The Department of Developmental Services (DDS or the Department) is seeking proposals from qualified Bidders for a Service Dog pilot program for adults with autism and mental health challenges without cooccurring intellectual disability. Many of these individuals contend with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other related challenges. Evidence-based research has demonstrated that specially trained service dogs can effectively alleviate symptoms associated with both autism and these co-occurring mental health challenges. Some of these benefits include: o Improvement in PTSD symptoms o Reduced anxiety o Better sleep o Less reliance on medication o Increased socialization and community access
