Assistance dogs

[jandymaccomesback]

Does anyone know anything about assistance dogs for children with Autism? Do they normally accompany the child while they are in school, and if so are schools obliged to allow them?

I'll take that as a no then. Most unusual for MN.

I met someone recently whose grandchild has one, but the school are refusing to let the child take the dog to school, so I was wondering what the position is.

Yes!

You can apply through dogs for the disabled but there are specific criteria (you have to be near one of their centres, age of the child etc) and a long waiting list.

appropriately do you mean they have to be allowed to take them to school? The HT of the school has a reputation for being difficult with SEN children. She said she couldn't have the dog in school because she has "so many" children with dog allergies.

A school does have to make accomodation for an assistance dog in theory- including somewhere to exercise/rest/poo. Not all schools have the physical space for this. Ownership of an assistance dog includes lots of mandatory vetinary checks and hygiene rules over and above what's "normal" for a pet dog so make sure you are able to take on this increased care responsibility.

www.support-dogs.org.uk/About%20Us.htm - this site gives info.

GETTING an assistance dog is a battle in and of itself as the waiting list is 5 miles long.

Here's a list of potential benefits for a kid with autism
www.dogsforthedisabled.org/what-we-do/how-to-apply-for-an-assistance-dog/autism-services-for-children/

The eligibity criteria are quite strict no over 10's and only one kid per home with autism + the waiting list is miles longwww.dogsforthedisabled.org/what-we-do/how-to-apply-for-an-assistance-dog/autism-services-for-children/autism-assistant-dog-service/am-i-eligible/

If you feel the list is too long or you don't meet the eligibilty criteria then consider a PET dog. There is an alternative scheme run in conjunction with the dogs trust for PET dogs - which will never be alowed into a school in a milion years but can still give your child many theraputic benefits. (I'm personally convinced our pet whippet has been the best therapy bar none to date for my own child.)

Here's details of the PET scheme paws.dogsforthedisabled.org/

Sorry to give you lots of links instead of answering your question directly but I'm no expert & thought it best to refer you to those who are

bochead can you quote chapter and verse on this? It is a bit different from having a hearing dog or a guide dog, as the child has all her faculties and the dog is to help with anxiety.

Assistance dogs have exactly the same legal standing as guide dogs in regards to public access.

Get chapter and verse from the charity that trained the dog and then go to the LEA. It's a breach of the disability discrimination act.

I expect the HT regularly breaks the law on SEN - many do.

there is one other tuype odf dog called an emotional assitance animal there usually found stateside but its something to look into

bochead it's her trademark. The number of SEN parents who have had trouble with her is legendary. Will tell Granny to go to the charity for advice. Thank you.

Schools/Heads always have their get out clause "detrimental to other children". It is not just allergies but children's fear of dogs. Then the big one who is responsible for the dog when on the schools ground. I would suggest that this would need to be on a statement.

Thanks squidworth. The child doesn't have a statement yet. Take your point about other children being afraid of dogs as my 17year old (ASD) still crosses the road if he sees a dog. When he was Primary age he would have found it really hard to be in school with one.