My heart goes out to you.  I cannot fathom having three little ones AND having to learn about autism...Autism is what is known as a "spectrum disorder" with so many varying degrees and symptoms.  It is in fact a blessing you have the opportunity for early intervention, it TRULY makes a world of difference and  can greatly improve prognosis/future functioning.  Respectfully I would like to say this to everyone:  this is a gut-wrenching decision, but it would be better to address the situation now rather than 3-5-8 years from now.  My nephew (15) is autistic.  He is EXTREMELY sensitive to sound.  His first encounter with my Daisy, she barked at him and let's just say it didn't go well and was EXTREMELY stressful for the duration of the visit.  She scared him to death (he is 6'2 - she, 13 lbs.)  he also has a tendency to react violently on occasion, so we were constantly on edge trying to keep both safe...With a child so young, a diagnosis like this isn't really set in stone, and can change/improve, etc.  But if later there are some sensitivities (sound, etc.repetition) it is probably less stressful, safer for all involved if decisions are made now.  thank you for listening

Julie

If you tell a shelter that they will probably euthanize her as being agressive.  Some rescues won't take a dog that has bitten children either.  She really shouldn't have been kept in this home as long as she was because it was no win situation with the autistic child and her....actually the child will be ok (I'm sure the bite was not serious) but the rattie is in danger of being PTS over this.

My saying this may offend people, don't really care as I'm here for the dogs.  We need to see if we can help this rattie....

I PM'd her a while back with all my info and never heard from her.  We quite possibly could help but she needs to respond to me. 

Someone be sure to keep us all up to date on this story. She looks like such a sweet girl. Reivat thank you for coming back. Please understand that in our minds we would rather help the dog stay with it's original family first so we try suggestions in that direction. Of course we know you love your dog and this must be tearing you apart. I have three kids of my own so I understand that aspect. Anyway....thank you for coming back and accepting help through ratbones. Best of luck to you. Hey....maybe someday....when the kiddos are older........