Austin Dog Alliance’s K9 Kids Club Autism/Asperger's Social Communication Enrichment Program is designed for children who have very high functioning autism/Asperger's in grades 5 - 8. The ideal candidate loves dogs and would benefit from socializing in a “club” where all the activities are centered around dogs and all the other kids are also dog lovers.  From a kid’s perspective, it is a really fun class where you work hands on with a variety of dogs and learn a lot from trainers, vets, groomers and breeders.

Activities include:

Presentations and demonstrations - Travis County Search and Rescue, K9 Police Officer, Vetrinarian, Groomer, Dog Trainers, Service Dog Owners, etc.

Dog themed hands on art projects – Examples include - painting dog bowls, making dog shaped picture frames, making tug toys

Dog included games – Examples include - "poop" pick up relay, walking with an egg on a spoon while holding the leash relay, dog jeopardy

Dog themed board games - Dogopoly, Do you Look Like Your Dog, etc.

Agility – Learning how to run the dogs through an agility course

Dog training and care – Learn how to communicate with the dog thru body position, facial expression, eye contact, touch, tone of voice, hand signals, food lures and the clicker  (Note:  only specially selected and previously trained and screened dogs will be in attendance.  We are not allowing the child’s own dog to attend this session.)

Walking field trips – Animal Clinic, groomers and the park

Howloween party - A dog themed Halloween party, complete with dogs in costumes for Trick-or-Treating.

Graduation Day at Rock N Ranch Party at Candlelight Ranch - Event includes therapy dogs, horses, zip lines, music, food and crafts. The entire family is welcome.

Some Notes About Our Afterschool Autism Enrichment Programs

Instructors: Debi Krakar, CPDT, Carolyn Honish, CPDT and Special Education teacher with RRISD, Lynn Raymond and Meaghan Kirchner, social communication skills specialists who teach Special Education with LISD, Speakers, additional instructors and assistants will also be present as needed.

Application to Enroll:: Since this program will be most effective if all the children have compatible skills, an application, references and interview will be required prior to enrollment.

Curriculum Development:: Special thanks to the Autism Project at the University of Texas at Austin for their help and support in developing our curriculum. Social thinking concepts based on the books by Michelle Garcia Winner.

Insurance: Austin Dog Alliance carries general liability insurance.

Emergency Care for Child: In the unlikely event a child needs emergency medical treatment, we will call a parent or guardian and an ambulance if needed. Medical expenses are not covered by Austin Dog Alliance.

Location: Classes meet at our indoor, air conditioned training facility at 12129 RR 620 N, Suite 401 Austin.

Parent Observation: Parents are more than welcome to stay and observe class from our lobby area. Parents are not allowed on the training floor once class begins.