Hi! My name is Bruster and I am presently being trained to be a service dog. My owner is Sean and he is five years old. I will be trained just for Sean so that I can help him deal with autism. I will help Sean sleep better by sleeping next to him. I will walk with him giving him comfort when the floors are too shiny so he will feel safe. I will be able to introduce him to new people and help him socialize because I am so friendly. I will touch him when he has repetitive behavior and he will stop. I do not like to brag, but Sean thinks that I am one special dog. I love him too! I can not wait until we can be together, but right now I am being trained by HIGHLAND CANINE TRAINING in North Carolina.

NEW INFORMATION
There has been a change in the Department of Justice's ADA regulations.
Revisions are that Title III of the ADA used to describe a service animal as a guide dog, signal dog or other animal trained to provide assitance for the benefit of an individual with a disability. 

NOW: It reads any dog that is individually trained to do the work or perform tasks for the benefit of assisting an individual with a disability. This means that Autism Assistance dogs are allowed, as long as they are dogs! They can be brought to school as long as they are dogs. 

The ADA is adding to this so that other caretakers such as teachers will not have to take care of the dog as well.
Your child must be able to handle the dog.

March 2011 - ADA
New Accessiblity for Service Dog
Summary of Changes:
Amusement Rides
Recreational Boating Facilities
Gyms
Fishing piers and platforms
Golf Facilities
Minature golf
Play areas
Swimming pools, Wading Pools & Spas
Detention and Correctional facilities
Judicial Facilities
Restrooms
Assembly areas
Accessibility to all areas - ramps
For more info www.ada.gov

"Dogs reduce levels of cortisol (the flight or fight stress hormone) in children on the autism spectrum!" as stated by Sonia Lupien, Ph.D Senior Researcher / Professor at the University of Montreals Department of Pyschiatry in an article written for Parents Magazine.

THANKS TO HIGHLAND CANINE, WE LOVE YOU!

Our Trip to Harmony, North Carolina
HIGHLAND CANINE TRAINING
Our Trainer: Bobbie Ellis and Jason Purgason

"A DAY WITH SEAN AND BRUSTER"
Bruster will joining Sean in mid February 2011. Right now he is still being trained. Watching them bond was beautiful!