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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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