Benefit Dinner to Provide Service Dog For Child With Autism

A new study published in Pediatrics found that approximately half of children with autism wander from a safe setting, a rate nearly four times that of their unaffected siblings.

49% of children with autism wander/elope (slip away) from a safe setting.

More than one third of children who elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number verbally or by writing or typing.

32% of parents report their missing child had a “close call” with a possible drowning.

Wandering was ranked among the most stressful Autism Spectrum Disorder behaviors by 58% of parents of wanderers. *62% of families with children who wander were prevented from attending or enjoying activities outside the home for fear of wandering. *40% of parents had suffered sleep disruption due to fear of elopement. Half of families with elopers\wanderers had NEVER received advice or guidance about elopement from a professional. According to the National Autism Association, accidental drowning caused 91% of wandering deaths from 2009 to 2011, and 23% of total deaths happened under the care of someone other than a parent. Fatalities in 2012 have doubled those of last year, and in the last two weeks alone, three children and one teenager with autism have died after wandering from a safe environment. This is not due to bad parenting.

On Saturday, October 13, at the Claridon Town Hall from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. there will be a spaghetti dinner and Chinese auction benefit fundraiser. This event is to help raise money for a four year boy who wanders and needs the assistance of a service dog. Service dogs for autistic children are trained specifically for their special needs. It costs $22,000 to train and place a service dog. Each family is asked to raise $13,000. Service dogs help increase independence for children and provide assistance to their family.

“Adam is a loving little guy who loves to laugh and smile. He loves to cuddle, give kisses and hugs. He is also called Buddy because HE is everyone’s little buddy. He enjoys being at home with his family and playing with his toys and loves to be with his sister Emily. He also enjoys swimming, swinging, and being outside. Adam is four years old and has autism. He does not talk much; he does say some words. He does not understand danger; he climbs everything and runs everywhere. Adam is a wanderer…. But most of all Adam is a happy little boy.”

Adam and his sisterThe Petrovic family will be receiving a service dog for Adam through “4 Paws for Ability”. Right now all the dogs are in basic training. From there, Adam’s needs will be discussed more in depth, then the right dog will be chosen and will be trained specifically for his needs.

If anyone would like to make a donation or would like more information on the benefit please contact Carol 440-286-2150

 

Rachel Dannemiller
Author: Rachel Dannemiller

Rachel is a lifelong resident of Geauga County. She is married to Tom and has a son Jason, and a dog named Harley. Rachel and her family are devoted to bringing autism awareness to the community and they are organizing the local Autism Speaks event in Burton this year.