Autism Service Dogs of America
Cause Area
- Animals
- Children & Youth
- Education & Literacy
- Health & Medicine
- People with Disabilities
Location
5232 N INTERSTATE AVEPORTLAND, OR 97217 United StatesOrganization Information
Mission Statement
Our mission at Autism Service Dogs of America (ASDA) is to make a positive impact on the lives of children living with autism--and their families--by providing exceptionally well trained service dogs.
Description
Our service dogs provide a physical and emotional anchor for children with autism. With their child tethered to a service dog, families feel they are newly freed to engage in activities as simple as going out to eat. When out in the community, a service dog can increase safety and make families feel secure. In many cases, the service dog accompanies the child to school, where its calming presence can minimize and often eliminate emotional outbursts, enabling the child to more fully participate in his or her school day. Transitioning among school day activities is eased and the service dog provides a focus through which the child can interact with other children. This helps increase the opportunity for the child to develop social and language skills.