Recipient of FREE Autism Service Animal Announced

May 17, 2011 - PRLog -- After a month long application period and a two week evaluation, Animals for Autism announced Sunday to Hal and Amy Johnson of Brockport, New York, that their son, Rex, had been chosen as the recipient of a free Autism Service Animal!  James, the service-dog-in-training, will spend the next 12 months in an intensive program designed to meet their son's specific needs.

"We are so thrilled and honored to be chosen for the Go Blue program!!  Rex is excited and loves looking at the photo of James on facebook.  I have already been contacted by our local newspaper for a story!  The local news wants to come interview us too!  This is big news in our town," said Amy Johnson after being given the exciting news.  

According to Animals for Autism's founder, LM Kaydus, autism service animals cost an average of $13,000 to $40,000 each.  "This was the first time Animals for Autism decided to underwrite the entire cost of a service animal in honor of Autism Awareness Month," said Kaydus.  "Although it was costly in terms of our limited resources, experiencing the joy of giving and the excitement of the recipient's family made it more than a worthwhile endeavor."  

Whether or not Animals for Autism will offer this same promotion in years to come remains to be seen, however, Kaydus did note that Animals for Autism is participating in the Refresh Everything Program sponsored by Pepsi.  If successful in their bid for a grant, Kaydus says Animals for Autism will place and additional 10 Autism Service Animals across the United States - free of charge.  "This opportunity to be funded by Pepsi for an additional 10 service animals is simply incredible, and it will allow us to serve families who could never otherwise afford to bring a service animal into their homes.  All we can do now is encourage people to vote for us in the Pepsi grant program, and hope we are successful," added Kaydus.

Autism service animals stop dangerous, autism-related wandering which claims the lives of children with autism every year.  Among other benefits, autism service animals also redirect behaviors, interrupt self injurious actions, provide deep pressure therapy, promote positive social interaction and provide sensory stimulation, companionship and improve the self-esteem of their owners.

"Please support our efforts to acquire a grant from Pepsi.  Voting takes place daily through May 31st.  Text 106137 to 73774, and vote and power vote online http://www.refresheverything.com/animalsforautism   With your help, we can provide safety and peace of mind to many families in need."  

More information about the Animals for Autism program can be found at http://www.siberiansnowbabies.com/animals_for_autism

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Training and placement of Autism Service Animals with both adults and children with autism spectrum disorders in the United States.