Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Service Dogs, helping improve the lives of children like Zachary.

 

Thirteen years ago, my husband and I adopted 2 boys who were born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), along with secondary disabilities. 

The boys’ birthmother drank while pregnant leaving the boys with permanent brain damage which has lead to learning disabilities, behavior problems, memory deficits, attention deficits, hyperactivity, and some mental retardation. This is “static encephalopathy”, meaning brain damage that doesn’t get any better and doesn’t get any worse.  There is no way to reverse the damage to the brain.


Our son, Zachary, 14 years old, has trouble with daily living skills, cognitive and social skills; abstract thinking; impulsivity; frustration levels; safety issues; and making correct choices.  Most frightening for us, his parents, is his lack of fear.  He seems to have no concept of personal safety: no awareness of the dangers of traffic, the ill intentions of strangers, or the hazards an acquaintance may present.  While he wants to be like every other 14 year old, and to interact socially with his peers, it is impossible.  His frustration at being unable to accomplish the simple tasks that most people take for granted adds to his behavior problems.  His inability to cope with daily life renders him incapable of participating in a regular classroom at school.

A Solution for Zachary and what we need help with……………

 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit organization located in Xenia, Ohio has the answer.  This organization trains Service Dogs for kids with FASD.  The dog will be trained specifically for Zachary based on his disabilities.  Besides being a loving and loyal companion to him, the dogs training will include how to respond to Zachary and calm him whenever he has a disruption in his behavior.

 Behavior Disruption – When Zachary has emotional outbursts the dog will be trained to interpret this as a signal to lay its nose or foot on him gently nudging him to stop, even if only for a few minutes.  For the dog it becomes a game and there comes the possibility that Zachary may decide to pet or play ball with the dog, or maybe even cuddle with him.  It is our hope that Zachary will one day be able to self regulate his actions and make better choices for himself  thus making it possible for him to interact appropriately with others.

 Tether –   While in public places, my husband and I must always be watching Zachary so he does not slip away.  With the help of the Service Dog, Zachary will wear a special harness that is attached to the dog and the dog in turn will be controlled by either my husband or me.  In this way, much of the anxiety of going to public places is removed and Zachary is given a greater freedom of movement and the feeling of independence.

 Cost - 4 Paws was the first agency to begin placing skilled FASD service dogs and continues to be the only organization in the United States placing FASD service dogs.   

 

UPDATE - We have now raised the necessary funds for the service dog!!!  We will be in the April/May 2011 training class.  This class starts May 3, 2011  Thank you to all who donated money to this wonderful cause.  A special thank you to Kathy Hyneman who was instrumental in helping us reach our goal.  We could not have done it without her help!  

We now have to raise the necessary funds for travel expense and our 10 day stay for training.   If you would like to donate to this fund please contact me at lisarowe@rowetech.com and I will discuss how you can contribute.  We have been told that the average cost is between 3000.00 - 4000.00.  This amount will be our goal for the training.  You can see updates by clicking the update button below.  We will also post pictures of the service dog we will be getting as soon as we know. 

 

  FASD Service Dogs

 

 

 

Any questions please feel free to contact us at lisarowe@rowetech.com

 

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