Help 6 year old Jack get a service dog
Donation protected
My great nephews story, told by his mother:
To an autistic child, the world is often filled with bright lights, disorienting stimuli, uncontrollable nervous impulses, and loud distractions. Our son, Jack, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in December 2014, only months after my husband Rick and I had our second child Lucy. His diagnosis was shocking and heartbreaking. Jack was enrolled immediately in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavioral responses. Jack was also enrolled in Speech Therapy, which has improved his overall communication skills but he still has a very long road ahead of him. Occupational Therapy (OT) came shortly thereafter. OT has helped Jack work on fine motor skills so he can grasp and release toys, silverware and develop good handwriting skills.
We have seen tremendous regression since our beloved mixed mutt Yoda passed in April 2017 after 12 wonderful years with us. Jack loved Yoda. Jack would play with Yoda, walk around the backyard, hug him, rub his belly and his back, give him fresh water (with moms help) and of course, give him lots of treats. It took a long time for Jack to understand that Yoda was in heaven. He feels obligated to telling people who walk their dogs in our neighborhood, "Yodas in heaven,," as he sighs and walks away
Recently, Jack has begun self-harm due to anxiety. Jack is unpredictable in social settings and larger gatherings and has a tendency to run off. Jack’s child Psychologist has recommended a medication protocol and encouraged us to get a therapy dog for Jack to help with his anxiety and his tendency to run off. A therapy dog could also help Jack de-escalate emotional meltdowns, by gently placing his weight on Jacks body and easing his anxiety. An affectionate dog would provide unconditional love and give Jack the confidence and help to void out feelings of loneliness without judging.
Progress with our son Jack has been little-by-little. Jack is six years old now, and he is still in ABA, OT and Speech Therapy, as well as, Special Day Class through the school district. We praise the things that Jack has been working on for weeks or even months. These are simple things most people take for granted.
After deep consideration and brainstorming, we have decided to raise funds to purchase a therapy dog for Jack. As I am sure you are aware a trained service dog is costly, in upwards of $ 10,000.00. Thank you in advance for any donation you make we are very grateful.
Sincerely Brian and Leslie DeMattia (organizers) and the Kobzeff Family
To an autistic child, the world is often filled with bright lights, disorienting stimuli, uncontrollable nervous impulses, and loud distractions. Our son, Jack, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in December 2014, only months after my husband Rick and I had our second child Lucy. His diagnosis was shocking and heartbreaking. Jack was enrolled immediately in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavioral responses. Jack was also enrolled in Speech Therapy, which has improved his overall communication skills but he still has a very long road ahead of him. Occupational Therapy (OT) came shortly thereafter. OT has helped Jack work on fine motor skills so he can grasp and release toys, silverware and develop good handwriting skills.
We have seen tremendous regression since our beloved mixed mutt Yoda passed in April 2017 after 12 wonderful years with us. Jack loved Yoda. Jack would play with Yoda, walk around the backyard, hug him, rub his belly and his back, give him fresh water (with moms help) and of course, give him lots of treats. It took a long time for Jack to understand that Yoda was in heaven. He feels obligated to telling people who walk their dogs in our neighborhood, "Yodas in heaven,," as he sighs and walks away
Recently, Jack has begun self-harm due to anxiety. Jack is unpredictable in social settings and larger gatherings and has a tendency to run off. Jack’s child Psychologist has recommended a medication protocol and encouraged us to get a therapy dog for Jack to help with his anxiety and his tendency to run off. A therapy dog could also help Jack de-escalate emotional meltdowns, by gently placing his weight on Jacks body and easing his anxiety. An affectionate dog would provide unconditional love and give Jack the confidence and help to void out feelings of loneliness without judging.
Progress with our son Jack has been little-by-little. Jack is six years old now, and he is still in ABA, OT and Speech Therapy, as well as, Special Day Class through the school district. We praise the things that Jack has been working on for weeks or even months. These are simple things most people take for granted.
After deep consideration and brainstorming, we have decided to raise funds to purchase a therapy dog for Jack. As I am sure you are aware a trained service dog is costly, in upwards of $ 10,000.00. Thank you in advance for any donation you make we are very grateful.
Sincerely Brian and Leslie DeMattia (organizers) and the Kobzeff Family
Organizer and beneficiary
Leslie Nelson DeMattia
Organizer
Ventura, CA
Tamra Kobzeff
Beneficiary