Shelley Beaumont - Host

Come and meet Merlin, Pierce Beaumont's new Autism Service Dog.  Trainer, Carlos Javier will present an overview of what training Merlin has gone through to help Pierce continue to navigate life with Autism.  

Autism Service Dogs have proven to be an asset for children diagnosed with autism and their families. These dogs provide a social “bridge” for children who are often excluded by others because of their behavior or lack of social interaction. These well-trained autism service dogs can also provide comfort as well as calm children who suffer from autism. Autistic children who run away and hide can also be quickly and easily found by autism service dogs that are trained to locate them. These are just a few of the advantages of having a trained service dog to assist an autistic child.

About Autism

Autism is a severe developmental disorder that affects the way a child sees and interacts with the rest of the world. It effects sensory, memory, motor and postural control. Social and communication skills may be compromised leading to social isolation both within the family and with other people. Many autistic children display a tendency to bolt in open spaces making going to a mall or a restaurant almost impossible. Many autistic children also experience difficulty sleeping and often suffer from insomnia.

Children with autism are often misunderstood because they process information in a different way. They deal with facts, not concepts, which can be a problem for parents and teachers. Because information is processed in a very detailed oriented way, the autistic person will sort through both major and minor stimuli, a car driving by, the smell of their clothing, or the sound of a dog barking to make a decision. Too many details can cause them to become overstimulated and confused by everyday situations.

The causes of autism are uncertain, but most experts feel it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.