Yes I am autistic and awesomely proud that is a part of who I am. In fact part of my innate ability to know dogs is I believe due to being autistic. Absolutely you can learn about dogs, dog psychology, dog behaviour and training - and yes I specifically learn too via professional development opportunities and qualifications - but it is this uniqueness that I was born with to just naturally know, understand and communicate with dogs... There are other autistic people you may like to research on this such as Temple Grandin. 

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Some of the probably not so useful effects of being autistic for me - which may affect you the reader of this article on my website as you may be contacting me, are;

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Prosopagnosia which is the inability to recognise people, but I will recognise your dog. Hence you will be referred to by your dog's name. Also always include your dog's name and breed in any correspondence.

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Due to allowing time for me to process verbal information I will not answer the phone unless you text or email first.

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Directness to people - I will say exactly what I mean, what you see is what you get.

 

People communication, skills poor as a complete mystery to me. Be patient. Also I will stand up and speak out...  

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Also the inability to stop talking about my specialism dogs...I may go on a bit as I am very enthusiastic.

 

It is important for you to know I do what I do for dogs, to improve their lives through educating owners.

 

Every dog is important, every life is important and unique.

 

You may see me with my Service Dog Tigger, remember not every disability is visible. He is my everything so I may talk about him a lot too.

 

Hence I do also specialise in training people to train their own Service Dog and have specialist expertise particularly for autism support service dogs.

 

Be kind...     

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