Anna's Autism Service Dog

Ahoy! My name is Anna. I am a fifteen year old student. I have autism and mood disorder. OCD and anxiety disorder go along with that. I have everyday challenges such as going to school, interacting socially, tolerating loud noises. I sometimes have meltdowns; I sometimes run away at restaurants and other public places. Because of my autism, I experience sensory overload. This happens when I am very agitated or excited. I have strategies I use such as ratio breathing or deep breathing.

I am raising money to help cover the costs of an Autism Service dog. An autism service dog is specifically trained to help with tasks that will help me be more independent in the world. I hope to go to college after high school and have my service dog with me to help me in that environment.

My service dog will help me in a number of ways: grounding, tactile stimulation, deep pressure therapy, and interrupting some of my repetitive/compulsive behaviors. I would want to be alerted to house alarms, alarms away from home, and if the stove is left on, for example. If loud noises are agitating me, my dog could guide me to a quiet place to shut a door.

I would like my service dog to able to guide me to a safe place when I am having anxiety, feeling sad, fearful, tearful, or doing the fight or flight response. The dog would need to be able to notice and respond to my sensory levels. When I am having lots of anxiety or worries I would like the dog to be able to notice that, then help me.

It may take up to a year for my service dog to be trained especially to suit my needs. The process is very long and expensive. I would appreciate any contributions you would like to make to help me reach my goal.