In 2018 Canisha launched a training program for autism assistance dogs and since then demand for this type of assistance dogs has skyrocketed. Autism assistance dogs reduce stress and panick attacks in indivuals with autism, they bring structure and confidence into their lives, the confidence to go out into the world and they are a reliable buddy who does not need speech to connect. These dogs do not only open doors literally but also, and most importantly, figuratively.
Over 80,000 people in Belgium have some form of autism. They suffer from anxiety or panic attacks, stress, over-stimulation, depression ... They communicate and process information differently and often lack the confidence to go out into the world. Young children with autism are often victims of bullying because they are felt to be "different". Qualified (young) adults do not get the employment opportunities they deserve. The world is missing out on their talents!
By training certified autism assistance dogs and placing them, free of charge, with a person with autism, Canisha aspires to open the door to the world for that person. Autism assistance dogs have proven to reduce stress, anxiety and anger attacks. They provide for structure, they connect, form a "safety bubble" as it were for e.g. young children by preventing them from running away panicking, they give the disorder a face, they provide for the confidence to go out and get a job e.g.
Autism assistance dogs give a person with autism (or parents of a child with autism) back his or her autonomy and self-reliance. A parent can go for grocery shopping again with his /her child with autism, a young adult is no longer bullied at school, an adult is able to go out and work ... and these dogs have even proven to reduce medical bills in the long run as the need for antidepressants and physical complaints e.g. decrease. These dogs have great value for the economy, welfare and wellbeing
