William is a loving, funny, energetic, and smart young man. He likes to play video games, and wants to laugh and have friends like any teenage boy. But although outgoing and friendly, he has a very difficult time making friends. His autism makes him feel emotions VERY strongly and it is difficult for him to understand, process, and communicate how he feels. This difficulty tends to come out in unusual, fast-moving, loud behaviors (like jumping, clapping, shrieking, and screaming) that are unexpected and bewildering for a lot of people around him. He is also easily overwhelmed by common sensory experiences (like rain touching him, or any non-preferred sound or smell) and his mind will easily get stuck focusing on and replaying a thought, experience or worry (also known as 'perseveration').
William started working with Raising Hope Dogs several years ago through their Hope Dog Challenge. He loves interacting with the dogs and playing frisbee games with them. He has also volunteered time with the Raising Hope Dogs trainer as a practice-subject during training of some of the program and therapy dogs to make sure that they can successfully work with lots of people and not just the main trainer.
Now, Cedar and William are working hard to get to know each other and how to work together. William's previous service dog joined him when he was much younger and she was trained to look to and follow adults' commands (she is now enjoying a relaxing retirement with our family). Since he is older now, William wants to be more independent with his next service partner. It is a tall order for William to be cognizant of Cedar's needs and be responsible for Cedar when they are out in public, but Mom will always be there to back them up until they're fully ready. Cedar has also been working hard in learning to recognize William's particular signs of beginning to struggle and what Cedar needs to do in response.
Cedar helps William by physically interrupting or distracting and redirecting his attention when William begins to get overwhelmed. Cedar also provides grounding input through deep pressure and helps William sleep.
Cedar's match with William is a blessing made possible by Raising Hope Dogs. Please help us make the Raising Hope Dogs blessing possible for another child. Thank you for visiting our page!
Your gift helps Raising Hope to feed, house and train dogs who grow up to help a bunch of awesome kids be brave to try new things.
