PAWSITIVE PAC SERVICE FOUNDATION SILENT AUCTION BENEFITTING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

This auction is being held to continue the mission and vision of Pawsitive Pac Service Foundation. Due to increasing demand, PSSF has created the Autism Assistance Program. The vision of this program is to provide a service dog and training to a family at no cost to the family. Currently, the cost can be as high as $30,000 out of pocket to the family. This requires that the family pay in full, fundraise or finance the cost. 

This vision of providing the training and dog at no cost is a huge benefit to a family and an innovative idea not seen in the service dog industry. 

How do service dogs help children with autism? 

1. Emotional Support:

Autism assistance dogs offer unwavering emotional support to children on the autism spectrum. The presence of a canine friend can provide a sense of comfort, reduce anxiety levels, and promote emotional stability. Dogs are known for their unconditional love and can form deep connections with children, helping them navigate challenging situations and promoting a sense of security.

2. Social Facilitation:

Many children with autism struggle with social interactions and forming relationships. Autism assistance dogs can act as a social bridge, facilitating communication and encouraging social engagement. With their friendly and non-judgmental nature, these dogs can help break down barriers, stimulate conversation, and increase a child's willingness to interact with others.

3. Sensory Assistance:

Children with autism often experience sensory sensitivities or difficulties. Autism assistance dogs can be trained to recognize and respond to their partner's sensory needs. For instance, they can provide deep pressure therapy to help calm and ground a child during sensory overload episodes. Dogs may also assist in redirecting repetitive behaviors, improving focus, and enhancing overall sensory integration.

4. Safety and Security:

Wandering or elopement is a common concern for parents of children with autism. Autism assistance dogs are trained to prevent and respond to such situations. They can be tethered to a child, creating a physical connection that alerts the handler if the child attempts to wander off. This extra layer of safety offers peace of mind to parents and caregivers, allowing children more freedom while minimizing potential risks.

5. Routine and Structure:

Children with autism often thrive on routines and structured environments. Autism assistance dogs provide a consistent and predictable presence, helping to establish and reinforce daily routines. These dogs can be trained to assist with various tasks, such as waking the child up in the morning, reminding them to take medication, or providing a sense of routine during transitions.

The 3-Unit Team:

The concept of a 3-unit team is a fundamental aspect of autism assistance dog programs. It consists of the child, the dog, and a dedicated handler. The handler plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the team. They undergo specialized training to understand the child's needs, interpret the dog's behavior, and facilitate effective communication between the child and the dog.

The handler acts as a guide, responsible for maintaining the dog's training and reinforcing the bond between the child and the dog. They also educate the child's family and the community about the role of autism assistance dogs, promoting acceptance, understanding, and inclusion.