Autism ACTUALLY Speaking: Autism Service Dogs

Sorry I wasn't able to get this up sooner I had an overwhelming finals week. Anyways this is an informative video about autism service dogs.
www.keystonehumanservices.org...
/ 428978713832841

[@epi-pants]

thank you for explaining the benefits of having a service dog for someone in your age group. I have HFA(high functioning autism) and I have been looking into getting one for a while now, and it's so great to hear someone who is closer to my age talk about having one. This has probably been said a thousand times in the comments.

[@OakCroftFilms]

Glad you found this informative. Good like with getting one.

[@calliepatteen]

I recommend getting a rescue puppy that will train and training your dog your self if you can . I did its legal and the dog will learn your triggers more so because it lives with you . My dog was adopted at 4 1/2 mts old and she started alerting and taking at 10 mys on her on unprompted.

[@TheSoftestGirlYouKnow]

@@calliepatteen That's wonderful! How do you get them certified as an actual recognized service dog with the vest and everything if you train them yourself?

[@calliepatteen]

@@TheSoftestGirlYouKnow there’s no certification for them no licensing it’s the training that they have that makes them a service dog it’s legal to owner train as long as you the handler comply with ADA laws . 1 you have to have a valid medical reason for the service dog and 2 the dog must be task trained to assist with that disability 3 the dog must be in control at all times and (cannot)… be other dog aggressive or people aggressive it’s to egnor them when working for more information watch service dog paws she explains in detail what your rights are and the laws you must comply with 🙂

[@katiemarshalltv6184]

This is one of the first videos I've seen of an autistic describing their SD impact themselves. Most are just parents talking about it. It's great to hear it straight from the mouth of an autistic. I got Watson about two years ago. He was a puppy that I picked specifically for the job of a SD. I have been owner training him for the last two years and he is not a phenomenal service dog. He also does DPT (which I call 'let's cuddle') when I am overstimulated or nearing an anxiety attack. I can't believe I went 19 years without him. I am now 21 and do not go anywhere without Watson. He is my lifeline. I have other physical and mental disabilities along with being autistic. I will never go back to life wihtout a service dog. People don't understand just how much they can do, even with just an emotional aspect. Obviously, he does much more, but that alone is helpful.

[@Maker_Az_Is]

katiemarshalltv Do you have any tips for owner training, I have had dogs all my life (Im 19) I already have a 5 month old black lab and I have been training her since day one but personal experience stories would really help.

[@MrsBJPalmer]

Nathan Selove , I'm researching home training a service dog. No way can we afford to pay for one. My 19 yo daughter and 24 yo son both have autism and desperately need dogs. We had to homeschool because things got so bad, and they very rarely go out in public. We have an 8 yo Foxhound that would have been perfect if I'd started when we hot her at 18 months old. Are there any groups, books, etc that can lead you thru the process of training a dog?

[@sherrisour360]

I'm high functioning autistic myself, and being faced with the reality of going to college and living alone, I was thinking about getting a service dog to help cope with my disabilities and anxiety I face. Your video has been so helpful in helping me further my knowledge about this!

[@OakCroftFilms]

I'm glad it was helpful. I wish you well in college.

[@loreleihaywood4673]

I'm writing a story with a character who needs a service dog to make it through every day life and I found this very informative.

[@annataymond9529]

How’d that go for you

[@iridiumSerpent]

@@annataymond9529 i won a short story contest at my school!!

[@MrMrPurple]

Jedda Barnes congrats!

[@Teelove2]

This is exactly what so many people need to know about service dogs and who qualifies for them and why. There is so much misinformation out there, it's wonderful to have an experienced person so gifted in explaining how it works. Thank you, Nathan, for being an inspiration to so many people.

[@pockywocky7737]

I was diagnosed late in life around 16 because I kept to myself nobody really saw me so they never saw anything. I'm currently 22 going on 23 and I'm getting my dog in late July early August. We are owner training because we don't have people to donate. We do have a woman who has trained dogs for years going to do the training for the next 2 years. My dog will also respond to seizures.

[@ginjaninja7147]

hope you and your dog is going well!

[@ad61766]

aaa thank you for explaining about adulthood with service dogs! im not an adult yet but by the time i get one i probably will be, i know exactly what i need in a service dog for my autism. gosh, it's so important to me to get one. that would help so much with crowds and overstimulation and if i had a little dog there to help support me, something to focus on, something to keep rooted to. Like getting off the bus, the dog could pull me and moving places, i get too scared and nervous.

[@musicnojutsu7394]

I'm planning to get a service dog next year, and I'm looking forward to the same things! :)

[@Skippy19812]

That's a very good dog. I'm a 'sperg and I've been around dogs all my life. I've never had a "service" dog though, just regular household woofers. I had a Golden Retriever in my teenage years who was a source of great comfort to me. I doubt I would have survived my school years without her. I couldn't take her to school, for obvious reasons, but she was always waiting for me when I got home and just knowing that often helped me get through the day. She was an awesome dog. I really miss her sometimes.

[@OakCroftFilms]

Thanks. She is a great dog.

[@travishanson166]

I've only seen 2 of your videos on service dogs and looked up information in the last few hours and I've already identified at least 5 areas they could help me with. I used to have a normal dog that would bark when someone came up the driveway or when a predatory animal was outside at night (we have goats). It didn't dawn on me til just now how many sounds I hear now that resemble someone coming up the driveway and I go crazy until I figure out where it is coming from. I didn't have that problem when I had a barking dog. He would do some other things like lay on my legs and similar things to your service dog without training, but I guess I never noticed he was helping me cope. To make a long story short, it would be nice to have a service dog that could go places with me and help around the house too. My wife would be happy for the help too. Maybe someday. Thank you for the info, you have some good people around you to help. I'm just now discovering this thing is autism I deal with, so we don't get much help anymore. I guess I don't look the part.

[@OakCroftFilms]

There isn't a "look" for it. Anybody that tells you there is one is trying to sell you something. If you think a service dog could help don't let that stop you :).

[@travishanson166]

Nathan Selove I will be looking into it. Will have to find a way to do it with no money or means. I only have a phone because my dad paid for it with his credit card and its been automatically billing since and he hasn't cut me off yet. I've been forced to apply for disability, so when that is sorted out I can look at what quality of life will be available according to my means. Thank you for the encouragement, my positivity sounds way more negative than it actually is.

[@MrsBJPalmer]

Travis Hanson Stick with it Travis! We didnt grt disability for our kids until after my husband passed, and there was no way to pay for everything on the little retirement benefits from him. ( I'm disabled myself, and had been discouraged from filing before.) They are finally receiving benefits now, but not enough to live on independently. (They're now 19 & 24, he died when they were 12 and 15.) Anyway, please don't give up! We get depressed sometimes, then find folks that are in a much worse situation. There is always someone out there to give advice, or just chat with in many FB sites. If you are getting disability, there is a way to get a phone thru them. It's not fancy, and limited data, but it's a phone! We don't have internet at home, but go to the library. My kids don't drive, do you? That is expensive to own a vehicle, but you have your freedom. (I get woken up by a frantic kid when a new movie or book I'd released!) Best of luck finding a trained dog, or training your own- I think I'll try training one for the kids to share, if that's possible!

[@neurodeervergent4309]

ah, seeing her in your lap made me a flappy. It sounds like a very good pressure input! Still trying to figure out what helps my meltdowns.

[@OakCroftFilms]

Sometimes it takes a bit to figure that out.

[@lisawanderess]

My service dog is a godsend to me! That’s why I named her Pixie Angel! Since having her I have way less meltdowns and if I do she calms me down so I recover much faster. She gives me company when I can’t handle being around people, gets me out of the house to walk her everyday and makes me laugh because she’s so cute and silly!

[@515aleon]

I'm an owner trainer of a service dog in training. May never get her there, but I also have seizures and ADHD. The seizures are what made me think about it because I had two seizure events that were life threatening. It was great to hear your story and also did I say--I love the name of your channel. So good.( Btw, to be an owner trainer, you have to LOVE training and indeed it is one of my "Interests" shall I say, and also accept that it might not work out.)

[@AlanaFosterTheLlama]

Deeply deeply appreciate this video. I've been passively looking into service dogs as I believe I could hugely hugely benefit from one, but all of the resources I can find are for parents of autistic children. I am an autistic adult and I feel like there is a difference in terms of what information I require. Subscribed and definitely going to be look at your other videos (also because it's just nice to hear about autism from autistic people instead of parents and doctors).

[@calliepatteen]

The sound of dishes clacking together herts my ears

[@artsy1447]

Same. Also loud cars, motorcycles, buses and trucks...

[@calliepatteen]

@@artsy1447 do you get ear aches semi often I do I had them chronic as a kid and some kids voices cause me ear pain

[@musicnojutsu7394]

Same!!

[@calliepatteen]

@@artsy1447 kids screaming and non stop talking loudly sends my senses through the roof my service dog then starts to alert and task to help redirect my attention to her instead of what's happening in the environment around me it helps

[@RunningwiththeRiver]

Thank you so much for this video! After watching your videos and doing a lot of research I will be getting an Autism service dog who will go to college with me! Thanks you for all the helpful info, these videos definitely helped convince my parents too:)

[@HGMMission]

This is really a great video. My little brother has Down Syndrome and is a runner, he also deals with the same complications autism does. I use to raise service dogs for the blind and now I was able to work with self training a SD for my little brother, it is really a blessing SD's have on the whole family!

[@blueskies2rain]

I am currently writing a research proposal for a class on service dogs and their influence on an autistic individuals independence and quality of life. This video has helped with clarifying some misconceptions and I really hope that you continue with the videos on autism :) I have a son who may be autistic (we are still in the diagnosis stage) and it has been difficult handling what that means for his development. Just seeing your videos gives me hope and strength :) I know that despite whether or not he has autism, it is not going to make him any less of an individual or any less independent as other people. Thank you for that :)

[@Autistic.dog.mom.stephie]

I have an owner trained Autism(I was diagnosed as a kid with Asperger's/"high-functioning" autism)& scoliosis service dog. He can alert me to high anxiety levels, then apply deep pressure therapy to prevent panic attacks...as well as dpt for self harming & dissociations. As far as my scoliosis, I trained him the command "take" to carry objects over 10 lbs as I am physically unable to. Its nice to see someone else with autism & a service dog's perspective on both topics.

[@maldonadocruzm]

It's very helpful the information you are sharing. That's for sharing your story to create awareness regarding asperger and autism.

[@Seastar14TheWitch]

Your voice is so calming.

[@Pictazzar]

I just want to say i realy enjoy your videos on autism , i was just diagnosted with it , and going through the process of getting involved with opwdd. its hard being diagnosed after 50 yrs old . so keep making videos on . autism . its helped educate me even at my age.

[@OakCroftFilms]

Thank you. I'm glad you have found my videos helpful.

[@Episcopalianacolyte]

Thank you for sharing this information! Because of your videos, people are becoming better informed about our dogs. We haven't had any trouble getting into a restaurant or other business (so far) because of the good work you and others are doing. Keep it going! We are encountering less fake SD's as well. My dog does most of the same tasks yours does. She is also beautiful!😍 Also I could not go out for a long time before I was diagnosed. But the assistance of my service dog has been amazing.

[@NeurodivergentRebel]

SO glad I found this video and your channel!

[@OakCroftFilms]

Thanks! Welcome!

[@bibibaum2309]

I am grateful and awesome team work. *Smiles* Bibi

[@saracookie2010]

Hi my name is Sara I just wanted to tell you I appreciate your video I have a daughter who's going to being diagnosed with autism she is two and a half and hearing you talk about your situation and feelings is helping me imagine what might be going through her mind thank you

[@simikatra3434]

I've not socialized in any way in over five years, every shopping trip, perhaps 3/4 times a year, results in meltdown and exhaustion. So only happens rarely and usually because it's an emergency. I really am learning from your videos, it's something I'm considering, I think it would help me join the world again. I withdrew in my early 40s, burnout. But I want to live again.

[@takeanumbertobeme]

Thanks for sharing 😄 My son will be getting his dog soon and we're very excited :)

[@suenestnature]

Very well done. I am a trainer and also a user of a psychiatric service dog; many of the tasks my dog does are similar to those that your dog does and your video is a very well thought out and well presented example of the things that dogs can do to help those of us who live with invisible disabilities. My dog also picks up his leash and when my symptoms are bad saving me even one bend over can make my day much easier. He is just about the coolest dog I know!

[@lizzyanthus1]

Thank you for the video, and information. It's very helpful.

[@laurad7228]

Thanks for this video. It was really helpful. I'm someone with high functioning autism. And sensory overload has become such a big problem the last year that it's impacting my life way more as it used to. So I went down this rabbit hole of things that might help. I don't think a dog will be for me. But it's nice to know there are people my age with similar struggles. Sometimes I feel so alone with this.

[@robinbyrd4430]

Awesome video👍🏾 Service dogs are amazing souls😊

[@tabithafannan9543]

This video really helped I have autisim to ! When you started talking about the close shoping I understood your pain its like that for me to I can't were most fabrics

[@OakCroftFilms]

Yep that has always been a big thing for me. I discuss it in some of my other videos as well.

[@kileerose0195]

I have autism, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. My service dog in training, sweetpea helps with all 3. Before I got her 9 months ago I was in a bad place. I was majorly depressed and was thinking about selfharming again after just becoming 1 year clean. Then I got her. Everything just fell into place. She became my best friend, my savior, my everything. I can't thank her enough.

[@LovelyLilDevilWings]

There's was a guy doing a radio chat one day - he assumed that kids that have autism were just spoiled rotten and having temper tanturms. I managed to get one person to see how autism really is for one young man who has autism.

[@Cuaedria]

I’m getting a poodle mix pup as an SD prospect this week. It’ll be a several weeks of basic obedience, socialization, and manners before she starts task training, but helping distract me from overload/meltdown will be one of her tasks.

[@OakCroftFilms]

Good to hear. I hope it works out.

[@fistfullofdoghair619]

This is a great video thank you!

[@alyssacdavis8246]

I appreciate you making this! I have a PTSD SDIT, and was just diagnosed with Autism, so I've been curious about how my pup could aid with that as will.

[@Episcopalianacolyte]

I'm a 53 year old man and just was diagnosed with autism. I also have my first task trained Service Dog.

[@ariannabotaku]

Thank you for the video. My psychologist has mentioned service dogs in the past and others have brought up those and emotional support animals. I am doing a little research. I am Autistic and also have other disabilities and thought of looking into one.

[@OakCroftFilms]

They have certainly benefited me immeasurably. If you are looking into service dogs you should make sure that the agency is certified by assistance dogs international.

[@wristdisabledwriter2893]

Great video

[@TheMayaiscool]

I have many mental health problems, and am currently working with someone to determine if I am autistic. I just turned 27. I know I’d benefit from having a service dog. I take my pup with me many places and he definitely helps with calming me down when I’m overwhelmed and making me feel safe when I’m scared or nervous. I’m trying to figure out how to have him trained as my service dog, but unfortunately cannot afford it. It’s really rough because without him around I have no way of calming myself down. I use his ears and fur for tactile therapy and it grounds me.

[@robertunthank8067]

Randomly found your video from reddit thread. Very helpful. Both my daughter (3 and 4) are non verbal autistic. They are complete opposites though. The 4 year old (well call E) is a sensory seeker with no fear. Bolts at a moments notice and has no thought about caution. Also has some sleeping issues. I would i sleep in her room on a separate bed 90% of the time. She will just wake up upset until im there. We think just the presence of someone there is what she needs. We’ve talked about getting a dog to just be there for her may help. Dont know if a service dog would be possible. Maybe just a family pet would be enough. Im military so insurance pays for her IEP therapies (no ABA) but service dogs are not something they cover that i know of. Didnt mean for this to go long but thanks for the insight

[@Colorless_Gremlin4888]

I been thinking of getting one so i been doing research this helped me understand what the service dog could help me with. I have HFA/ASD and GAD so i think when I'm older i would try to get one. Currently i have alot of family pets that do these tasks without training but they will all be too old to go with me by the time i go to college so i would probably try to invest then.

[@isabellamcknight6666]

Being an Autism service dog is lots of work! I am my mumsies SD for her Autism.

[@moonstonewind]

I have a RET service dog for autisim and I gained 11 years of my life back. Its been amazing. I can only hope his replacement will be just as helpfull.

[@alisonbeasley6398]

thank you

[@josephparker646]

Thank god for my situation I have to be covered and I somehow get relief from books, cell phone and wallet in my pockets. I used to have to take meds for anxiety but it seems these and certain music helps me. I think after including these methods its been about a year since I even came close to a meltdown but I was on a cruise when it happened when I lost my ID.

[@aaronbaran9129]

I'm 13 now I'm off all medication my parents are getting me a service dog

[@sarahharvey9783]

I have autism and my special thing is animals mainly dogs but animals in general I know a lot about quite a few animals so when I found out about assistance dogs which is what we call them in England I immediately learnt everything about assistance animals ESA’s and therapy animals I got a puppy and am training her with dog aid UK to be my assistance dog I have seizures when I get to stressed and I also have epilepsy so sometimes it’s hard to tell when I’m having a seizure because of my autism or epilepsy for most people and I also have dispraxia which makes me drop things a lot and forget stuff and gave terrible co ordination yo the point where I cant actually use a knife and fork

[@OakCroftFilms]

Interesting I was never good at using a fork and knife either. I wonder if it might be an Autism things.

[@destinysciarappa3723]

I’ve been diagnosed with borderline autism I know service dogs usually shouldn’t be the first option but my mom doesn’t want me to do medication since I’m more over affected in social situations and stimming (the social aspect for me is really bad I can’t leave the house alone and when I do it can only be for a little bit) I’m still waiting to get my gma to sign me up for therapy. I think a service dog might help me a lot as it will throw me into a routine and can help me socially mainly during panic attacks. I still want to try meds and therapy first before I make this difficult decision. Do you think you can give tips (also I already love your content it provide proper education and is helping me understand my behaviors as a child with autism myself I’m definitely subscribing)

[@Phoenixdemon666]

Very informational. I sadly couldn't afford to get one pre-trained so have been researching how to train my dog how to help with my sensory issues when in town and all. Turning out to not be an easy thing. Harder to find resources for an adult with autism sadly.

[@OakCroftFilms]

See if you can find information on Assistance Dogs International. The are usually head up as the golden standard for service dogs.

[@Phoenixdemon666]

@@OakCroftFilms thanks I will look into that.

[@sambawolkchen811]

Hi Nathan, I have to say I looove your Videos and your topics. It gave me a lot of strengh to acept myself and to fight for getting a service dog (I am german sorry for my english😅) We (my SD and I) are in training process. She is 8 months old and lives with me. She is a Labradoodle (labrador/poodle mix)(because of my fathers allergy). So now my question... I am a little worried about other people seeing her as not a "real" dog. Means that they think "oh yes, this is a big dog I should give them space". 'cause she will block me also. So I am anxious that she is too small. She has about 53 cm at the moment and I think she will not grow so much anymore. Could you tell me how tall Sylvia and Blake are? It would be a great help for calming myself a little! Thank you and greetings from Germany 🤗

[@sailorspaghetti2376]

After seeing this video I think I might want a service dog. However, I know another part of my autism is that I have severe executive dysfunction and poor spatial reasoning, and tend to lose belongings and/or leave them behind because of this. My poor spatial reasoning combined with my poor motor skills also causes me to walk into things and/or fall a lot. Does your dog with anything along those lines? Are those things a dog can help with?

[@OakCroftFilms]

Mine doesn't but I know people that have used service dogs for balance and support so yes I believe a dog could help with those things.

[@JunaidWolf3]

I have autism I'm verbal and I don't have meltdowns but I do have anxiety attacks and I'm also very sensitive to certain clothes and can't be in large crowds but I wasn't diagnosed until age 20

[@Seastar14TheWitch]

Haha, that last part is so true.

[@TadaKiba]

I've been doing my research at getting a service dog for autism for a long time. I was diagnosed as a toddler, and have quite a few sensory issues, particularly with sound and touch, and dissociative behaviors and a pretty awful selective mutism. I also have a destructive behavior with chewing my hands when i get nervous, and actually have a bruise on my wrist from it even now. I've compiled a list of tasks i want to teach a dog for these issues, but I wonder if i need some sort of prescription from a doctor for a service dog? Do I need some further OK to have one trained? Some people say you need special registrations, some say you don't. The ADA seems to not say there are any, but has a definition on what is a disability and what a service dog is, but not the process in some kind of "approval" for one.

[@OakCroftFilms]

+TadaKiba The only requirements for a dog to be considered a service dog is that it performs an action specifically designed to mitigate the negative effects of a disability and that the dog be house broken and under control in public. To do this it is best to obtain a service dog through an official service dog agency. For example I got Sylvia from Susquehanna Service dogs.

[@Kisugirl10]

This sounds amazing. I have Asperger's and would probably benefit from a service dog, but unfortunately my country is still rather backward when it comes to things like this, so a SD will most likely be out of my reach for quite a while still. But maybe one day!

[@whitefire9342]

What country do you live in?

[@Kisugirl10]

+White Fire I live in Finland.

[@FaithMidnight]

I'm considering getting an autism service dog for myself, but I'm unsure about it. The deep pressure therapy sounds nice.

[@stephanieb.7959]

I hope you don't mind me using your extremely well done video in my daughters GoFundMe? She also is unable, at present, to eat in a restaurant....

[@OakCroftFilms]

Not a all. Go for it :). Best of luck!

[@IATEALLTHECHEESE]

I'm also an autistic teen and I'm looking into getting a service dog! I just recently brung it up with my school counselor (it's school hols and I emailed) and I'm waiting for a reply. I haven't brung it up with anyone else yet, including my clinical psychologist. I live in New Zealand and I'm scared that it's going to cost a lot of money for my parents. I got support money from our national mental health place thing, but I don't know where it went. I haven't gotten anything from it, and I don't know what my mum did with it. I struggle with being in public alone (despite the fact I love public spaces and being around people and the city), have sensory overloads and meltdowns a lot, struggle with getting ready for things without having meltdowns and panic attacks, struggle with socializing and being close to others, self-harm and more.

[@MP-lv5vk]

I guess I am lucky that after a week I was okay wearing my watch, and know what type of clothes I will wear (cotton, plain shirts and shorts tend to cause the least irritation).

[@OakCroftFilms]

I could just never do wrist stuff.

[@calliepatteen]

My dog helps me with new stressful situations and dealing with people. I trained her my self I could not afford one other wise

[@auburneytuckerson2959]

I feel ya about loud noises. I go crazy when a loud truck is constantly roaring outside. I avoid going places with a lot of children because that would probably get me banging my head like in 8th grade. As far as smells, I can't stand odors. I'm to the point where I hold my breathe when taking the trash out or in the bathroom. Crowds stress me out because of people being Loud and bumping into me. What I REALLY need help with is loud noises, but idk if I need a service dog because I haven't been to a psychiatrist in a while, and we don't have the money. I have so many questions about service dogs because I've seen many stories of children and toddlers getting service dogs, but I thought it takes years and people who are nearly rich to pay for and get a service dogs. We're tight on money, and we haven't found the time to even take me to get diagnosed and talk to a therapist. I RRALLY need help for this sensitive hearing because I live in a very noisy environment, and I'm just constantly "losing it" every day because I have a loud little brother, I'm staying at a duplex, so there's a lot of roaring vehicles outside every day that torture me, I drive to stores every now and then where a lot of high pitched equipment and children are torturing me, I can't go to parties or anywhere that has screaming girls or loud-bass music, I'm going to college after summer ends, and I'm 18, but I only see children getting service dogs. I don't know if I need a service dog or not, but if there is no other option to help me with loud noises in public, I'll go with that idea. Other than that, I've been suffering from my sensory disorder for years, and at some point, I've had thoughts of going deaf or even banging my head during a meltdown. Other than that, I'm either crying or snapping on someone because of the loud noise, and I've gotten depressed a lot after situations like that. I even get a bit anxious when going out in public because I get worried about people judging me for the way I act. I have to try to act normal as possible in public because I'm worried about being judged, but it's hard holding it all in. Just thinking about the pain of the high noises is stressing me out to the point grabbing my ears and banging my head, and my sensitivity of loud noises has lead MW to anger issues and anxiety towards people and loud objects. I'm currently waiting for a day where we can schedule to get help because we don't have time right now. We live on a busy schedule, especially since my mother is working week days, and I will be starting college in august. I can drive, and I seem normal in public, but that's only cause I'm hiding my meltdowns and distress from people as an adult. If I DO need a service dog, please let me know how long it takes to get an already-trained dog and how much it costs in Arkansas. The type of dog does matter because I've have two guinea piggies to care for at home as well, and my lifestyle is kind of busy, but I mostly stay at home, and as a person who previously owned dogs, I am able to take care of a dog as I did in the past. Idk what do you think? I'm wondering if I need a service dog or not based on how bad my sensory disorder is now. I don't know any quizzes that will tell me if I need one, and I'm not looking to qualify right now.

[@OakCroftFilms]

First I would suggest going on the Assistance Dogs International website. Usually if an organization is certified for affiliated with them it is a good one. Also it can be a long process. My first service dog required me to be on a year long waiting list. Service dogs are a major commitment and you need to be invested. Furthermore the price tag on a service dog might scare you but at the organization I got Blake and Sylvia from, most of that ended up being taken care of by donations.

[@auburneytuckerson2959]

Nathan Selove Thanks. I'm am currently still living with my mother, and I'm not sure if she would let me get one because of the money problem. She says it's expensive just getting supplies for my guinea pigs, but if I really need a service dog, then, I would have to see a psychiatrist to get one assigned to me. The main thing would be travel as I stay in Arkansas.

[@auburneytuckerson2959]

I might not be able to get one until I'm out on my own...

[@Contenya2001]

I have autism and through some family drama I got a dog. He’s pretty smart (sometimes) and I’m trying to train him so I can go to public places on my own without having panic attacks. Do you think I’d be able to? After 2 days he’s already made progress but hearing that you have to buy a service dog made me feel guilty…

[@calliepatteen]

I'm sensitive to people touching me or coming up behind me and being in my space

[@aaronbaran9129]

I'm on the spectrum I was diagnosed with autism a.d.h.d aspergers all at once when I was two

[@jessicawatson7360]

A year that's not long, I waited 3

[@milesriggs5883]

So I haven’t been diagnosed with autism with but me, my family, and my friends all understand that I have autism (I know I don’t officially yet so I don’t let them say it) so I’m getting screened for autism soon and I’m thinking about getting a service dog because I’m only 13 I’m going into 8th grade and school is hard, I can’t sit still, can’t do like the partner things unless it’s with friends and in classes that I don’t have friends in its really hard, also many of my teachers tell me to stop stimming because they don’t know I’m stimming they just think I’m being rude so do you think a service dog would help me? Oh also I have 8 classes, which is way to many, I went from having 2 classes to 8, 8! Like schools and transitions don’t get along

[@pembroke789]

i have Autism to and FASD I'm getting a service to

[@witchynerdhermit]

Unfortunately, in my province, there are no organizations that provide autism service dogs to people over 18.

[@local_anxiety_rat1276]

I have mid functioning autism and my mom told me the only way i can have a service dog is if i train it myself which is really hard and i am getting really frustrated with my puppy

[@angelacarpentergildner6583]

We just adopted a 5 month old puppy who has the potential of being trained as a service dog for my 16 year old son. The question is how does one train a dog they already have to become a service dog.

[@melboom2994]

I know that I would probably benefit from a service dog, but I don't think I will be able to get one. Every day I go to school I just get home so tired because of sensory overload and the social environment. Even when I had to go to school once a week a week of so ago I just would get crazy sitting in the classroom. There are just too many people talking at the same time and it will just drive me insane. My medication helps with this tho (ADHD meds), but it's still too much with the medication most of the time. However, we have 2 dogs right now and I really don't think my mom will let me get a service dog and the two dogs we have are really not service dog material..... I'm really at a loss here since right now I can't even stand school for 2 hours of just taking tests without coming home and wanting to lay in bed with the lights of because they hurt my eyes. Does anyone maybe have any suggestions?

[@gracedaly6598]

Dust she help with the loyde noyses I have epilepsy and atisaum

[@jessicawatson7360]

Do you have to pay for your own dog?

[@josephparker646]

I think I need to make a bad comment but its kind of just for laughs. I have a good question" what kind of patience do you have to have to have three children and one had no disabilities, one with ADHD, and one with a form of Autism?" Now the reason I ask myself this is this was my childhood dynamic. I was the last one I mentioned. the oldest was the one with no disabilities, and the other has ADHD. I keep thinking of how much stress both my parents who where government employees. Mom was a bookkeeper for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools and my dad was a small time mail clerk for the District Attorneys Office

[@veneering4128]

You should expect any difficulties when you decide to have kids. Comes with the job

[@FaithMidnight]

I'm one of those people who was diagnosed late with autism, like at age 26.

[@bella5973]

I have a autism service dog his name is WINTER

[@auburneytuckerson2959]

That laws for Arkansas allows service dogs, so I can legally get one and still have access to certain places. And how do people get donations to help pay for the service dogs? I won't be able to get one right now because my mother may not approve as we are already spending money on the guinea pigs, and I know we have to get things to take care of the service dog, along with the Guinea pigs (I mean, of course because they become family members). It's a huge commitment, yes, just like family pets (I was forced to give up one of my pet dogs when I moved, and the dog I had before that was killed as he was attacked by another dog. ;() So If I get a service dog, I will do all I can to protect him/her and take care of him/her as he/she helps me. Plus, the dog might help me get more exercise, but the major help would be with going out in public with sensory issues. If I was able to get donations and make enough money, the only thing standing in the way would be my mother's permission and approval because I'm worried we may not be able to afford it. Would the donations help with the care of the service dog as well?

[@OakCroftFilms]

Not as much the care. And the donations in my case came through the organization itself.

[@auburneytuckerson2959]

Nathan Selove We don't have the money for a service dog, sadly... I'll probably never get one.. Is there any other way to help my sensory disorder.. For those who can't afford a service dog?

[@pastichegraham]

hi Nathan! (: this is Pastiche Graham. i just wanted to ask you a question. do you have a Gmail besides Facebook?? (: i just think youre really really Awesome! and hey, We both have autism and we Don't Let it define us of who we are! i think your service dog story is Awesome!!!

[@OakCroftFilms]

Hello Pastiche. I do but I don't really use it. Feel free to message me on my page. I'm sorry that I'm sometimes bad about getting back to people. I'm still in school and I often have a lot on my mind. But I would love to chat sometime.

[@pastichegraham]

yay!! :D ur so nice! you're great!!! Keep on spreading that Autism! i want to do it too! :)

[@hippityhoppityilikemypriva4467]

Comment for the algorithm

[@fishbord]

i wish i had a service dog but it may not be right for me.

[@OakCroftFilms]

It's not for everyone but I would recommend looking into it. Researching.

[@fishbord]

i have

[@aracelybriones24]

Were is the website?? We’re you got Sylvia?

[@OakCroftFilms]

Here: www.keystonehumanservices.org/susquehanna-service-dogs/

[@heatherburroughs4484]

I need a service dog because with my autism comes massive social anxiety. My BP is too high too often, and it takes so much energy to make myself go places. I've been wondering if I want to get a service dog can I adopt a dog with good personality and get it registered as my service dog, or do I HAVE to go through some stupid-expensive "official" program that's going to cause a mountain of stress?

[@OakCroftFilms]

It is better to go through an official agency but you can self train a dog. Although I would argue that it is more effort to self-train a dog then to go through an agency.

[@heatherburroughs4484]

I grew up training dogs, so it would be no big feat for me to train my own then get it certified. Either way, it's gonna be a process.

[@JC-mn2bm]

Wish I could have my one can't afford one doe

[@analogie3361]

J C there are lots of charities in US that train dogs for free. Do your search. You may be surprised and get one dog for free. They even supply food, continues training and vet visits for free

[@HMBCinfo]

Can you post where you got your service dog?

[@OakCroftFilms]

Of course, I got her from Susquehanna Service Dogs. Here is their website www.keystonehumanservices.org/susquehanna-service-dogs/.

[@sdmcdaniel2255]

This is definitely a probing question, and you have absolutely every right to refuse to answer. But there is a reason for my probing question, so I hope you will answer. The reason behind my probing question, is because my youngest son was diagnosed with autism... it would have been Asperger's if he had been diagnosed a few years before, but now it's all just part of the Autism Spectrum. My son is considered to be 'barely on the spectrum, or mildly autistic'. In fact, if you don't know what you are looking for, you can't really tell... you will just think him odd, weird, whatever. So my question is this: How far on the spectrum are you? Are you considered mildly autistic? Moderately? I'm asking, because my son is having a difficult time keeping jobs, he can get the job, he works for about a week or so, and they let him go. They say he's 'not strong enough', or he's not 'picking things up quickly enough', or sometimes they won't even really give him a reason, other than he's just 'not a good fit'. I wonder if the autism is getting in the way, because he doesn't really tell them that he's mildly autistic. He was listed as a special needs child in school, with an IEP, but he isn't listed as Disabled. I'm wondering if he should be. Which is the full reason behind my probing question.

[@OakCroftFilms]

A lot of us on the spectrum don't like using the framing of mild vs severe because that designation is often used to determine how well an Autistic can act like a neurotypical more than what they are actually able to do. I was originally diagnosed with Asperger's. I am certainly better at controlling the sensory than I used to be. But I've had a lot of help. Some people might consider me mild because I'm good at passing but those people haven't seen me have a meltdown. I'm sorry if that isn't a straight answer. I would say the important thing is that accommodations from an IEP were extremely important to my development. If you believe accommodations can help your son (which it sounds like they would) than I would look into it. Thanks for commenting :).

[@sdmcdaniel2255]

@@OakCroftFilms my son actually graduated from high school over a year ago. We can't afford to send him to college, so he's been looking for work all that time (before covid hit). He either gets to the interview stage, and then just doesn't hear back after the interview, or he gets hired, works a week or two, and his employer lets him go. He can't figure out why. I think my son is like you. He doesn't usually tell people he's Autistic, but on those occasions that he does, most don't believe him. But I've experienced his meltdowns. He was diagnosed as ADHD at the age of 4, and diagnosed as ODD (oppositional defiance disorder) at the age of 6. It was determined during his middle school years (7th grade) that he was misdiagnosed as ODD, that he was actually Autistic. It's listed in his school files, but he's not considered disabled. I'm wondering if he should be. That's why I'm asking these questions.

[@susanwilliams2392]

I am Autistic and considering applying for a service dog for my Autism and other disabilities. I was wondering how hard it is to take care of a service dog every day, and how much stress that adds verses the amount she removes for you? I would ask a neurotypical how hard it is to look after a service dog, but they don't think it is hard to wear clothing with rough seams, so I do not trust their judgment

[@OakCroftFilms]

I understand. I would definitely say that it is worth the extra stress. You do need to make sure that the service dog is well groomed and bathed. You do need to make sure you are feeding it correctly and you do need to make sure you are taking care of the dog in public. However, if you are doing it correctly you dog should take care of you about as much as you take care of the dog.

[@cherylcarlson3315]

Susan, I am mom of Aspie and am fluent in Aspie think. To practice life with a dog get a dog bowl, leash and a couple of rope toys from Dollar tree. Twice every day change the water in that bowl, at least twice a day walk around your home, vacuum daily and move those toys when you do. Research where you can take the dog for grooming and cost and if they give service dog discount. That is all the hard work involved. If you can, go to some animal shelter and brush some dogs while your application is processing. Touching different dogs will help you feel more comfortable with yours and let you reap some benefits now. We were given a lab pup when son was 10 and he grew into the role,died 1.5 yrs ago at 16 but son is now 27 and needs a new buddy rather urgently so I am training a dog from the shelter for him. My son went to shelters weekly for a long time looking for the dog that felt right,acted right. Visits will help you and the dogs, even if you don't adopt them. Do you have a friend who can help you meet dogs?

[@OakCroftFilms]

Good advice. Thank you for commenting.

[@meenik6489]

Prices are so different per country. I live in the netherlands and a fully trained dog here is $45000 and full on owner training doesn't exist soif you want to train your own dog you need to work with an organisation which is $18000.

[@OakCroftFilms]

Thanks for adding that. Sorry I guess this video was a little ethnocentric.

[@meenik6489]

Nathan Selove no no no i meant it more as in a wow, such a big difference. It's strange why the prices are so different even tho they do the exact same thing.

[@OakCroftFilms]

Difference between the Euro and the Dollar?

[@meenik6489]

Nathan Selove no the price for a service dog.

[@daiseymoor3316]

what is your facebook page ?

[@OakCroftFilms]

Right here facebook.com/pages/Nathan-Selove/428978713832841

[@joeypleasants4014]

I have high functioning autism.

[@auburneytuckerson2959]

Joey Pleasants I'm not sure how high functioning mine is.

[@nomadicjacksons1486]

The heck 20 thousand dollars for training

[@kirstencarlson7603]

May I ask your age?

[@OakCroftFilms]

21 now 19 when I made this.

[@kirstencarlson7603]

And is it offensive to refer to someone as an autistic? I've worked with special ed kids and have wondered

[@OakCroftFilms]

Not Generally no. In fact my self as well as many of my fellow autistics actually prefer identity first language because we see autism as part of our identity. But It can be case by case.

[@ahuman5772]

My girlfriend is the autistic person who's scared of dogs lol, probably wouldn't be helpful for her haha

[@princess_power_is_my_rainbow]

Im autistic & ptsd I have suffered through depression, anxiety, stress, easily agitated I would really love & want to have a service dog & since I have problems with crowds I want one to help my disability I even have Schizophrenia too which is a little but Autism / PTSD & Schizophrenia mixed in makes it harder on a lack on my disability & my independent life which is difficult I want a service dog to help me get through & feel comfortable through the public of the outside world since I was way behind on my adulthood life, to be honest when I saw one in person i felt so easily anxiety that I knew that I want to feel comfortable with service dogs that I haven't been prepared for since I knew I need one to help my anxiety episode it was hard because 1 I couldn't focus on the other stuff 2 which is more important I was having trouble thinking on what to say & my communication was hard for me to think when I have anxiety to be honest my heart rate was beating 10 times a minute i knew right away I need a service dog to help my episode even though I couldn't find ways to calm me down right away it was horrifying 🐕‍🦺