This is Christian.
Christian is a happy, energetic 6-year-old with autism. He is intelligent. He has an amazing memory and is able to recall and spell out end credits to his favorite movies and television shows. Christian has a charismatic personality. When he giggles, you can’t help but giggle along with him. His sadness induces tears in others. His smile is known to melt hearts. His dances move others to join in. He thrives on consistency and routine. He loves school and riding the bus.
Christian is also a wanderer and runner. He looks for ways to escape, and when he finds one, he moves very quickly. Parks, museums, and stores have become next to impossible when Christian and his younger sister, Olivia, are both along. Christian has no sense of fear — cars in motion (slow or fast) are the same as parked cars; the deep end of the swimming pool is the same as a puddle; jumping off a balcony is the same as jumping off a step. This strikes terror into the hearts of his parents. Christian has many sensory issues. Being in crowds of people is particularly hard for him. He needs movement and heavy pressure to help him deal with being overwhelmed by sensory overload. His communication is limited, but growing.
A service dog would be a great benefit to Christian (and his entire family). The dog could be an extra set of eyes when Christian needs to be out in public or attending a get-together away from home. A service dog could help him learn to control his urge to bolt or alert his parents if he does dash off. A service dog could be taught to give Christian the pressure (by laying across Christian’s lap, legs, or back) that he needs when his senses become overwhelmed. A service dog could also be a social bridge between Christian and the world around him, offering opportunities to bond first with the dog and then with people who are interested in meeting his new companion.
Christian is an amazingly brave boy. He has taught our family more on a daily basis than what we teach him. We are blessed to have him in our lives.
Thank you for taking an interest in his story. I feel honored to have you stop by.
(This blog is written from the perspective of Christian’s mom.)
If you would like to read our autism story, click here.
“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
