Recognising that the partnership is a two-way street, the charity provides an intensive 3-day training course, ongoing remote support, and transitional guidance to help families and handlers understand how to work and live effectively with their assistance dog.
• Specialist Skills Training: Dogs are trained in advanced skills tailored to the client’s unique objectives, ensuring that every dog-handler partnership is effective and sustainable.

Approach & Values

The organisation operates on a relationship-led training model that respects the needs and sensory experiences of the autistic community. They are committed to professional excellence and hold memberships with Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), ensuring their programmes meet the highest global standards for animal welfare and service quality.

Industry Role

The charity operates within the UK third sector under the oversight of the Charity Commission. They are a highly specialised service provider recognised for their commitment to accessibility and inclusive employment practices.