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Autism assistance dog

It was beginning of Novemember in 2007 when our younger son Jonathan was born. Beautiful boy with good set of lungs, just perfect! On his 4th birtday he was diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder by team of specialist in Great Ormond Street Hospital. And yet, in my eyes he is still my little perfect boy..
I am not going to lie and say how great and special Autism is, it is not a gift as some people may say. We have good days and then we have bad days. I may have more heartache and stress then other parents do. But it does not mean I love my son less or that he deserve less then other children.
Jonathan has a typical behaviour of child with Autism (sustained odd play, little eye contact, tantrums and meltdowns, showing distress for no apparent reason, difficulties in communicating, etc). And.. as you can imagine, it makes life more difficult, especially when out in public. Many children and their families become isolated, reducing outings, holidays, camping trips, Zoo visits and so on. I refuse us to be one of them..
Do you remember your childhood? I bet your friends are in those memories, whenever it was playing games, sharing ice cream on hot sunny day or getting up to mischief behind parent's backs. My son does not have a friends, not a single one.. He lives in the world which is hard for him to understand. He has great difficulties to express his wishes, his feelings, to make sense of noisy and busy enviroments. In the moment he attends special moderate learning difficulties school on part time basics as his behaviour is difficult to manage.
Trained assistance dog can be the link between a child with Autism and the world around them. With its unconditional love and inherent patience, an assistance dog gives far more support then any particular person or parent can offer themselves. Unlike the guide dog who helps with physical tasks, the Autism assistance dog is there more for emotional support. Dog relieve some of children's anxiety, it forms bond that provides a constant comfort. It expand verbal and non verbal communication, help improve social interactions and decrease stress within family (oh yes!!)
Please, help me to improve quality of Jonathan's life. Help me to make more happy memories in his childhood and importantly, please help me to get him companion, a real friend who will never judge him or stare at him no matter what situation.
Thank you!!!
Lenka Douglas
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Donations 

  • Sasha Vrba
    • £10 
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer

Lenka Douglas
Organizer

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