Thank you for contributing the message regarding the important role service dogs pose in the lives of individuals and their families. As well, for pointing out the significance of "invisible disabilities."
Sometimes disabilities that are not outward in appearance are equally difficult because the individual is so often misunderstood particularly by the public who judge without realizing a disability is present. Sometimes even amongst family members, families struggle with the stigma of people who just do not understand the reason the child is seemingly acting socially immature or tantruming.
Disorders such as autism are prevalent across the globe and can be in conjunction with many other medical syndromes that manifest in autistic-like behaviour and symptoms. Take for instance, a chromosome duplication disorder known as tetrasomy 18p syndrome. Our good friend in Ontario has a little girl named Katie with the same rare medical disorder our daughter, Samantha, was born with. Our little girl sadly passed away at age 13. Children with developmental delays are often very loving and affectionate children without any concept of "stranger danger." This poses particular worries for families because although we want to teach our children to be outgoing and reciprocal of interaction with others, there is unfortunately cause for concern with children who are limited in cognitive skills and verbal ability to make safe choices. These children may be easily influenced, targeted and preyed upon because of their physical/mental vulnerability. Service dogs are of immeasurable value as loving companions, trusted protectors and include some with the unique ability to alert to emergencies which arise, such as impending seizure activity.
Our friend Katie is presently awaiting funding to have a service dog join their family permanently. Please consider donating whatever you can and if you are unable, please forward this information on to someone who may be able to help out:
http://www.tetrasomy18p.ca/katieservice.html
Thank you!
Remember: When we open our minds, our hearts automatically follow!
Velvet Martin, Edmonton
