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Please support DFA by boarding your family dog with us.
Make your reservations online! kennel@dogsforautism.org
or call (864) 810-0198
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From Parents
Who Dreamed
of Service Dogs
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I don't know what first made me think of trying a service dog, but one memory
stands out as a defining moment. Not long after my daughter was born, still
almost two years before we would hear the diagnosis of autism, I was walking
from a public pool to my car. Suddenly my son, Jack, started to run toward the
parking lot. I was calling his name and trying to run after him, but he refused to
stop and began running faster.
I thought my heart would just completely stop as I saw him running straight for the
traffic ahead. Screaming, I placed my newborn baby on the ground to run after
my charging toddler. The grace of God stopped my son while he was still on the
curb. I was able to grab him and return to my baby who was still lying in the
grass.
I was shocked and numb. I couldn't even cry. All I could do is feel hopeless and
helpless and wonder what I was doing wrong. Wonder why my beautiful, smart,
happy child was turning into a boy who wouldn't even respond to his own name.
On that terrible day, I had no idea what was ahead from this overwhelming thing
called autism. It doesn't just "change your life." It moves you to another planet
and blots out the sun until you learn to cope. I also had no way to know how
much our family's future would be colored by a bossy German Shepherd named
Larissa, who has now spent the last six years keeping our family in line. In the
beginning, I didn't know who would train one for us, but I knew dogs well enough
to know it had to be possible.
--Kelly Capers (first parent to receive a DFA service dog for a child with
autism in 2002
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From Parents
Who Have
Service Dogs
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Before Imme, DFA brought several different dogs into our home. Their
presonalities and Bryant's interaction with them differed. However, every single
time after their departure we experienced a spontaneous "language burst" from
Bryant, sometimes lasting several days. This was not delayed echolalia, or
patterned sentences. It was spontaneous, appropriately used words, phrases,
and even sentences, although the diction was not always great.
When Imme joined our household, it was somewhat demanding for Bryant. She
continually, throughout the day, nudges, bumps, or leans against Bryant. She
interrupts stimming patterns: Bryant will try to run in never-ending circles. Imme
voluntarily intercepts him with a figure-8 pattern. Her persistent interruption
hinders Bryant from fading into his own world.
This additional mental demand initially caused a normal language regression in
Bryant (such as answering yes/no questions). However, when talking to or
about Imme, Bryant speaks in individually framed, complete sentences. This is
major progress.
We have some some other major developmental changes over the last few
weeks:
- Bryant has started nagging the way a toddler will, asking for the same
thing repeatedly, even when told "No."--annoying, yes, but a new,
independent developmental stage for him. Now melt-downs are involved,
just a determined child voicing his own agenda.
- Bryant has starting arguing and "talking-back." Previously we have had
(1) no response, (2) mindless obedience, or (3) some form of meltdown.
- Bryant has started independently dressing himself, brushing his teeth,
and independent toileting. We have worked on these things for years.
However, I do believe that Imme's presence in our home has contributed
to Bryant's over-all alertness and ability to follow through on tasks.
This gently-forced interaction with Imme seems to have the same effect
on Bryant as a Speech and Occupational Therapy co-treatment. The
Speech/OT co-treat has been successfully used with Bryant both in
school and in therapy. The physical activity of the OT increase his
language capabilities. Bryant's receptive and expressive language skill
improve during the activity of the co-treat (such as sliding down a slide
or crawling through a tunnel with a language card in hand to match with
another card at the end).
Imme has independently intervened with Bryant's behavioral stimming,
and behavior problems (trying to escape out the door or moving the rug
too close to the heater). She has had an effect on his language and over-
all developmental progress. I am not a doctor or a teacher or a therapist. I
am a mother who deals with autism 24 hours a day. We are blessed to
have Imme as a member of our family. Thank you!
--Cindy Council (written six weeks after Imme joined their
family in 2007)
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From Parents
Who Want
Service Dogs
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I have two boys who are on the autistic spectrum. We've been trying to get a
service dog for my oldest son now and haven't been able to find anyone in our
area who will help us. We have problems with both of our boys staying with us
in public places. The service dog would really help with this. It would also help
with meltdowns and helping with my boys being frustrated and possibly keep
them from biting their sister.
The dog would be my sons' best friend. Both of my boys absolutely love animals
and it would help with all the frustrations the boys have. They both have
communication issues and both know some sign language. The dog would get to
know my boys well enough to know what they need. It would help the entire
family, especially my boys. These dogs can be taught some amazing stuff and
the kids with autism spectrum disorders really do benefit from the use of a
service dog.
--Mary Beadenkopf (still waiting and hoping)
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