Autism Service Dog for Evalynne

After much prompting from family and friends, charity waitlists and personal job loss, I have decided to swallow my pride. I am starting this fundraiser in hopes that it will assist me in securing an Autism Service Dog for My 10 year old daughter, Evalynne.

THE BIG FACTS
During these past several years, Evie has had to undergo various medical and academic tests which are especially stressful on her.  Some tests often have to be done over several days for her to complete. She has come to realize her differences as she ages, as have her peers, and often feels alone. Though no two people with Autism are the same, “social blindness” is a common trait. She has a stuffed fox puppet, appropriately named “Foxy,” who she calls her “emotional support stuffy,” that goes pretty much everywhere with her. It worked well to fill the gap of not being able to afford a service dog as I watched for wait lists to open for charities. I have had monthly reminders set to check waitlists consistently for years, with no luck. Now she’s older and these past few weeks of school have taken their toll on her. She has come home twice melting down and saying she’d rather be “dead”-- not that she would self harm-- but that’s how bad she hurts. In one incident, she was trying to self-calm and was laying on the field in the sun cuddling “Foxy” and her peers started to point and laugh at her. Another time she said she tried talking to people, cause she doesn’t know how to be friends, but they ignore her and act like she’s not even there. Let’s face it. Kids can be mean-- they're testing their social dynamics and Evie doesn’t understand meanness.

These types of issues are not just limited to this year, but being 10-- not knowing how to be around peers-- and not having any friends that want to play with her at recess is damaging to her sense of self and relationships. She is willing to accept bad behaviour from someone because “well, they’re the only one that will play with me, mom.” If you could experience her heart broken Autistic meltdowns, you’d understand the level of pain she goes through. However, much to her detriment, Evie is a champion at “masking” so she hides it all until she’s with me. All I can do is hold her and try my best to piece her back together.  

With government restructuring of Autism services and Covid, the wait lists are further behind, and after five years of testing and her mental health literally tanking, I have connected with an accredited trainer and started the process of getting Evie an autism service dog, self funded, from Canine Support Services
There are many ways a service dog can aid her, but right now, her mental health is at the very top of that list - How could I not at this point?

EVALYNNE'S STORY
Evalynne is a bright, strong, smart and hilarious ten year old, with the biggest heart of gold.  She lives to make people laugh and smile, even moments when she’s truly sad on the inside. I'm often told how much adults enjoy her company, she truly is a breath of fresh air...most days. LOL

I knew by the age of five, something “was up.” It took me three years of advocating and doctor’s appointments to finally have a diagnosis at age eight -- “ADHD with an inattentive display, and a physical developmental delay.”  Within that diagnosis came the findings that she is likely on spectrum. With female autistics displaying differently they wanted to wait until the following fall to revisit her, as they did not want to misdiagnose. After undergoing yet another year of testing, Evie was finally diagnosed with Autism in July 2019. Evie was now nine and another school year was done. 

Evie is now ten and in grade 5. She currently sits at a grade 1-2 level in math, is unable to spell, and has no concept of time. Until this year, she was placed in regular classes without direct supports, with an IEP that failed her, or rather with adults who failed her-- which is my continued battle with the school board. Finally, this year she is in a specialized class for children with special needs which has floater EAs.

THE COST
Autism Service Dog Cost: $15,000 + taxes
I have set the goal to $10k and hope to save enough to cover the $2k taxes and extra that go with owning a dog, and more if possible. Unfortunately, I lost my job due to restructuring at the start of the pandemic, and with the job climate, I have not yet been successful in finding a new one as of yet - I’m keeping faith. 

THE GOOD NEWS
Although we are still on the waitlist for the Ontario Autism program, after a year of applying, I have recently (July 2020) received $5k towards Autistic services for Evie. I have to track every penny and report back in a year with my tracking sheet - services such as speech therapy, mental health/autism therapy, respite, etc. as long as it’s on their approved list of suppliers. It’s not a lot considering the services needed for those with autism and costs associated, but I just found out that I can use it towards a service dog!!! 

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE 
Even if it’s the amount of a cup of coffee, or the act of simply sharing this fundraiser, Evie and I thank you for your generosity and care for your fellow human. I plan to post picture/video updates to take you on Evie's amazing journey with us.

And especially, from the bottom of my momma-bear heart - I’m sending much love and gratitude. ️ It truly takes a village.

SIDE NOTE
Prior to Evie’s diagnosis, I was largely ignorant as to what Autism really was and I find that to be very common among the general public. I love taking the time to educate and enlighten people on Autism and I feel this service dog will not only aid my daughter’s quality of life, but it will help us to educate the public and bring awareness to Autism ❤️

Great Info on Autism that only takes minutes to read/watch (I’ll add more in near future): 

Autism Video Overview in 5 and a half mins