When it Becomes Too Much: A Little Girl and Her Service Dog

It isn't easy, you know. A little girl managing the symptoms of her autism along with the demands of a world built without her in mind. She's so bright and friendly, and to borrow a phrase "knows no strangers", but when it becomes too much our little girl struggles to find comfort. Cuddles and reassurances from Mom and Dad are okay, but there is somewhere else she can find a completely safe place to leave it all behind. Her Autism Service Dog, Oakley, is far more than her protector and her guide. He is her anchor and her best friend. Oakley, doesn't ask questions. Oakley doesn't give demands. Oakley, simply allows Kate refuge and for that we are so very grateful.

Let me explain to you how a day might get away from our Kate. She can be so strong, at times, but her efforts to navigate a typical day can take more out of her than she has to give. I've often had to remind people that, though she is doing well, she may pay for her efforts later when every ounce of energy has been drained as she tries desperately to process all the stimulus a day can bring.

Let's say, for example, it's a typical school day. She must negotiate a number of social interactions, which due to the nature of autism as a social-communicative disorder, are very confusing to her. She must also process much language from many different people. Though she is quite expressive, at times, her receptive language skills leave something to be desired so she might find herself further confused. Now, to top it all off, there are sounds, sights, smells and textures that might be anywhere from mildly to extremely offensive to her senses.

Her boy, Oakley, goes to school with her, of course. This bit of comfort allows her to make it through these sensory-overwhelming days. Now imagine, the times when we must add to her day. A dentist appointment, for example, or a family birthday party. These things will require even more output from Miss Kate. In order to meet these demands she must first go to her pal and recharge by seeking joint pressure (a common self-regulating activity) in his cuddles (he is a ninety pound brute, after all) and peace in his gentleness. We have found that after a thirty-minute 'visit' as we call her quiet time alone with her dog, Kate can take just a little bit more of what the world has to offer.

For certain, there are many other benefits to having an autism service dog for those on the autism spectrum. I've written about that here. However, helping her regain her strength to face the world might be my favourite benefit of all.