Individuals with complex physical, medical & communication support needs who might be described as having 'PMLD' can hugely benefit from having an assistance dog to support them to remain regulated and participate in the world around them. Assistive tasks which can be helpful include:

• Picking up and passing back items when the person drops them. 
• Providing deep pressure therapy when dysregulated.
• Performing physical assistance tasks the handler might cue via switches, eye gaze or other AAC such as removing their blanket if they're hot. 
• Fetching regulation items when becoming distressed.
• Alerting to associated medical needs such as feeding pump alarming, alerting to seizures etc. 
• Providing deep pressure or lying beside to support the person during personal care if the  person finds these distressing or difficult to remain still for. 
• Provide tactile stimulation to help remain grounded. 
• Remind handler when medication is due or provide other environmental or routine prompts. 
• Hold doors open so handler can pass
• Pull emergency cord in medical emergency
• Fetch phone, rescue medication, suction etc when needed and the caregiver cannot safely leave the person
• Remove or add blanket or lay across handler to support temperature regulation
• Use body weight, nuzzling, licking or nudging to support limb awareness
• Interrupt or redirect self injurious behaviour such as hand biting
• Wrap around handler if standing/moving to protect their space and redirect to care giver.