How Service Dogs Help Children with Autism

Autism Dog Services (ADS), based in Brantford, is Southwestern Ontario’s leading charitable provider of highly trained service dogs for children and families living with autism and related disorders.

With 1 in 66 children and youth in Canada diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, service dogs play a vital role in enhancing safety, fostering companionship, and promoting independence. These specially trained dogs provide invaluable support, helping children navigate daily challenges with greater confidence and ease.

The Sifton Family Foundation is proud to support ADS through a grant funding puppy training classes and programs, ensuring more families can benefit from these life-changing companions. Remarkably, ADS provides service dogs at no cost to clients, despite each dog being valued at $25,000 or more.

For many families, the impact is profound.

"Service dog Reva has become the most amazing companion for our daughter," shared a grateful mother. "Every day, we see Laina finding more peace in routines that once were so challenging—car rides, public outings, and bedtime. What's truly astonishing is how much more Laina communicates since Reva arrived. She now talks to Reva all the time—telling her about her day, sharing her thoughts, and listening to stories together. This profound change in Laina's life is a testament to Reva's incredible training and the dedication of the people who raised her."

Thanks to organizations like Autism Dog Services more children are finding comfort, connection, and a newfound sense of independence.