A Dog For My Autistic Son
Donation protected
Our son Ryan is 8 years old and was officially diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Apraxia of Speech, Dyspraxia, Sensory Processing Disorder and Anxiety when he was 5 years old, but has been receiving services since he was 18 months old. Ryan's current struggles are with emotional regulation and impusivity along with social anxiety, focus and hyperactivity. We are currently looking to get a dog for Ryan that works well with Autistic children. The current breed we are looking into is a Golden Retriever which with lots of research I have found that to be the #1 recommendation for children with Autism. We feel that the dog would be a great benefit to Ryan emotionally as well as a companion and friend who will help to calm him when he is in the middle of a meltdown. We are hoping the dog will help him to be less impulsive as well. Having his own dog will have him feel that he IS needed and also will give him responsibility like feeding and walking the dog which will help him to focus better as well.
Ryan also has a difficult time with sleeping and can get up in the middle of the night on a regular basis. Having a dog like a Golden Retriever who has a very calm temperment will help with his bedtime routine and help him get a better night sleep knowing that he is being protected by his best friend.
Ryan is currently on medications for his diagnosis, goes to a psycholgist and Neurologist, receives special education services in school as well as Occupational Therapy and group therapy sessions in school. Having the added benefit of a dog that works well with Autistic children along with all his other services he receives will help Ryan to progress developmentally!!
In order for our family to go forward with this we need to raise the funds to obtain the dog. We have looked into Autism Therapy Service Dogs and the process is a very long one, as long as 2 years plus having to raise minimum of $17,000! We need help for him NOW!!! We have chosen to go out on our own privately and work with the dog and Ryan together. Our whole family....myself, my husband, my 4 year old daughter and Ryan will all be involved in the process. We plan on taking as many classes and training sessions as we can and have Ryan involved in them all.
Typically a Golden Retriever costs between $2000-$2500. The few places we are in contact with will have puppies starting in January and we need to get on their waiting list asap. We are setting a goal of $2500 to cover the cost of the dog and appreciate any donation you are able to give. If you are unable to give a donation please pass on my page to someone you think can help us so we can find my Autistic son a furry friend!!! Not only will it benefit Ryan, but it will benefit my whole family if Ryan's emotions are leveled off and his impulsivity and tantrums are under control. It will bring our whole family together and help us bond even more!!
Ryan also has a difficult time with sleeping and can get up in the middle of the night on a regular basis. Having a dog like a Golden Retriever who has a very calm temperment will help with his bedtime routine and help him get a better night sleep knowing that he is being protected by his best friend.
Ryan is currently on medications for his diagnosis, goes to a psycholgist and Neurologist, receives special education services in school as well as Occupational Therapy and group therapy sessions in school. Having the added benefit of a dog that works well with Autistic children along with all his other services he receives will help Ryan to progress developmentally!!
In order for our family to go forward with this we need to raise the funds to obtain the dog. We have looked into Autism Therapy Service Dogs and the process is a very long one, as long as 2 years plus having to raise minimum of $17,000! We need help for him NOW!!! We have chosen to go out on our own privately and work with the dog and Ryan together. Our whole family....myself, my husband, my 4 year old daughter and Ryan will all be involved in the process. We plan on taking as many classes and training sessions as we can and have Ryan involved in them all.
Typically a Golden Retriever costs between $2000-$2500. The few places we are in contact with will have puppies starting in January and we need to get on their waiting list asap. We are setting a goal of $2500 to cover the cost of the dog and appreciate any donation you are able to give. If you are unable to give a donation please pass on my page to someone you think can help us so we can find my Autistic son a furry friend!!! Not only will it benefit Ryan, but it will benefit my whole family if Ryan's emotions are leveled off and his impulsivity and tantrums are under control. It will bring our whole family together and help us bond even more!!
Organizer
Karen Brienza Helm
Organizer
Macungie, PA
