Assistance dog changes life of young autistic boy

Six-year-old Robbie Crosbie from Ladyrath, Wilkinstown, was overjoyed to receive his long-awaited assistance dog 'Fleur' from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in recent weeks. Already the dog has had a hugely positive effect on Robbie and his family. The little boy, who is a son of Thomas and Shirley Crosbie, was diagnosed with autism when he was three years-old. After his parents attended an information night on the Assistance Dog Programme for families of children with autism, they were so impressed that they immediately applied for their son to get an assistance dog and, after a three-year, wait welcomed 'Fleur' to the family last month. Three weeks on, the dog is already having a calming effect on Robbie, and the family has been able to enjoy family outings for the first time. Mrs Crosbie said: "Our son has always shown a love for animals, and in particular, dogs, and we knew from attending the information night and reading about the training of the assistance dogs, the benefits a specially trained dog would have on the quality of our son's life, and in making the most of what he loves, and to get the support he so vitally needed so early in life." She explained that Robbie would have no sense of danger and would bolt away from his parents on a busy street or out walking on a country road as if it was a game of 'catch' to him. "He would find it very difficult to hold our hands and going to a public park or playground or public shopping centre was a nightmare - we would just never go as a family. Social outings that typical families take for granted like going to McDonalds, going shopping or going to public areas were never an option and Robbie's life was very restricted as to where we could bring him," added Mrs Crosbie. She explained that families of children with autism can feel isolated from society and feel it is easier to stay at home rather than to risk the danger or upset of humiliation of bringing their child to public places. "I used to end up crying more times coming home from what should have been a normal typical day out. It would always end in disaster," she recalled. However, since 'Fleur' has arrived in Robbie's life, things already have changed for the better. Robbie is now attached to his dog by means of a harness or belt around his waist, which has a lead attached to his dog, and he is totally secure. Within the first week, Robbie has gone twice to McDonalds and shopping with his mum in the local shop in Wilkinstown was a huge success and an enjoyable experience rather than one filled with anxiety, stress and fear. Last weekend, the family even enjoyed a trip to Bray, something that would never have been possible before as it was the first time that Robbie was able to tolerate a crowd and noise. Mrs Crosbie also said that seeing Robbie with an assistance dog makes people more understanding rather than thinking that he is just a "bold" child. The Crosbies are hugely grateful to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Assistance Dogs Programme for Families of Children with Autism for supporting Robbie and for the huge impact the dog has already had on their lives. To show their appreciation, the family intends to hold a fundraiser in the coming months for the charity. They are also keen to highlight the positive effects that a guide dog can have on a child with autism. Assistance dogs for children with autism can only be considered for children up to a maxiumum of eight years as training children over 10 is not generally successful due to the strength of the child. The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind recommend families get their child's name on their waiting list sooner rather than later due to the age constraint, and the three year waiting period. "As Robbie's parents, we knew the key to helping and supporting him was to get the early intervention for him to get the supports in place as soon as possible. We could see his love of animals and a lot of children with autism would also have a love of animals. In Robbie's case, it sometimes can be an obsession that you need to make the most of and work with him in getting the right supports in place. 'Fleur' is so easy-going and such a calm dog, just the opposite to Robbie, which is the ideal combination for him," added Mrs Crosbie. The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind trains approximately 40 assistance dogs per year and it costs approximately €38,000 to breed, train and support a working dog during its lifetime. There are currently 111 working assistance dogs with families of children with autism in Ireland provided by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and their services are provided free of charge. Over 85 per cent of their income is generated through voluntary donations and fundraising - so they rely heavily on public support. To find out more or make a donation towards the programme, visit www.guidedogs.ie