17th January 2025
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) has welcomed the commitments outlined in the newly announced Programme for Government, which aim to improve supports for autistic children and their families. While these pledges are a positive step, AADI emphasises the urgent need to translate words into action to create meaningful change.
AADI’s mission is to enable independence, inclusion, and safety for autistic children through its life-changing assistance dog programmes. These specially trained dogs foster greater confidence and security for children while providing invaluable support to their families. Each year the organisation handles close to 1000 enquiries from families, providing all services free of charge without any government funding.
David McCarthy, Head of Fundraising and Communications at AADI, commented:
“These commitments are a positive step forward, but families need action, not just promises. At AADI, we’ve seen the life-changing impact of targeted interventions like autism assistance dogs. We are eager to work alongside the Government to turn these pledges into tangible results, ensuring every autistic child has the opportunity to thrive.”
Key Priorities for Immediate Action
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is calling for:
- Immediate recognition and funding for assistance dogs as a transformative support for autistic children.
- Inclusion of autism assistance dogs in early intervention services to address the developmental needs of children with autism.
- Collaboration with educational institutions to integrate assistance dogs into inclusive education initiatives, enabling children to achieve their full potential.
“We look forward to collaborating with the Government to ensure these commitments are met with urgency. Together, we can provide the vital supports that autistic children and their families deserve,” McCarthy added.
For more information about Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland and how you can support their mission, please visit https://www.autismassistancedogsireland.ie.
About Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI):
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is a national charity dedicated to transforming the lives of autistic children and their families. Through its highly trained assistance dog programmes, AADI fosters independence, safety, and inclusion for children while providing invaluable companionship and support to families across Ireland.
Contact:
David McCarthy
Head of Fundraising & Communications
Email: david@aadi.ie
Phone: 083 012 9549