Launched in 2005 our Assistance Dog Programme was the first of its kind in Europe.

An assistance dog is the same breed, age and temperament as a guide dog and is trained especially to work with an autistic child and his or her family.  Assistance dogs help to control and improve the behaviour of the autistic child by promoting calmness and acting as a safety aid to the parent. Outings to public places become less stressful and families enjoy greater freedom and mobility.

From L to R: Mark Butler (Donegal) with Lola, Nora Connolly (Meath) with McGuire, Candida O'Donnell (Donegal) with Archer, Edel Fehily (Cork) with Kadey, Catherine Cullen (Donegal) with Dempsey, Emma Dunne (Dublin) with Indy. At the back are Assistance Dog Instructor, Martin Falvey and Nathalie Wood (Guide Dog Mobility Instructor)

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