assistance dogs for autistic teen

[purplepandas]

Evening,

Does anyone have an assistance dog for their autistic teen? I really think my DD would benefit from them but they are mega bucks and even if we could afford it, all waiting lists seem to be closed (no local ones near me).

Just wondering what people's experiences are if they have one or know of someone who does and/or where they sourced one.

Debating whether to rescue if not and possibly train or just have a rescue dog that is lovely for my duaghter but not an assistance dog if that makes sense. I have had dogs before even though this post may not sound like I have.

Thanks
PP

[CadyEastman]

How old is your DD @purplepandas? We are waiting for a diagnosis for DD but have already been told that she's showing significant ASD traits. I suppose she's HA as she manages college (just).

We got an older rescue when she was 14 and it definitely helps. They were home alone yesterday and spent the day snuggled up together

[purplepandas]

Thanks @CadyEastman . Oddly enough DD is 14 too. My younger DD is less keen ATM (12). I think a dog could help but have the usual worries about a tie and also about the right dog in terms of my daughter but also the rescue rabbits we have ( tall order!). Like you, I think a dog would be great company for my daughter who is now schooling at home ( I cannot always be there long term). An older rescue could work.

I have filled in the form and a home checker is coming on Thurs. Still not sure...

I hope you get an assessment soon for your DD, the waiting is utter madness isn't it. Barely hanging on sounds tough and hard long term. I hope college can make some reasonable adjustments that might help.

Thanks for replying. 😀

[CadyEastman]

Our older rescue definitely wouldn't work with the rabbits. She is a breed with a fantastic prey drive. Cute, but she wants to kill anything fluffy!