Arizona Goldens

Arizona Goldens LLC is an organization that helps place autism dogs with the right family.  Each family and each child and each dog is different.  Arizona Goldens LLC has a multi-step application process that allows for an thorough in-depth look at where the child is on the autism spectrum, because even though the diagnosis is the same, each child is not.  This is especially true for children with autism.  You can have ten different children all labelled with autism and all you have is ten different children, because each child with autism is unique and has unique symptoms.  Not every child with autism will benefit from an autism dog.  That is why Arizona Goldens LLC undergoes a thorough review process.  And once a dog is placed in a home, there is a two-week boot camp where a trainer works in the home with the child so to help establish a bond and work towards improvement. 

Teaching Social & Life Skills

Children and adults with autism are generally withdrawn and struggle with making social contact with others as well as knowing basic life skills. They have been ostracized by so many people that they often times find it easier to avoid contact with others. A dog can help change that for a child or an adult. Dogs understand how to connect with those who are different or have emotional struggles. When a person with autism travels with their dog specially trained to work with them, the dog acts as the person's interpreter. A dog can signal to their person when a certain action is required. For example when a cashier needs to receive money for a prescription or something similar, an autism dog can place his paw on the person's pocket where his wallet his as a reminder of what to do. For more information, check out the autism study through the University of Texas in Austin on the use of dogs to measure social skills in children with autism. 

Introduction to Autism Dogs

The use of therapy dogs has been around for a long time. However, the use of service dogs specifically for individuals with autism is fairly new and not very well known. Individuals and children with autism often are described as being in a shell and disinterested in their surroundings and other people. They will look through people and not at people. Specifically trained dogs can help children and individuals with autism come out of their shells. Dogs seem to have a sense of how to reach people who may need an extra incentive to try and connect to the world around them. Children with autism are considered awkward, odd, shy and distant and typically usually have little or no friends. A dog, however, can become that child's best friend. A dog does not judge. A dog does not make fun. A dog will be your friend and love you unconditionally and that is what a child with autism often needs. Children with autism will first connect emotionally and interact with a dog and that will help the child become more comfortable interacting with people.  For more information about organizations that work with families who have been affected by autism, please review the list below:

1. Autism Service Dogs of America http://autismservicedogsofamerica.com/
2. A Paws for Ability http://4pawsforability.org/autism-assistance-dog/
3. Dogs for Autism http://www.dogsforautism.org/