Imagine having a child that lacks confidence, has no perception of danger and the consequences of actions, and no ability to express feelings in a way that is understood by others, through no fault of their own. For Teresa, mum of ten year old Jacob Atkins, these were challenges faced on a daily basis as a result of Jacob’s Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Jacob’s ASD affected the everyday life of the whole family.
Teresa says: “Jacob does not understand the consequences of his actions, peoples’ points of view, and he doesn’t recognise danger. Jacob will run out into a road without stopping and looking first, and in the past there have been times where he has cleared a supermarket shelf to hide on as a result of his lack of confidence.”
In 2009, when Jacob was eight, the family received a formal diagnosis of autism and shortly afterwards Teresa decided to look into getting an Autism Assistance Dog from Dogs for the Disabled.
As the Atkins household has many pets, you might assume that the addition of a dog would be an easy process. However, Teresa explains: “Jacob was quite afraid of dogs and didn’t want to explore the idea of working with an Assistance Dog.” So the Atkins family was delighted when Dogs for the Disabled offered to work with Jacob to help him overcome his anxiety.
Teresa says: “The charity was brilliant! When Tom, a yellow Labrador, came to us Jacob was shown how to train him to rollover and wave which had a tremendously positive impact as Jacob came to see Tom was lots of fun.”
The family was very excited about the arrival of Tom and the impact was instant. Jacob’s confidence increased as Tom became a great ice-breaker at school. Teresa continues: “Jacob has become very popular. He is always crowded in the playground when we walk to and from school as he loves showing everyone Tom’s tricks.”
“Calmer, relaxed and safer” is how Teresa describes family life and Jacob’s behaviour since the introduction of Tom. She goes on to say: “It’s amazing, we can now walk to school and enjoy trips to the shops, which used to be very stressful for Jacob. However now thanks to Tom, Jacob is happy to walk to school and eating out is one of his favourite things to do. He is much more confident and able to overcome his anxieties better”.
“Dogs for the Disabled has been amazing, supportive and helpful. My entire family has really benefitted from Tom. He is brilliant, always happy and keen to work, and has a great sense of fun.”
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