Autism Dog Services (ADS) is a nonprofit organization based in Brantford, Ontario, dedicated to providing highly trained service dogs to assist children and youth aged 3 to 18 with autism and other related developmental disorders. ADS serves most parts of Toronto and Southwestern Ontario.
Our mission is to foster the integration of children and youth with autism by training, placing, and supporting service dogs that offer safety, companionship, and independence. These dogs provide a vital tool to equip at-risk youth with opportunities for improved quality of life.
Service dogs are typically placed with youth around the age of 10 or older. At this stage, many children with autism and related disorders face significant risks in various areas of their lives. Safety is often a primary concern, as they may bolt from caregivers, putting them at risk of injury or even mortality. Mental health challenges, including self-harm or suicide, are also prevalent, while social exclusion in schools and the community creates isolation and limits opportunities for integration.
A family with a service dog specifically trained to support youth with autism gains access to new opportunities. These include safer participation in school and community activities, companionship for children less likely to make friends, and protection from harm. These dogs become integral members of the family, supporting healthy family dynamics, youth development, and ongoing growth. They help reduce risks and facilitate seamless connection and integration with society.
To learn more about the impact ADS makes on families, watch this brief video: Autism Dog Services Impact.
What Makes ADS Unique?
- Focused Service
A diagnosis of autism is required for our program. ADS evaluates each case to determine if a service dog would provide beneficial support. - Family Support
ADS stays connected to all service dog recipients. Approved families must complete mandatory specialized educational workshops. - Autism-Specific Resources
ADS provides educational manuals to families and educators when placing a service dog. - Home-Trained Service Dogs
ADS dogs are raised in homes from puppyhood until their socialization and training are complete.
Testimonials
Hereโs what families are saying about how their service dogs have changed their lives:
โBella works with our daughter Jaime, who is on the autism spectrum. Our lives have changed since Bella has been with us. We are now able to go to places that were impossible to enter in the past. Bella grounds Jaime by giving her a sense of security. Bella has also given us, Jaimeโs parents, peace of mind knowing she wonโt bolt into traffic or run away. We all feel a sense of relief because of our autism service dog.โ
โ Deb Lytle, Jaimeโs mom
โLukey joining our family has been life-changing for us. Not having to worry so much about Ryanโs safety while out in public is amazing. We are doing things we havenโt tried in years.โ
โ Kristen, Ryanโs mom
By the Numbers
Since its founding in 2007, Autism Dog Services has transformed the lives of over 149 families by placing highly trained service dogs in homes. Additionally, ADS has provided:
- 36 companion dogs to individuals
- 4 facility dogs
With the help of 151 active volunteersโincluding puppy raisers, puppy sitters, drivers, and an active fundraising committeeโADS continues to make a lasting impact.
How You Can Help
Autism Dog Services is not government-funded and relies solely on donations, grants, sponsorships, and trusted partners. Each service dog carries a value of $25,000. As we say, โEvery dollar counts!โ Donations are gladly accepted through our website: Donate Now.
We are also seeking puppy raisers (foster families). If you love dogs and want to make a difference in the lives of children with autism, apply here: Become a Puppy Raiser.
Charity Information:
- Charity Name: Autism Dog Services Inc.
- Address: 102 North Park St., Brantford, Ontario, Canada N3R 4K1
- Phone: (519) 722-2685
- Executive Director: Vicky Spadoni
- Email: vicky@autismdogservices.ca
- Website: www.autismdogservices.ca
