April is Autism Awareness Month. According from Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 1 in 68 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s estimate also shows that five times more common among boys (1 in 42) than among girls (1 in 189).
As a former 3-6 Montessori directress, I’ve witnessed the profound effect of a dog to an autistic child. Sugar, a therapy dog, dealt with autistic children in my class and other schools. A therapy dog helps an autistic child be calmer, redirect attention from repetitive movement, and have a true “best friend.” A therapy dog can certainly form a special emotional bond with an autistic child and the effect is tremendous.
Meet Caleb and Courage
We know Caleb and Courage from Instagram. Caleb is 13 years old and living with autism. His symptoms include sensory processing disorder, acute anxiety, sleep dysfunction, repetitive behaviors and social challenges. Due to these symptoms, being outside can be overwhelming for Caleb, so he isolates himself and often refuses to go outside for weeks.
Caleb’s mom Deanna, a single parent, did a research that Caleb would benefit from an autistic service dog. Deanna reached out to a local non-profit Good Dog Autism Companions. It was a long process but last March 2015, Courage, autistic service dog, was matched with Caleb. Since the arrival of Courage, Caleb has shown improvements; willingness to go outside, interact with others, and his emotional meltdown has reduced.
To read more stories and photos, follow Courage4Caleb on Instagram and Facebook.
Make A Difference
It’s has been a beautiful transition. However, Deanna as a single parent was unable to provide the necessary funds. Deanna and Caleb are still in the process of completing the fundraising requirement for Courage, with ~$3,550 left to go! Friends of Golden Woofs, please consider making a donation at Good Dog Autism Donations: Courage 4 Caleb – https://www.gooddogautismdonations.org/participant/94201
By visiting the donation page, you will also find out how Courage got his name. Donating to Courage 4 Caleb Fund enhances the quality of Caleb’s life.
it’s touching and it feels so wonderful to read about Caleb&Courage. and probably Courage is the best name Calebs best friend could have…
Having an Autistic niece, this story hits close to home… and I just adore it! Thanks for sharing!
Here in my house we think every child should be raised with pets!! Animals teach humans so much!!
My sis has had animals in her life since she was 3…
Hugs madi your bfff
Warms my heart. Having worked with Autistic teens in a specialized work program, I love watching the bond between humans and their companion dogs….I too agree Courage is a perfect name for the furbaby. And hugs to Caleb!
Children and dogs can equal such a forever friendship.
sumskersandearlskers13.blogspot.com
Gotta spread the word
Lily & Edward
We have been reading all the research lately also. We have a grandson with high functioning Ausgbergers (sp?)and when he comes to our house, I notice he always gravitates towards gussie and gussie sits with him, for most of the visit. Dogs are angels on earth. stella rose’s momma
We think our state has extra high numbers of kids with autism too. We dogs have our jobs!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
what a great story, I hope they meet their goal.
What a great story! It’s amazing how much service dogs can help some people. So glad Caleb and Courage found each other!