Dog for child with autism: help

[Lolly2803]

Hello, I am just starting to research into getting a family dog with the idea it will be a companion for my autistic DD. I have 3 children. 3.5yr old Twins with autism (my DD more severe and non verbal. my DS very high functioning and super verbal. Very close to normal line). I also have a 21 month year old. I have read about Labradors being a good choice but wanted to ask for some advice. Has anyone got a Lab with autistic child? Or children in general? Are they good family dogs to have. Want to get some real person advice! We walk and are outside loads as a family so exercise for the dog wouldnt be an issue and I don’t work so am at home. We have a decent size 5 bed house with a garden.
Any help would be much appreciated!

BOTH my kids have Autism. One also has selective mutism and both are very sensory. They were 7 & 10 when we got our first dog so quite a bit older.
I realised we'd never qualify for an 'Autism Dog' but a puppy was out too as too demanding in terms of training / biting etc.
We got a rescue Basset. Not the best choice (they are loud and smelly!) but she was a gentle lovable clown and we had 5 great years.
We now have a rescue Golden retriever / poodle cross. She is a bit more 'jumpy uppy' but is also gentle, quieter and smells less.
Ds (now 16) loved the basset and tolerates the doodle.
Dd (now 13) loved both. After puberty she has more aches and pains and is less keen on the walks.
I'd say that it will be YOUR dog and you will get less reliable help with walking and poop scooping etc with kids with ASD than NT kids. But the rewards are huge too. When dd is really stressed / non verbal that dog is a life saver to her. They are also a useful way of getting out and interacting with other people, even setting routines (feeding, grooming) and are more helpful that way than say a hamster.

Just anecdata but may be of use? Good luck with it.
(we tried a Cocker but it was a disaster, went for my son and had to be removed from the house immediately)

Thank you that’s so useful. Yer I’m definitely looking at a lab if we do get one. I am fully aware it’ll be my dog. All my children love walking and being outdoors. We spend most of our time in parks, walking or in the garden. I think I’d also like a dog for me. Almost like a little companion for me as well and to relax me at times although I’m quiet chilled out really. Probably a good job really!

I wouldnt get a puppy at all with 2 4 year olds and a 2 year old. It’s hard work even with older dc and puppies are complete arseholes.

Hi,
Bit late but wanted to add I'm autistic, had a Lab from I was 4 years old- best friend who I still love and miss 30plus years later. Now considering getting one again- I have a 6 year old autistic daughter too who is Dog mad. Contrary to what some may think (above) we're also capable of picking up dog poo and all sorts (won't mention attending a RG uni and getting a 2:1 ooops! Good luck and happy days ahead I hope for you, your family and possible dog!