TEN-YEAR-OLD BOY IN NEED OF AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG
Ask ten-year-old Austin Roosa any trivia question about NBA basketball players, and he will have the correct answer. Austin is a very sweet and extremely intelligent ten-year-old boy that has been diagnosed with autism, severe anxiety, and sensory processing disorder. Because of these conditions, Austin needs a lot of support while navigating his overwhelming world. His parents, Amy and Andy, are seeking a service dog to help Austin in his daily journey.
More About Austin
“Austin is currently home schooled because his social anxiety is too high to continue in traditional public school. Having a service dog by his side will be the perfect solution for him to be able to cope in an over stimulating environment that is his every day surroundings,” explains Mom, Amy.
What the Dog Will be Trained to Do for Austin
Austin’s dog will be trained in behavior disruption and tethering. His dog will be trained to assist during meltdowns to help comfort and ease emotional situations that occur. The dog will add greatly to Austin’s coping mechanisms and help him by offering sensory regulation, a means of calming his body.
The family’s hope is that the dog will also be a soothing influence while Austin sleeps, as well as helping him manage changes in routine and changes in environment.
Social anxiety is a huge hurdle for Austin that renders communication to a complete halt. Given a service dog and a buddy in life to provide security in social situations will ease his anxiety, while over time, gently exposing him to opportunities to be social.
How the Community Can Help
Austin has applied and been approved through 4 Paws for Ability to receive an Autism Assistance Dog. The cost of training a dog is a minimum of $40,000. Each family seeking a service dog is asked to raise $17,000.
Once these funds are raised, his family will be placed into a 12-day training class to learn how to work with the dog trained specifically for Austin.
The family is hoping the community can rally around Austin to get him the help he needs.
To donate by credit card: https://givingtuesday.razoo.com/story/9q4zdf
To donate by check: Make out to 4 Paws for Ability with Austin Roosa in the memo field, and mail to: 253 Dayton Avenue, Xenia, OH 45385
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