Pet Project

Dog phobia is common in young people and adults who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dogs are a huge part of daily life and can cause extreme anxiety for our young people whilst in the community. It can often prevent proper access to the full range of activities offered.

Alderwood has developed an extensive programme that focuses on de-sensitisation. A programme will usually start with listening activities ‘sound tasks’ (dogs barking etc) and social stories about dogs in general. Pace is set by the individual to ensure they are confident and relaxed. The next stage would be to introduce a dog into the garden whilst the service user observes from a window. All progress is monitored to ensure each stage is appropriate. Eventually we aim to introduce the service user to the Alderwood dogs, Buster and Harry and take part in our dog walking scheme. Alderwood has two dogs which spend time in each home and for some of our young people, dog walking is a regular part of their timetable.

The Pet Project is a vital element of care and reduces anxiety levels and teaches responsibility and empathy for animals in our care. We have produced a DVD which explains how our dogs fit into life at Alderwood and the huge part they play in daily life.

At the beginning of 2010 Alderwood decided to expand their de-sensitisation programme by introducing the Equine Project. Two ponies were chosen, Daisy and Smudge and in May they were moved into their new premises a few miles from the Alderwood homes. Service users complete an eight week programme which covers all aspects of de-sensitisation, including grooming and feeding. The ethos for this project is run on exactly the same lines as for the dogs, with all aspects set at an approriate pace for the individual. This project has added an additional dimension for our service users and has been met with great enthusiasm.