AUTISM Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) was founded in 2010 when CEO Nuala Geraghty decided that children with autism needed to be a priority for receipt of assistance dogs.

Nuala had worked training dogs for many years, and was working with another national charity training assistance dogs, but found herself frustrated that autism assistance dogs were an afterthought. So, she left her job and started AADI, a dream with an explicit promise to the growing number of families in Ireland with autism diagnoses, to change the world for children with autism.

AADI remain the only organisation in Ireland dedicated to providing assistance dogs to children with autism, and are proud to lead the effort. “The science is clear, our dogs provide safety to children who are a flight risk which allows the entire family to live more connected lives.” explains Jacob Harmon, head of fundraising. “Our dogs create conversations in schools, in shops, and at the GAA grounds about autism, which leads to more inclusive and welcoming communities. Our dogs build safety habits in children with autism, leading to more independence as adults. Our dogs change the world, making it a safer place and filling it with more understanding, compassion, and love.”

AADI have a fundraising challenge called ‘14 Swims in July’ and you can don your goggles and hit the water to help support the training of assistance dogs for children with autism. You can register for the swim on the Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland website. Why not make a difference this July?