My Son Michael...

My son Michael is an amazing little boy. Like the way he makes me smile
when he's across the room with his arms wide open and says, "mom stay
right there I want to give you a big hug", then he runs across the room and gives me the biggest hug. He has such an amazing memory and ability to figure things out.

Right now his dream is to grow up and be a construction worker so he can operate a bulldozer and build buildings. Another dream of his is to take a trip on an airplane. Michael loves to play with Legos, he is really good at putting things together. On the other hand, he likes to takes things apart to see how they work.

Michael was diagnosed with a highfunctioning form of autism called Asperger's Disorder in May of2009 when he was just 6 years old. Michael also has ADHD. Michael struggles on a daily basis. He has much difficulty socializing with others, communicating and dealing with change. Michael also, has trouble sleeping, making eye contact and difficulty processing sensory information. Michael often has meltdowns which can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour. It breaks
my heart when the school calls to let me know he had a meltdown and they had to restrain him. Michael is so smart and has such a big heatt I want to help him to enjoy life and be all that he can be.

I have been searching for some type of help for him to no avail. I happened to stumble across a
website and started reading about the Autism Service Dogs and I was just amazed. I had no idea that service dogs for autism even existed. I began to do some research to see if this was something that would be right for Michael and our family. I think that Michael would greatly benefit from having a service dog as part of his life and our family. I think a service dog would help Michael by calming him when he is having mood swings or meltdowns, offering Michael the opportunity to participate in more activities in school, and family outings. Michael struggles in the classroom at school with behavior and staying on task and a service dog could help improve that. I believe a service dog would be able to help him interact socially and help him develop better communication skills. A service dog would also provide safety as sometimes Michael often dalts out into the street or parking lot.

I truly believe that a service dog would have a very positive impact on Michael's life and our family's life and allow Michael to be the best that he can be. I think it would allow Michael more freedom to live life to its fullest.

I appreciate your generosity and support in our fundraising efforts.

Laura
Michael's Mom