What does AADI mean in AUTISM

Autism Awareness Dogs Ireland (AADI) is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness of autism and the positive impact that specially-trained assistance dogs can have on autistic children and adults. AADI’s mission is to empower individuals with autism, their families and service providers to use assistance dogs as a resource in providing greater quality of life for the individual living with autism.

Families applying to receive an assistance dog must complete a detailed application form outlining why an assistance dog would be beneficial to their situation. This includes providing information such as medical records and references as appropriate. The AADI team also conducts home visits to ensure that prospective homes are suitable for both the individual requiring support and the dog itself.

Yes, AADI provides financial support for families who could otherwise not afford an assistance dog. In addition, fundraising efforts are held throughout the year in order to assist with this cause.

Assistance Dogs provided by AADI are sourced from organisations which specialise in breeding, training, and supporting dogs in the process of becoming certified Assistance Dogs.

Training focuses on the safety and permanence of behavioural skills so that they may become reliable working partners for individuals living with autism or other special needs conditions. Training programmes utilise positive reinforcement methods such as clicker training and reward-based techniques without any form of physical coercion or force.

The time taken will depend upon the individual needs of each person receiving a dog but typically it takes up from four months up until 12-16 months before a dog receives full certification from AADI’s staff trainers.

Post placement follow ups include regular check ins with both clients using the assistance dogs as well as monitoring progress between clients and their service animals over time through follow up visits at intervals yet determined by AADI staff trainers and owners/caregivers alike.

There is no age limit when applying however potential applicants must be able to demonstrate how an Assistance Dog can benefit them whether through physical or psychological needs resulting from diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or sensory processing disorder etc.

No specific breed requirements exist however consideration is given during assessments based on compatibility between client’s lifestyle demands and temperament/size characteristics best suited to those needs.