Breaking News: Autism Service Animals To Be Placed Free Of Charge

June 30, 2011 - PRLog -- During May, LM Kaydus, founder of Animals for Autism, competed for a $50,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Everything Program.  The funding attempt was successful, and, as a result, ten families will receive autism service animals for their children living with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD.)    

While not appropriate in every case, Autism Service Animals are a wonderful addition to the treatment programs of many individuals on the autism spectrum.  According to USA Today, "A 2004 study showed assistance dogs could help autistic children learn about living beings, feelings and needs..."   Service animals can:

*Help save lives by preventing wandering.
*Provide opportunities for positive social interaction in the community.
*Disrupt undesirable behaviors.
*Redirect their owners.
*Provide structure to daily living.
*Help teach respect and responsibility.
*Prevent meltdowns.
*Calm their owners with pressure therapy.
*Provide sensory awareness.
*Increase self-esteem.  -and-
*Provide constant companionship.

The official recipient announcement was just made this afternoon at http://www.facebook.com/AnimalsforAutism  As of July, 2011, the recipients being funded by the Pepsi Refresh Everything Program Grant are:

~Gabby Williams, daughter of Candice and Robert Williams of Springfield, Missouri
~Tommy Schatzman, son of Robert and Alyona Schatzman of Cedarburg, Wisconsin
~Chase Podkowka, son of Kim and Todd Podkowka of Lee Center, New York
~Lanie Schram, daughter of Brenda and David Schram of Williamsburg, Ohio
~Caleb Pooser, son of Ashley and Jacob Pooser of Tallahassee, Florida
~Samuel DeWitt, son of Elizabeth and David DeWitt of Mt. Orab, Ohio
~Faith Creighton, daughter of Jimmy and Allison Creighton of Silverdale, Washington
~Jake Andrade, son of Tom and Stephanie Andrade of Clovis, California
~Terrell Brown, son of Jeff and Linda Brown of LaVergne, Tennessee   -and-
~Aidan Ristau, son of Kenneth and Melissa Ristau of Howard, Ohio

The recipients, all of whom have an autism spectrum disorder and are at risk of wandering, range in age from 4 to 16 years.  The animals are undergoing an intensive training program and will be placed in Spring, 2012.

Animals for Autism service both children and adults across the United States.  To qualify as a recipient of an autism service animal, an individual must have a diagnosis of an ASD and be at least 5 years old at the time of placement.  There is no upper age limit.  Program information and applications for participation can be found at http://www.siberiansnowbabies.com/animals_for_autism.  Donations to help other families offset training fees are also accepted on the website.

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