Teen with autism finds friend in assistance dog

Seventeen-year-old Luis, of Santa Ana, is on the autism spectrum and has a learning disability. He cannot speak, read or write. “Since Luis is non-verbal, it’s hard for people to be with him,” explains his mother Hilda. Luis has trouble making friends, but he still needs and wants companionship.

This is where Luis’ new assistance dog, handled and cared for by his mother, comes in. Griselda is a yellow, Labrador/Golden Retriever cross, provided free of charge by Canine Companions for Independence. Canine Companions is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

Griselda doesn’t care that Luis can’t talk. His non-verbal communication is enough. She relishes the way he pets her and cuddles with her. He smiles when she’s around. Griselda is devoted to Luis. Luis’ family was surprised at how quickly the pair bonded. “Luis doesn’t like excitable dogs and sometimes he gets scared,” explains his sister Dulce. “But Griselda is patient and calm.” Hilda continues, “Luis really likes Griselda. She’s his buddy!”

The family first learned about Canine Companions through Luis’ speech therapists. Two of his therapists used Canine Companions assistance dogs to enhance their activities with clients. “Luis was more interested in speech therapy when the dogs were there,” says Hilda. “He was more excited and more motivated!”

Now with his own assistance dog participating with Hilda’s help, Luis is enjoying speech therapy more. Hilda hopes he’ll progress quicker as a result. “Sometimes I think he may be able to speak,” says Hilda. “Maybe he will try with Griselda.”

Luis, Hilda and Griselda graduated together after completing an intense, residential, two-week Team Training course at Canine Companions’ Southwest Regional Center in Oceanside, California. During Team Training, students are strategically matched with assistance dogs and learn how to work with them safely and effectively. The dogs are trained in about 40 commands to help with everyday practical tasks before they are ready to graduate as 24/7 helpers. Thanks to Canine Companions’ generous supporters, the dogs, their training and ongoing follow-up support are provided free of charge.

###

About Canine Companions for Independence®:

Canine Companions for Independence® is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing highly trained assistance dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six training centers across the country, including CA, FL, OH, NY and TX, and has placed nearly 5,000 assistance dogs. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between people and dogs. There is no charge for the dog, its training and a lifetime of ongoing follow-up services. For more information, visit www.cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.