Woman Trains Service Dogs To Assist Children Challenged By Autism

After her autistic son wandered off and never came back, Kirsten started Autism Anchor Dogs to promote safety for autistic children who wander or elope.
Subscribe: kzbin.info...
About A Plus:
A Plus is a digital media company devoted to spreading the message of positive journalism, a kind of storytelling that focuses on our shared humanity. It is rooted in our heartfelt beliefs that each person can effect positive change in the world and that we are all inextricably connected. We are proud to tell a different kind of story.
Visit us at aplus.com.

[@jojoorsmth]

My prayers are going out to Kirsten. I hope that one day she has closure about her son. She is doing truly beautiful work.

[@sylphienne]

I’m a female with Autism and i had no idea that wandering was common for children with autism. I was undiagnosed as a child and teen and I remembered when i was 5 or 6 years old that I would wander around the neighbourhood and I would often find myself in difficult and scary situations. One time i found myself a few minutes from home and a man asked me if i was lost and luckily he didn’t do anything bad to me but he drove me home. My parent didn’t seem to care, if i was home or not. She was too caught up in her emotional issues and would often become aggressive and abusive. I’ve always wanted a dog. I’m interested in getting a sheepadoodle which is an Old English Sheepdog mixed with a Poodle as a dog. But I would like to learn everything i can to train it up as i read that the sheepadoodle is one of the best emotional support and therapy dog breeds.

[@Episcopalianacolyte]

My Airedale is perfect at anchoring. Once he sits, that's it. I cannot call it a task because he does it naturally. I am 55 years old and he tasks in several different ways for my Autism. He really knows how to calm me down.

[@hant679]

My oldest son first eloped at 20 months old. He figured out how to unlock the door and left - out into the snow, at night, in bare feet and pajamas. It. Was. Terrifying. We didn't even know he could open a door, much less unlock one.

[@vickirosewall4243]

This video has given me insight to the best anchor living in my house. I have a very loving Alaskan Malamute I am retraining his running skills to run with my son and be his anchor. Running calms him and our dog running next to him has stopped meltdowns he can steer him different routes and slow and anchor to avoid running into traffic. I had no idea about these sorts of service dogs never thought all my years of running/bikejoring training this lead dog would’ve helped my family so much. Love your service to these families 🙏🏽

[@lisasappier3650]

What an awesome program. Thank you for helping the children.

[@twillightrose13]

I wish I had the space and could afford a service dog right now for my son. He elopes and I think when we have the ability to move this would be the answer. I am trying to learn how to train a service dog before we get one. My son is very strong. He lifted up a couch with me on it! He is only 4 and I am fat. He breaks locks, doors and furniture. He is extremely intelligent but with no sense of danger along with being very strong. He also has been wanting a dog in general so I think a service dog would be amazing for him. At this point my son uses a leash backpack in public and would not mind being tethered to his best friend.

[@Episcopalianacolyte]

When I was his age, I needed an anchoring dog. Consider an Airedale for your work. I have one who is my service dog. He also anchors even though I don't need it now.

[@harlows.journey]

this is actually very dangerous. the child needs to be attached to the guardian and the dog to the guardian to support.

[@keithzastrow]

I agree for the most part although I would just add it depends on how well-trained the dog is.

[@squigl3z78]

Did you not watch the video?

[@twillightrose13]

The point of the dog is to keep him from running. If the dog is not directly attached to the child what is the point of the dog? It's also a way to safely teach a child with autism independence and life lessons.

[@jvan5415]

How do I put a family in touch with you?

[@TM-qy3ji]

What dog breed is Grahm’s dog?

[@515aleon]

Looks like a Leonberger.

[@cmconcon]

🤍🤍🤍

[@saulclark4376]

you call his wandering running away to secretly get married weird but ok

[@twillightrose13]

Elopement=Running away

[@ginasophiec.4152]

omg wtf

[@Malene_Simonsen]

Anchoring is very dangerous. Service dogs are still dogs and if they are spooked by something can bolt with the kid tied to them. Also, it's really bad for the dog to have to take the full weight of a kid, and if they kid has a meltdown and gets mad at the dog, that's another danger. It's much much safer to anchor your kid to yourself

[@515aleon]

They use larger dogs than is typical (Newfies, vs the typical lab, golden, poodle--newfies also are not as long lived) but of course a child could be dragged too. I turned off the volume and the dog looks stressed.