Specialist support through assistance dog partnerships

An autistic-led charity providing internationally accredited assistance dog partnerships programmes and ongoing support for autistic individuals and their families

Learn How to Apply Support Us

* Autism Dogs Charity has no affiliate partners or is responsible for mentoring any other Assistance Dog Programmes of any kind.

Latest From Us

June 4, 2026

Foundation Programme applications now open

Apply now for our Foundation Programme, currently open to families in Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Wiltshire and the Cotswolds only.

April 17, 2026

Autism Dogs Charity Expands Its Reach with the Acquisition of a Second Property

We’re proud to share that Autism Dogs Charity has acquired a second property and will soon also be operating from our new Lincolnshire locat

June 4, 2026

Foundation Programme applications now open

Apply now for our Foundation Programme, currently open to families in Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Wiltshire and the Cotswolds only.

April 17, 2026

Autism Dogs Charity Expands Its Reach with the Acquisition of a Second Property

We’re proud to share that Autism Dogs Charity has acquired a second property and will soon also be operating from our new Lincolnshire locat

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Give the Gift of a Life-Changing Companion

Whether through foster a dog or puppy sponsorship, your support fuels Autism Dogs Charity’s mission to create brighter futures for autistic people.

Assistance Dog Programme

Foundation Programme

Guidance & Resources

Our fully-managed Autism Assistance Dog Programme balances the need to prepare the dog to be able to mitigate the challenges of autism, to educate the handler and their family about how to interact with and care for their dog successfully, and how to manage the family dynamic to ensure that the partnership is successful.

Skilled dogs that help their handler

What is an Autism Assistance Dog?

Andrew Preston

How to Apply for the Programme

Caroline Preston

Enable to fulfill potential

What are the benefits?

Trusted by

Autism Dogs Charity is the most qualified programme of its type, and is also the only programme training Autism Assistance Dogs that is run by autistic people. Our service is approved by and accessible to autistic children, adults, and their families.

Our Assistance Dogs help enable Autistic people to access public places, attend school or work, enjoy fun and relaxation with their family, or even live alone for the first time.

Explore Our Services

Our Programme is highly bespoke to each client. Each of our professionally-assessed dogs are trained to mitigate the specific challenges that their handler experiences, and we provide a specialist programme of human support which is vital to ensure the success of each partnership.

Assistance Dog Programme

Foundation Programme

Family stories

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"Behind every Programme I have always had a simple philosophy 'to see a few more smiles'. It's the foundation that can make us all feel in a better place".

Andrew Preston

Founder & Principal Consultant

Changing Lives through Steady Paws

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for an Autism Assistance Dog?

We accept applicants of any age from across England, Scotland and Wales.Applicants must have a formal diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Condition.

Are your Assistance Dogs trained to have specialist skills to help me?

Yes our Assistance Dogs undergo Advanced Training that is bespoke to each client. Along with a number of core skills common to all, there are specifics that we can work on to ensure your dog best suits your needs and objectives.

Will I be able to properly handle my Assistance Dog?

Yes. We believe that it is key for the family owners to understand how to handle, work and live well with their Assistance Dog to maximize the specialist skills that they have. You will receive a 3 day intensive training course during the 3 month process, constant remote support, access to advice and a further 2 days during the transition.

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