Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) is proud to highlight the transformative impact of its assistance dog programmes on autistic children and their families.
Through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs, AADI fosters independence, safety, and inclusion, significantly enhancing the quality of life for those affected by autism.
As a fully fundraised organisation, AADI relies on the goodwill of the public and its partners to provide its fully free services to families across Ireland. This Friday will see the organisation’s second annual Flag Day with volunteers on the streets of Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Galway as well as other areas across the country. They are asking people to engage and donate across the day.
Since its establishment in 2010, AADI has been dedicated to changing the world for children with autism. The assistance dogs are trained to provide safety and companionship, helping children navigate daily challenges and empowering them to engage more fully with their surroundings.
“Our assistance dogs have a profound impact on the lives of autistic children and their families. They not only provide safety and support but also open up opportunities for greater independence and social interaction,” stated David McCarthy, Head of Fundraising and Communications at AADI.
Donal Hunt, an AADI parent said, “Our middle son Senan was diagnosed with autism in May 2018. Quest entered our family lives in July 2022. A beautiful noble golden retriever who brought calm to our household immediately. At the time, Senan was a considerable flight risk. He would bolt at any opportunity, making social outings, trips to the supermarket, etc almost Impossible.
“Suddenly with Quest, who provided an anchor for Senan, family outings became possible. Within 2 weeks of having Quest, our family managed to go away for a weekend, visiting Aillwee Caves – something we would have considered an impossibility before.”
AADI remains committed to expanding its services to reach more families in need, continually striving to transform lives through the unique bond between children and their assistance dogs. Through its specialised training programmes, AADI’s assistance dogs provide children with greater independence, safety, and inclusion, while offering invaluable companionship and support to families across Ireland.
For further details and to stay updated, visit our website at www.aadi.ie. Families can also learn more about assistance dog programmes at www.assistancedogsinternational.org, our accrediting body.
