Why A Service Dog for a Child With Autism?
I am webmaster for 4 Paws for Ability, and was privilege to meet Jami Leeth online, and help her shape the original fundraising plea once Trapper had been approved for an Autism Service Dog.
What a struggle for this wonderful family. They recently moved from Skagway to Fairbanks, Alaska, so they had more accessibility to services for Trapper. But they loved Skagway, and the community played an important part in raising funds for Trapper’s dog.
I’ve seen the Leeths go all the way through the fundraising process so Trapper could have a dog to help him in many ways. Perhaps the most important way is that the dog will be trained in Search & Rescue, and Trapper is a wanderer.
In a matter of weeks the Leeth family of four will travel to Xenia, Ohio, where they will undergo extensive training to handle their new dog. They’ve waited a long time, and are so deserving of this new family member.
I read the following post by Jami, “Why A Service Dog for a Child With Autism?” on Facebook, and got permission to republish it.
I have been asked at least a hundred times WHY we think a service dog will help our son. Today it has really gotten to me a little. I want to let everyone we know understand what Autism is & how it has affected our family & you will understand!
First read about Noah Burke: “Town mourns death of autistic boy.” If he’d had a service dog, he would still be here!
The number one reason we decided on a service dog for Trapper is SAFETY! We are not interested in a “therapy dog.” That’s a nice plus, and people with other disabilities are blessed to have them, but we need a dog who will track my son when he runs, hides, & doesn’t respond to even his name.
He is attracted to water & has a delay to pain & temperatures. He doesn’t know to yell or cry when he is in trouble or lost, because he doesn’t know what trouble or lost is. He cannot even tell you his name.
Our son does not know what danger is. He runs (bolts) into traffic, hides in small dark spaces, & under things like vehicles. He is non-verbal & doesn’t respond to his name. Trapper also has some behaviors that are harmful to himself, and this amazing dog will be trained in behavior disruption.
The fact that this dog will be a FRIEND who will not judge or abandon Trapper is another perk. Hopefully this dog can help him make friends. Maybe he can be “that boy with the cool dog”…instead of “that kid with Autism.”
Recently I have had close friends & family tell me that they were against us doing this at first, but now are starting to think maybe it will help him!!! What? Really? Seriously, go to 4 Paws for Ability, and read up a little if you still don’t understand.
Frankly, I feel sad about some of the comments that have been made to me recently. We are Trapper’s parents & we (like all good parents) want the very best quality of life for our child.
Thank you for trying to understand what this means for families like ours & to all of those who have supported & encouraged us, YOU ARE A HUGE BLESSING to our family!
And here’s a link to another website we launched to raise funds and awareness.
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:40 am
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April 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
[...] Why A Service Dog for a Child With Autism? [...]
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:35 am
Although I do not have Autism I do have a service dog and I can tell you first hand that when it comes to the general public people notices my service dog first and not my disability. Without my service dog it would be look at that person, poor pityful individual. It’s not that way now which is a blessing. The labeling isn’t there well 96% of the time.
I know several individuals having a Autism Service Dog and it has helped them more then one could ever see for themselves. Socializing skills becomes more noticable. Not to mention those of us with service dogs have this bond that could only be experienced not told!