Solo at graduation
They can even help them cope with sensory overload, something that is very common with people with ASD. The dog becomes more of a focal point and assists them to filter out sensory input. In some cases, the service dog is a tremendous support in terms of personal safety, and is trained to protect the child or person with whom he or she works. In some cases, a child can be tethered to the service dog’s harness – in which case both the dog and the child are acclimated to wearing the harness in the first place. The gentleness of a service dog is a reassuring presence, and in some cases is trained to use touch intervention, pressure intervention and mobility assistance if the person they work with should engage in repetitive or potentially self-injurious behaviour.
Kathy continues on their adventures with a service dog: “In May of 2016 we got a call from MIRA stating that it was our turn. In July (of 2016) we spent eight days at the MIRA Foundation. Lodging and meals included, all free, thanks to donations. We were in a group of nine mothers and their Autistic children. The first three days we were given different dogs to work with in order to find the best match. We were matched with Solo, a beautiful black lab.”
Solo started school at Lennoxville Elementary School in October of 2016, attending grade six and will attend Alexander Galt High School in the Fall of 2017.
“Solo helps Taylor with the daily struggles in school. Taylor suffers from high anxiety and Solo is there to support her. It is a work in progress.”
MIRA let them know that it can take a year for the bond to be fully formed. Solo helps Taylor manage her anxiety and to deal with challenges related to social skills. Like everyone else, children with ASD want to make friends, and that can be a struggle.
“Having her best friend, Solo, with her everywhere she goes helps Taylor build her confidence and keeps her calm. Having a service dog with her attracts people to talk to Taylor. Taylor loves talking!”
If you spot a service dog with a red scarf, it is training. A dog with a blue scarf is a fully trained service dog. Kathy says that the Eastern Townships School Board has been very accommodating, and the teachers have been very welcoming. “All service dogs are trained in French, because MIRA doesn’t know who will be their best match. So, Taylor had to learn the commands in French. French has always been a struggle for Taylor. Just having that extra exposure to the French language has also helped Taylor.”
Next up for Taylor Passmore and Solo? A summer off from school and then high school!
Kathy projects forward a little, enthusing on Taylor’s future, “I know the high school years might be even more of a struggle, but some day she will discover the cure for cancer living in the remote jungles of Africa, living with the Pygmy hippopotamus!” She laughs.
Congratulations to Taylor Passmore and Solo, and the graduating class of Lennoxville Elementary for innovative education that resulted in success! The sky is the limit!