Paws 4 Autism

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Animal Services, Animals, Autism, Developmentally Disabled Centers, Disabilities, Education, Health, Human Services, Special Education

Community Stories

1 Story from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

3

floebe2822 Client Served

Rating: 5

12/23/2015

My son with high-functioning ASD, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder has gotten a service dog from Paws4Autism. It has changed his life, he went from missing large portions of the school day (in office or sensory room) and almost being dismissed from school, not because he was bad or fighting but because they couldn't provide him the resources he needed. Once Jason (his service dog) started school he dropped from 1-1 para to a half-time para and days without leaving the class once. We got to stop his medicine to help him sleep at night, Jason sleeps with him and he can go to sleep without the meds. When he does get overwhelmed, he and Jason can regroup and go back to participating, before Jason that would be us leaving or giving up for the rest of the day to recover.

Paws4Autism was an amazing organization to work with. Prior to working with them to get Jason, neither my husband or I had ever had a dog, so we didn't know basic information about dog training/caring for a dog, let alone what you need to do to work with a trained service dog. They worked with us on every step (making sure dog sits before meal, never thought of that) to how to work with Jason and my son when there is a melt-down. They provided us all the resources we need to maintain the training. When it was time to start school, they met with the school, gave the teachers training and resources, answered any and all questions and spent 3-full days on-site to help teachers/staff/administration adjust to their first service dog. The process was seamless due to the extra effort of this organization.

Paws4Autism was one of the lowest cost service dogs we found, but they also had several activities throughout the year, they set up and hosted where you could help or bring family/friends to help fundraise for your child directly. When we did have our own fundraiser they attend and gave their presence and support.

Review from Guidestar

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