Help Teddie get an Autism Assistance Dog

My name is Judy Colclough, and I am a very proud Mum of two boys. James, age 22 and Teddie, age 10. I have set up this 'Gofundme' page to explain why I need your help to raise funds. We recently applied for and are very privileged to have been offered a place on the Autism Dogs CIC Residential Assistance Dog Programme. Teddie's life will be greatly enhanced and improved to a different level. Offering him greater opportunities while supporting his anxiety and sensory needs will offer him a chance or possibility for progress in self-regulation. The panel were so impressed with Teddie and how his needs could be supported by one of their Assistance Dogs that their decision to accept his application was almost immediate

For those of you who don't know Teddie, he is a kind-natured, animal-loving boy. He lives on the family farm with his Mum, Judy Colclough, his Dad, John Colclough and his older brother, James Colclough. Teddie attends Springfield Special School, Crewe Green Road, Crewe.

 

How our journey began .......

On the 14th of May 2011, Teddie came into our world. A beautiful baby boy who won the hearts of many.

He was a calm baby who was largely unresponsive to people interacting with him. He began to babble at approximately six months old, but this stopped and was replaced by a repetitive 'e' sound. His play was largely limited to sensory exploration, and he showed particular interest in objects such as empty bottles, materials, logos etc. He would line objects up and become 'overly attached' to them, carrying them around for days on end, plus a need to sleep with them

He was soon getting very distressed when entering certain buildings, including supermarkets and crowded areas. He would consistently walk on his tiptoes, develop a hand flapping motion, and run around in circles as his interest or excitement levels increased and he processed information.

At around 22 months of age, I felt that his development was not following the usual path and about the same time, his Nursery Manager approached me with concerns.

Teddie was referred to the Speech and Language Therapy Service by his GP and subsequently referred to the Early Years Multi-Agency Group. It was agreed that an assessment by the Child Development Service would be beneficial.

The Community Paediatrician also saw Teddie on the 4th of July 2014. Following the assessment, Teddie was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Walking out of the assessment room seemed like a blur of tears and fear. I knew this would be the outcome in my heart, but hearing it from the Paediatrician made it real. Still, it was nice to have a direction to move in to help Teddie. From that scorching day in July 2014, I was determined to make Teddie's journey through life fulfilling and meaningful, whatever it would take. For that to happen, I had to be clear on Teddie's needs and what would enhance the quality of his life and future. Today, we have been faced with many direction changes as certain needs have been addressed and changed, and other issues have appeared. I liken the whole episode to a 'Whack A Mole' game. You knock down one mole successfully, only for another mole to randomly pop up immediately somewhere else! Therefore I am the force that drives the 'Mallett' for Teddie. I just needed to create calmness, serenity and regularity in what can be somewhat a frustrating and confusing world for him.'

 

Teddie's needs

Autistic Spectrum Disorder Including non Verbal

Sensory Processing Disorder

Absence Seizures managed by Medication

Sleep Disorder - unable to fall asleep naturally, finding bedtime a problem, and inferior sleep patterns

 

Teddie is non-verbal and can communicate via a special App on his iPad. He also possesses a little language of noises and sounds that he uses effectively to communicate his needs.

He also adopts a 'No Danger' awareness approach and cannot understand how to keep himself safe. He will tend to bolt from a safe environment. Previously he has climbed out of an upper floor window without knowing its consequences. One of Teddie's biggest struggles is sensory processing and regulation. Sometimes I think he hears noises that we do not, affecting him. He cannot focus, which can lead to meltdowns. Teddie has no safety boundaries. He has no fear of cars and will run into a road without thinking twice; the same applies to water. He has no fear. He does not understand safety words or even what a change in tone of voice is meant to relay. He has run off in a few different situations, and he is swift. We can never turn our backs because there must always be eyes on him. A fence was installed around our entire back garden to enjoy it safely; however, he is always looking for a way to get out and run. Window alarms and locks are installed throughout the house.

 

Due to his Sensory Processing Disorder, Teddie can suffer from meltdowns and an overload of certain senses regarding his anxieties and fears, especially when faced with unfamiliar or crowded surroundings. He also frequently urges to spin regardless of how unsafe his surroundings may be. Teddie has to seek the need to spin to 'top up' his vestibular and proprioceptive senses to enable himself to feel self-regulated. He will not be able to concentrate or tackle any other tasks until those urges are satisfied. Teddie is supported by 'sensory diets and circuits' at home and school. He is regularly assessed by an Occupational Therapist specialising in SPD, and his daily Sensory Diet is adjusted accordingly

Transitioning from one place to another can be extremely stressful and unpredictable for Teddie. This can lead to him dropping to the floor, no matter what surrounding he may be in, for instance, a busy car park or a Supermarket doorway. He will remain there until he feels reassured and confident that his anxieties have been addressed - sometimes, this can be quite lengthy.

Although Teddie can walk, we have to use a wheelchair for him to go out and about. This chair assists his fears and anxieties by helping him overcome such feelings of distress and trepidation. This method works very well but is not the ideal long-term solution as he is very much able physically. My concern is to avoid swopping one disability for another, so I had to seek an alternative that would be as effective in supporting Teddie but more appropriate as he grows and matures. My research kept on sending me in the same direction, which was the route to an Assistance Dog.

How could an Assistance dog help Teddie?

An Assistance Dog would contribute by improving many areas of Teddie's life and wellbeing

 

Equipping Teddie with an Assistance Dog would significantly impact his life. Please help and join me to make this a reality for him

Thank you for taking the time to read Teddie's story

 

The total funds required for Teddie to receive an Autism Assistance Dog that is fully trained to meet his needs will be £12,995.00

The amount is paid in instalments

1) Deposit £2599 to secure an offer of a place onto the programme NOW PAID

2) £5,198 on completion of basic training NOW PAID

3) £5,198 on completion of advanced training WE ARE VERY NEARLY THERE!!!

The Residential Assistance Dog Programme includes 6 phases

Phase 1 - Profiling the client and matching the Dog

Phase 2 - Basic dog training

Phase 3 - Family Training

Phase 4 - Bespoke Advanced Training Programme

Phase 5 - Delivery Inclusion Training

Phase 6 - Aftercare support

The time frame for the programme can vary in time due to a current waitlist, staff resources and a suitable Dog being matched with the handler

 

I want to document Teddie's course throughout this journey as I know it will be extraordinary. If there is anyone who would like to work with us, then please do get in touch