Autism Assistance Dog Programme

Specialist trained dogs for autistic people

Two assistance dogs
* Autism Dogs Charity has no affiliate partners or is responsible for mentoring any other Assistance Dog Programmes of any kind.

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Our Programme

Our fully-managed Residential Assistance Dog Programme balances the need to prepare the dog to be able to mitigate the challenges of autism, to educate the handler and their family about how to interact with and care for their dog successfully, and how to manage the family dynamic to ensure that the partnership is successful.

Trusted by

Autism Dogs Charity is the most qualified programme of its type, and is also the only programme training Autism Assistance Dogs that is run by autistic people. Our service is approved by and accessible to autistic children, adults, and their families.

Our Assistance Dogs help enable Autistic people to access public places, attend school or work, enjoy fun and relaxation with their family, or even live alone for the first time.
Our Assistance Dogs help enable Autistic people to access public places, attend school or work, enjoy fun and relaxation with their family, or even live alone for the first time.

What we do

Our Programme is highly bespoke to each client. Each of our professionally-assessed dogs are trained to mitigate the specific challenges that their handler experiences, and we provide a specialist programme of human support which is vital to ensure the success of each partnership.


"Behind every Programme I have always had a simple philosophy 'to see a few more smiles'. It's the foundation that can make us all feel in a better place".
Andrew Preston
Founder and Training Director

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for an Autism Assistance Dog?

We accept applicants of any age from across England, Scotland and Wales.Applicants must have a formal diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Condition.

Are your Assistance Dogs trained to have specialist skills to help me?

Yes our Assistance Dogs undergo Advanced Training that is bespoke to each client. Along with a number of core skills common to all, there are specifics that we can work on to ensure your dog best suits your needs and objectives.

Will I be able to properly handle my Assistance Dog?

Yes. We believe that it is key for the family owners to understand how to handle, work and live well with their Assistance Dog to maximize the specialist skills that they have. You will receive a 3 day intensive training course during the 3 month process, constant remote support, access to advice and a further 2 days during the transition.

What is autism?

Autism is lifelong condition that affects how people communicate and interact with the world.
Learn more

Team of experts

We are a team of experienced professionals who are driven and motivated by our love of dogs and our passion for helping autistic people.