Training dogs to understand and respond to the needs of autistic people is exactly what the charity Dogs for Autism does. Elizabeth Denholm learns more.
ASSISTANCE DOGS
Autism impacts on people in different ways, but problems with social interaction and communication can lead to isolation and depression. Dogs for Autism trains and provides autism assistance dogs with ongoing support free of charge, to help autistic people achieve independence, improve their mental health and self-esteem, and enable parents and children to enjoy family life once more.
Fourteen-year-old Peter Wilson has autism and lives in Coventry with his family: dad Rob, mum Angela, and younger brother Max, plus his assistance dog Coco, a Cavapoo. Angela explained how the arrival of Coco changed their lives.
Q When was Peter diagnosed with autism? A “He was diagnosed when he was very young. He wasn’t walking at two and the health visitor kept saying it was just a delay in his learning. But then he wasn’t sitting or holding himself upright. We started pushing to get a diagnosis, but we didn’t find out he had autism until he was five. It was a traumatic three years.”
Q What are the symptoms of Peter’s autism? A “Peter couldn’t go into crowded places because he would headbutt floors or walls.
“We had a horrid experience in town one day. Peter decided he didn’t want to be there so he lay on the ground kicking, punching, and headbutting. An elderly couple stood next to me and said: ‘Why would you want to bring your children out if they can’t behave themselves?’ It was so difficult.
“He also went through a phase where he would eat everything in sight. He didn’t know when he was full so we had locks on cupboards and the fridge.
“Peter doesn’t show emotion. When I say: ‘I love you’, in 14 years he’s only said it back once.”
Q Have you had dogs before? A “No, this is our first dog ever. I had to wear my husband down as he’s not an animal person, plus, he couldn’t see the benefit or how a dog would help Peter. It took me about four months but finally he agreed.”
Q How did you hear about Dogs for Autism? A “It was through a friend of a friend. We contacted them and went to Dogs for Autism in Manchester for a day, to learn all about the organisation and the dogs. They let you know what you’re in for with the training and we said we were interested, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get a dog.
“Dogs for Autism came to do a home visit and brought two Labradors. It was quite surreal
