Support dog helps autistic Chaddesden girl cope with autism

An autistic Derby girl prone to bolting from her family and into danger has had her life changed by an assistance dog.

Alessa, aged eight, had always been "a bit of a runner", mum Donna says.

But after she was hit by a car, her parents thought about getting extra help.

And since Mandy, a Labrador-cross-golden retriever, trained by national charity Support Dogs, came into their lives, they say Alessa has virtually stopped running away.

Bolting or wandering away is a trait in almost half of autistic children, according to research by Autism Speaks.

Alessa, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of five, had always been prone to running away.

Donna, of Chaddesden, said: "If there was an open door, she'd be gone - she was constantly on the go.

"Getting her in and out of school was a nightmare.

"She was excited because she saw her grandad's van on the other side of the road.

"She just ran and was hit by a car. It was more of a tap as luckily the driver saw her and was able to brake in time. But it was pretty close and left us all shocked."

Mandy has made a difference to Alessa's life day-to-day.

Donna, who works as a personal assistant and a clinical support worker, said: "When Alessa is upset, Mandy just needs to go and sit with her and she will calm down. She's her rock.

"She would throw things, trash things, break things, scream, shout and kick."

While working at her local hospital, Donna got chatting with a patient who had a support dog, and she asked Donna whether she had thought about applying for an assistance dog.

Donna applied in 2021 during lockdown, and within a year, a match was found.

Donna went to the charity's headquarters in Sheffield to do some training, meet some dogs, and check their compatibility with the family.

And when Mandy met Alessa, they were "like two peas in a pod".

"It was brilliant," said Donna. "It was very emotional. It was like an instant calming effect - as soon as Mandy sat with her, Alessa just chilled. It was amazing to watch.

"Mandy has brought the family closer together. You just can't put into words what Support Dogs do. They change people's lives."

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