Trained Autism Service Dog to Help Seven Year Old in Stockton, California.
Stockton, California, August 24, 2017 (Newswire.com) - Tyler, a seven-year old in Stockton, California, received a very special Autism Service Dog delivery today Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers . Based in Madison, Virginia, Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers, or “SDWR,” has a mission to provide specially-bred and trained dogs for adults and children with invisible disabilities like Diabetes, PTSD, Seizure Disorders, or in the case of Taylor—Autism Spectrum Disorder. SDWR has almost 600 service dogs working across the US and around the globe. SDWR is currently serving almost 1,000 families.
Trevor, a golden retriever Autism Service Dog, has already received thousands of hours of training through SDWR’s service dog raiser program where volunteers raise puppies in training for about a period of one year. The dogs and dog raisers must follow through the foundation and skill set training provided through SDWR trainers at the facility in Virginia.
Trevor is also a very special graduate of the SDWR Fallen Officer Puppy Program. The Fallen Officer Puppy Program, or “FOPP”, is an initiative by SDWR to honor the legacy of service by American police who have fallen in the line of duty. Trevor is named in honor of fallen Police Officer Trevor Jones of Bakersfield, California who passed away from a heart attack in 2012. Trevor’s Autism Service Dog work with Tyler will carry on in memoriam of Officer Jones’ life of service before self.
Tyler was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum at 18 months old. He also carries a diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic disorder that limits normal cognitive development. Because of this diagnosis, Tyler is nonverbal and experiences sensory overload and social anxiety. “[Trevor] can become Tyler's companion, someone to call friend/buddy/brother. He can learn from [Trevor] and hopefully, he can help with his meltdowns, doctor visits, and help him do better when we are out,” says Tyler’s Mom, Sina. Trevor will work with Tyler to reduce the effects each diagnosis has on the family’s independence and daily life.
BMJ Open, a public health medical journal, recently published research on the positive evidence of the difference a service dog can make in conjunction with Autism Therapy. The study indicated that recipients of a service dog showed improved safety from self-harm and wandering, greater communication ability, and a calmer demeanor. SDWR trainers work directly with each individual to provide service dogs that fit their unique diagnosis.
With the arrival of Trevor, Tyler will have yet another tool, a four-legged one that has received training to assist him to live a happier and more enriching life. Since Trevor is a service dog and covered under laws in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, he will be able to accompany the family everywhere— from restaurants to doctors visits to school. This training program is what sets SDWR apart from other non-profit service dog organizations. SDWR trainers will continue to return for training sessions with Tyler, his parents and Trevor for the next 18 months every 3-4 months to continue working on Trevor’s customized training, follow up training and training the human to make a successful team and public access certification.
Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers is a non-profit organization based in Madison, Virginia, and relies on donations to help the Organization in its mission, “Until there’s a cure…there’s a dog.” To make or donation or learn more about SDWR, please visit the website, http://www.sdwr.org. To learn more about Autism Service Dogs visit http://www.sdwr.org/service-dogs/autism/.
To find out how you can volunteer as a puppy raiser visit http://www.sdwr.org/volunteer-opportunities/ .
Source: Service Dogs By Warren Retrievers
