Fragile X Syndrome, Autism, and ADHD make service dog a necessity
Ryan Delaney. Meet Ryan, he is 11 years old and has diagnoses of Fragile X Syndrome, Autism, and ADHD. Ryan is a boy who captures your heart. He gives you a dimpled grin and a tilt of his head as he glances at you sideways and you are smitten. Ryan is a great athlete and loves gross motor activities. He also loves music, playing instruments, singing and dancing.
Ryan lives in St. Peters, Missouri with his Dad, Darrell, Mom, Michelle, and his sister, Alicia. He thrives on routine and familiarity. Ryan’s disabilities affect his involvement and progress in his everyday life because of his language, sensory and attention needs.
This is why Ryan’s family has applied for an Autism Assistance Dog from 4 Paws for Ability.
When faced with changes in his routine or undesired activities, meltdowns occur and Ryan enters into “fight or flight” mode. Fight mode brings self-injurious behavior and danger to those around him. An assistance dog would be trained for behavior intervention to help with meltdowns by giving a nudge and helping to redirect.
Flight mode means you had better have your track shoes on and all exits covered. Ryan will bolt in any direction in the blink of an eye, including a school parking lot when buses are pulling in, down a busy street, or the middle of a store.
Recently, he escaped from after school care, ran through a field and found his way home. His next escape involved a ride with a police officer. He knows no strangers and does not understand the dangers involved in running away. When visiting the Delaney home, be prepared to wait a minute to enter while someone disengages the three locks on each door and the alarm system. An assistance dog would be tethered to Ryan and would help to deter the bolting and would also be trained in search and rescue.
Ryan is well-liked by his peers, but interaction is limited due to social deficits, and an assistance dog would help to bridge those gaps and increase social interaction. His peers love to see him succeed and Ryan thrives in the inclusive environment. An assistance dog would be especially helpful when entering new places and will help with the transition to middle school in two years.
The possibilities an Autism Assistance Dog can bring to Ryan’s daily life challenges are countless and would make a world of difference in Ryan’s entire support network both at home and at school.
4 Paws for Ability is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to “taking the ‘dis’ out of disability.” Please consider making a tax deductible donation to 4 Paws to assist Ryan in his goal of 13,000 points. Your donation can be sent to:
4 Paws for Ability, Inc.
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio 45385
Please include “Ryan Delaney” in the memo line.
For additional information, please contact The Delaney family at (636) 441-1145 or at mmdelaney2002@yahoo.com. If you would like to learn more about 4 Paws, please visit their website. Thank you for being an angel to our family!
Note: I highly endorse 4 Paws for Ability as a source for extremely well-trained service dogs. The organization is sound and its goals exceptional. Judy Vorfeld.