Jacob's Smart Pup

Jacob is 7 years old and lives on the Sunshine Coast.  Jacob has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and we are currently undergoing diagnosis of an intellectual impairment.  Jacob loves playing Lego, tight cuddles, helping other people and likes to make sure everybody around him is happy.  He very much wants to have friends to play with, and tries his hardest to be kind to everyone he meets.

Jacob finds some things harder than other boys his age.  He finds going to school very difficult.  Loud noises are very distressing to him, so he does not attend school events, play in the playground or eat lunch with the other children.  Shopping centers, playgrounds and most public playgrounds are difficult for Jacob.  Sometimes he feels he needs to leave, and it may not be when mum is expecting it, sometimes this is not safe for Jacob.

Jacob becomes very anxious when things change, he doesn’t understand social cues and has trouble with emotional regulation.  When Jacob is very upset he stims (makes repetitive noises/ behaviors such as rocking or spinning) or curls into a ball and we are unable to communicate with him at all until he feels better again.

Jacob is fundraising for a Smart Pup.  A Smart Pup will help keep Jacob safe when he is in the community, will help settle his anxieties and give him the confidence to interact with other children.  We hope a Smart Pup will also help reduce some of Jacob’s medication, as the medication is effecting his growth and development.  A Smart Pup will help the rest of the world see the beautiful person Jacob is and allow him engage with the community