Why...
For Autism Awareness Month, we are asking you to walk, run, or swim for the month of April in support of children with autism and families across Ireland who need your help.
In becoming an #AutismHero, you will help us to open our Application Process for 2024 and enable more 45 more children with autism and their families to get a life transforming Autism Assistance Dog.
Gear up!
80K participants will get a PAWsome and FREE t-shirt to represent #TeamAADI as they hit the ground running...
And our 14 Swims participants will receive a FREE #TeamAADI swim cap to truly make some waves!
Joining #TeamAADI for April? Be sure to join our Autism Heroes 2024 Facebook Group below to connect with fellow team members.
Join Facebook Group
Check out our FAQ for some questions you might have about the challenge ?
FAQ
Leaderboards
The story of Joseph and his Assistance Dog Autumn...
Joseph's Mam, Dorota says:
"I'll never forget the day we got the phone call from Suzanne at Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. It was an absolute dream come true when she said...
"We have a dog for you... Her name is Autumn!"
I will remember that feeling for the rest of my life. It felt like I was just walking on clouds, like the impossible just got possible.
Fast forward 6 months, and Autumn has transformed the lives of the Ryan family.
Joseph is safe walking with Autumn. He doesn't even think of running away.
"Going shopping is so much easier with Autumn, even waiting in the queue is not a problem for Joseph anymore. I think it's safe to say that we as a family have become more relaxed and calm since Autumn joined us.
When we are in the shopping centre or supermarket children look at Joseph, but not because he is behaving differently or having a meltdown. No, they look at him because he is the lucky boy who can bring his dog shopping with him.
That gives our little man a massive amount of confidence and boosts his self esteem."
A little about us...
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is a national charity who provides Assistance Dogs to children with autism.
AADI’s mission is to change the world for children with autism by offering children suffering with debilitating symptoms of autism the opportunity to reach their full potential.
As well as providing life changing Autism Assistance Dogs, we are committed to raising autism awareness, understanding and inclusion within the community.
We do not charge for our assistance dogs and are entirely supported by public donations, fundraising and volunteers.
