18th August 2025
Only 1 in 3 Families Will Get an Autism Assistance Dog – Help Us Say Yes
Every week, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) receives calls from parents desperate for help, but without more funding, too many must hear the word “no.”
Today, the charity has launched its “Help Us Say Yes to More Families” appeal, calling on the public to help train and place more life-changing assistance dogs with autistic children across Ireland. With no government funding, AADI relies entirely on public generosity to meet the growing demand.
🧩 A Family’s Story
For families like Rachel Kearns’ from Louth, the wait isn’t just about time — it’s about daily stress and lost moments:
Our family life right now is quite stressful. Keelan has no safety awareness, so is known to run onto the road or walk off to find water or stones. Sometimes, with all his anxiety, he might not even come on days out, which results in most family days becoming divided days. We’re hoping we get to become one family unit again.
💸 The Cost of Saying Yes
It costs €25,000 to train each autism assistance dog, covering two years of specialist training, veterinary care, and ongoing family support. Once placed, these dogs work for up to 10 years, offering:
- Daily safety
- Emotional comfort
- Greater independence
- Support for the entire family unit
💬 A Call from AADI
David McCarthy, Head of Fundraising & Communications at AADI, says:
Every time we have to say ‘no’ to a family, it’s heartbreaking. These are parents who know the life-changing difference a dog could make for their child – keeping them safe, helping them navigate a world that can often be overwhelming, and allowing them to be part of their communities. We want to turn every ‘no’ into a ‘yes,’ but we can only do that with the public’s help.
✅ You Can Help Us Say Yes
Make a difference today by donating at:
👉 www.aadi.ie/help-us-say-yes-to-more-families
About Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is a national charity dedicated to transforming the lives of autistic children and their families through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs. Each dog is provided free of charge and offers enhanced safety, independence, and emotional support – helping families re-engage with their communities.