William is 5 years old and was born with characteristics of autism combined with learning difficulties. For William and his family, everyday situations such as going to the shops, visiting friends or going on holiday frequently become exhausting, isolating and even depressing experiences.
Now, with assistance dog Percy by his side, a contented William will go almost anywhere. While out shopping, William is happy to visit the brightly coloured and action-packed Disney Store, quietly watching cartoons on TV screens. Before going home, the family enjoys a coffee and a ginger biscuit for William. As they walk around the mall, William leads the way with Percy by his side; other shoppers smile and accept William with good humour and tolerance.
The family still don’t know how much more William will improve, but even to date, the changes are more than they could have hoped for and have a dramatic change on family life. For William’s mum Helen the most significant moment was during a holiday only a few weeks after Percy had joined the family.
On a day out, Helen suddenly noticed that not only was her son content and safe with Percy, but she and William’s dad were holding hands – something they hadn’t been able to do for a very long time.
