Monday, June 8, 2009

Why do we need/want a Autism Service Dog

This is one of the number one questions we have recieved since embarking on this journey. Why do we want one? What is it going to do? How do you know it will work? Why not just a regular ol' dog... I hope to answer some of these questions....

**And as I type this Jakers painted the whole table with his Jelly sandwich**

We are hoping that our SD (Service Dog) from here on out... Will help us.. not do for us but help us with a number of different things.. With having 3 boys extra eyes always help, the SD will be trained to alert us at different time because the boys really have no sense of danger. Sleep is a major issue at the Carter house. Jacob doesn't sleep for the most part. He will be awake for hours. Hunter can stay awake for days and sometimes he will wake up in the wee hours of the morning. With both of the boys we are planning to train the SD to alert us when the boys have night wakenings.. There has been quite a few times we have awoken to one of them trying to get out of the house.
Wandering is another huge safety issue for us.. We are planning for the SD to help with that when we are out and about. Also with that we are planning to have SD trained in Search and Rescue if heaven forbid they were to get away Dogs are the best tracking machines. This would be a lifesaver to us!
Self Injury Behavior.. With Autism alot of children have self injury behaviors.. Jacob for example rams and bangs his head. Hunter for one example pinches his skin. The SD will be trained to help stop this behavior by pawing or laying on their laps, a distraction.

There are many more reasons and ways that the SD will help our Family this was just a few that are the most frequently asked.

No comments:

Post a Comment