3rd February 2025
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) is pleased to announce the opening of our annual waiting list for families seeking life-changing assistance dogs. This year, the waiting list will open earlier than ever before with the process beginning on February 11th, and we are expanding our capacity to take on more families, a reflection of our ongoing commitment to supporting autistic children and their families.
AADI provides assistance dogs to children aged 5-12 who have a diagnosis of autism and are at risk of flight. These specially trained dogs enhance the safety, independence, and inclusion of children, transforming not just their lives but the lives of their families.
In previous year’s the charity has welcomed 30 families onto their waiting list, however as a result of the continued high demand for the fully free service they are increasing their intake to 45 families in 2025.
Before the list opens, families are required to attend an online information session. These sessions provide vital details about the role of assistance dogs, the training process, and what life is like with an assistance dog in the family. The sessions also include a live Q&A to address specific questions. Attendance at an information session is compulsory before applying, and registration details will be advertised on our website, social media channels, and via our general mailing list.
David McCarthy, Head of Fundraising and Communications at AADI, commented:
Opening the waiting list earlier and expanding the number of families we support are significant steps forward in addressing the growing need for assistance dogs. We’re proud to help transform the lives of autistic children, providing greater safety, independence, and confidence. We provide our services fully free to our Clients and so rely heavily on the amazing support of our donors and corporate sponsors. The demand is immense, and while the process is competitive, we encourage all eligible families to apply.
The waiting list opens following the completion of the information sessions in March 2025.
Eligible applications will be entered into a lottery if the number of applicants exceeds the available places. Successful families will proceed to phone and home assessments with an assistance dog instructor, followed by the matching process, which typically takes 12-18 months from application.
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is a national charity dedicated to transforming the lives of autistic children and their families. 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.
ENDS
Editor’s Note:
- AADI trains and matches assistance dogs exclusively for children aged 5-12 who are at risk of flight due to autism.
- Information sessions are mandatory and will be advertised in February 2025.
- Families can sign up for the AADI mailing list by visiting www.aadi.ie and completing the form at the bottom of the homepage.
- The lottery system ensures fairness and transparency in the selection process.
- Families must reapply each year and attend the latest information session to remain eligible.
- Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is the accrediting body for AADI. Their website contains additional resources for families seeking assistance dogs.
Want to apply for an Assistance Dog?
On the 11th of February, we will be opening up registrations for you to join an online information session in relation to our application process. The application process will begin in early March. For more information, visit: https://www.autismassistancedogsireland.ie/ad-list-info/
