Local Family Awaits Special Delivery for 3-Year Old Autistic Son

Ethan Ng, a 3-year-old local boy and his family live life with the challenges that come with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD]. Ethan loves to laugh (there is always a smile on his face), he loves to jump, run, play with water, tease his family, and chase his big sister around the house. But Ethan has no voice. While he can communicate by gestures and vocalizations, even a few American Sign Language signs, Ethan is often frustrated by his inability to make himself understood which results in temper tantrums or throwing things. Ethan has no instincts to tell him to stay near his parents or when something is unsafe; he struggles to sleep more than 60 to 90 minutes at a time during the night and cannot put himself back to sleep; and he is frequently overwhelmed by too much noise or commotion. Ethan’s parents, Margaret and Ed, along with his sister, Emma, age 11, also live with the challenges of caring for Ethan.
ASD often hinders a person’s ability to communicate and interact socially. But recent scientific research studies into Autism therapy provide positive evidence of the difference a service dog can make and these studies have given great hope to families like the Ng’s. Dan Warren, Founder and President of Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers, states, “The studies showed children were more talkative and socially engaged when their service dog was present. Children were less aggressive and smiled more frequently when around their service dog.” One of the main goals when training an Autism service dog is the need to keep a child safe; when the family goes out, the child will be literally tethered to the dog to keep him or her from running off or getting hurt. According to Mr. Warren, “the studies further found that safety aspect was a huge relief for families as parents’ anxiety over their child can lead to social isolation.”
Margaret confirms that shopping and dining out are just two of the many social activities that are next to impossible for the family. “It is very difficult to shop with Ethan. He doesn’t want to stay in the cart, he wants to run and he is heedless of dangers; he does not return when called,” states Margaret. As for dining out, Margaret adds that they do so very rarely, “It is challenging to get Ethan to stay put in a highchair or stay at the table, and because Ethan is non-verbal, he tantrums when he cannot make himself understood or does not get what he wants.” Margaret also fears for her sons safety, “Ethan doesn’t understand danger or cause and effect; he will run into traffic or try to climb a bookcase in the house. It takes all of us on high alert at all times to keep him safe.” The family is exhausted, “Ethan will only sleep 60-90 minutes at a time and cannot self soothe; we have to get up constantly to help him go back to sleep.” The impact to the family has been great, “Ed is now on high blood pressure medication, Emma has been diagnosed with depression, and I deal with constant headaches” shares Margaret, “what these service dogs can do would be life changing for all of us.” Ethan’s service dog is already in training at the Organization’s facilities in Virginia. The focus on training for Ethan’s dog is to address comforting techniques to help with sleep disturbances and sensory overloads and most certainly the dog is training to tether walk with Ethan. Ethan will be tethered to the dog when out in public and the dog will not let Ethan dart away under any circumstances.
What sets SDWR apart from other non-profit service dog organizations are the customized training methods and how SDWR matches dogs to their “person.” They also do not have a minimum age requirement for receiving a dog believing that early intervention is key. According to Dan Warren, “every child with an Autism Spectrum diagnosis is different and faces distinctive challenges and needs. With the input of Ethan’s parents, we have identified the tasks Ethan’s service dog must address, from elopement issues to sleep pattern disruption and frustrations with verbal skills.”
These amazing service dogs are not inexpensive and Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers survives like other non-profit service organizations: on donations. The Ng’s are only $2,00 away from reaching their goal. To learn about upcoming events they have planned, you can follow the family’s campaign on Facebook #adogforethan. They have also established an on-line donation site http://www.gofundme.com/hope4ethan to receive contributions to help secure Ethan’s dog. All donations are 100% tax deductible.
“We know from speaking with other families who have an Autism Service Dog from SDWR that this dog can change Ethan’s life and our lives in so many positive ways,” says Margaret Ng, “we hope our community comes out to support us.”