Service dogs can help with sleep problems, keep a child calm and peaceful, and promote school engagement, all of which can be beneficial for children on the spectrum.The process of getting a service dog for a child with special needs is fairly easy, but it will take a lot of time and effort.You will need to submit an application, do an interview, sign a contract, raise money and undergo education and training.
Step 1: You can fill out the application for your assistance program.
To get a service dog for your child, there is an application process.Each assistance program has its own guidelines for getting a service animal.Most of the processes are the same.You will need to apply for a child to receive a service animal.The name and address of the parent and child are required in this form.You will have to give information about the child's physical therapist, occupational Therapist, psychologist, and/or case manager.
Step 2: Provide all the diagnostic information for your child.
This will include a description of your child's symptoms and severity, along with any additional medical problems.You will need to explain how your child's medical problems are affecting their daily living skills and creating limitations at this point.Daily living skills include caring for yourself.bathing, dressing, and feeding oneself.Any restrictions or precautions your child may have related to their diagnosis will need to be described.If your child uses crutches or a wheelchair, you should note that.
Step 3: You need to show proof that you will be able to care for the dog.
If you are able to care for a dog, you will be assessed in the next section of the application.The agency needs to know who lives in the household, if you have any other pets, and the type of service animal you are looking for.They need to know who will be handling the dog.If you can provide food and grooming for the dog.
Step 4: Let the agency know what your child needs.
What kind of service you expect the dog to provide is what the assistance agency needs to know in the final part of the application form.If the dog will be going to school with the child, and you feel the service dog would benefit from it, you should give that information.
Step 5: Provide references if you pay the application fee.
The basic processing fee is $20-$40.The agency will require a professional to certify the diagnosis.Letter of reference are often requested by the agency.This should come from people that work with your child.If your child has a disability, they may want to contact occupational, speech, or psychology therapists to see if a service dog could help.
Step 6: Wait for an interview to be called.
Before any decisions are made, applications need to be reviewed by the organization's director.The family and child will progress to the interview if the executive determines that the child meets all the qualifications and has shown a sufficient need.The interview is to find out which training tasks the dog will need to be taught.
Step 7: You have to sign the contract.
The agency will give you and your family a contract after the interview is over.It is important to read all parts of the contract and be aware of how much money you can raise.The contract informs the family of the agency's obligations and expectations.There are certain aspects of the contract that may become invalid.Go ahead and sign the contract if you decide this is the best path for you and your child.You have become a client of the agency of your choice after this.
Step 8: You can raise money in your area.
It costs a lot to have a service animal trained for your child.It is important for the family to raise money.In order to raise money, you could organize community events, like a bake sale.The community can help the family and the child.Donate to your child's cause by asking friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances to do the same.
Step 9: If you apply for a grant, you'll get it.
Applying for grants is an unlikely source of income, but it is often more successful than you think.Private and government grants are available.Grants from the state of California, as well as many private grants, contribute to the training and care of service animals.You can apply for grants at extraordinarydogs.org.
Step 10: Consider funding.
Crowdfunding is a new way to raise money.Crowdfunding can be provided by sites like Gofundme.Set up a site and use social media to let family and friends know that you are raising money for a service dog.People who need money are connected with people with money who want to donate to worthy causes.
Step 11: Education and training should not be done.
Both child and parents will enter the education process after your family has raised enough money for the service dog program.A family is placed in a class to train their service dog.You and your child will work with many different dogs until you find an animal that is a good fit for your needs.The last 4 to 5 months will focus on child-specific training once the right dog is matched with your family.
Step 12: The final training needs to be completed before the dog is taken home.
The final phase of training brings the dog and the family together.The training is usually provided by the training director, experienced trainers, or interns.The most intense part of training lasts 1-2 weeks.You and your child will be able to take your new service dog home after this phase is over.
Step 13: Service dogs can be used to provide security for a child with an intellectual disability.
A variety of services are offered by assistance dogs.The dogs can be used as a security item.The dog will allow the child to feel safe and help them to sleep without their parents crying.
Step 14: A service dog can help a child with special needs.
Some children with special needs don't know how to show their love.Service dogs encourage an affectionate relationship between dog and child, and this learning can carry into other relationships in the child's life.There are children with sensory issues who will never be able to show affection.They can express it through speech, writing, or alternative forms of communication.
Step 15: Service dogs can help prevent children from wandering away.
A common behavior in children with special needs is wandering away from their parents.Children don't understand the need to stay with their parents, which can lead to stress for the parents.The dog is trained to stay near the parents so tethering a child to the dog can prevent the child from wandering off.The child's safety will be ensured by the service dog when crossing the street.The service dog is trained to sit on the sidewalk until the road is clear and the child is safe to cross.
Step 16: The service dog can help keep the child calm at school.
Allowing a service dog to accompany a child to school can help the child stay in class and not wander off.The child's relations with their teachers can be improved by this.Service dogs have been shown to help limit the number of meltdowns in school.The dog calms the child by providing a familiar presence.The dog provides a source of love and acceptance, which the child may not get from students, teachers, or even therapists.
Step 17: A child will need an adult handler at all times if the dog can't help them.
Control over the dog and preventing it from disrupting the environment is ensured by this.Public schools don't usually have a handler for the dog.
Step 18: A child's needs can be tailored to a program.
The service dogs are trained to work for your child's needs.The dog will be able to deal with the individual problems of the child.
Step 19: It's possible to train a service dog for a child.
This is usually referred to as an owner trained service dog.Before training a dog, be willing to work with a local dog trainer and know your boundaries.