In eastern Ontario, two families have welcomed special assistance dogs to support their children with autism. Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind (CGDB) has a long history of providing guide and mobility dogs, but there has been a recent increase in the demand for autism service dogs.
Msindisi Bunguza, an instructor with CGDB, mentioned that they decided to explore assisting families with autism in 2025 and have since seen a growing interest. Training for autism support dogs involves specialized techniques, especially as they work closely with young children who may not grasp appropriate interactions with the dogs.
One critical aspect of the training is acclimating the dogs to gentle handling by simulating scenarios where the child may pull or climb on them. Additionally, the dogs are taught to help regulate the children’s emotions by physically comforting them when overwhelmed.
The Beall family in Pembroke, Ont., is one of the families benefiting from this program. They received Fred, a yellow Labrador, to assist their four-year-old daughter Norah, who tends to wander off. Fred is attached to Norah at the waist when they are out, preventing her from running away and allowing the family to engage in more community activities.
Fred has not only enhanced Norah’s safety but has also facilitated her social interactions and emotional well-being. The presence of Fred has enabled Norah to participate in various activities, alleviating concerns for her older brother and allowing the whole family to engage in community events.
The positive impact of these assistance dogs on families like the Bealls has motivated CGDB to continue expanding the program. Each success story drives Bunduza, the instructor, to further develop and provide more placements in the upcoming year, as witnessing the transformation in families brings a sense of fulfillment to the program.