DogWish Asperger's Service Dogs
DogWish Service Dogs and Neurological Support Assistance K9s

One of my most exciting challenges in dog training has come from working with individuals who are coping with Asperger’s Syndrome.  I have had many brought to me over the years and the difference that our Dog-Wish Service Dogs have made in their lives is phenomenal.

I have found a great deal of ignorance and confusion from the general public surrounding people with Asperger’s, and have even had arguments from people on facebook who believed things about them that weren’t true.

Many people with Asperger’s do have an understanding that they are different than others who are “normal”.  They suffer from social isolation, and deal with acute loneliness.  They want to be accepted for who they are, and suffer from rejection and ridicule.  They DO have a tremendous amount they can contribute to society and many have a genius mentality.  I have been very impressed with those I am privileged to have had the opportunity to have worked with.

Because of their ardent desire to be accepted, unfortunately, they open themselves to extreme stress, abuse, and trauma, which they internalize and live with.  Some of the worst cases of abuse I have found were associated with those on this level of the autistic spectrum.  It is very difficult for them because the differences they deal with are not as great as others, and yet they are there.

My most recent case that I am working with is that of a 19-year-old young man who is extremely talented in many ways, and yet is dealing with his autism.  He likes competition because he wants to show others he is capable of excelling in the areas where they have excelled as well, and gain recognition for doing so.   

As a youth, and throughout adolescence he was ignored, rejected, physically threatened and beaten by several of his peers, and retreated into a shell.  Yet, through his competitions he has learned that, though others might not accept him as an individual, they can’t help but recognize him for his accomplishments.  However, he felt a strong sense of loneliness and alienation from others, and was also angry about the way people had treated him.

As he met his dog, the two bonded right away, and developed a dynamic personal relationship.  It is exciting to see him work, play, and love his dog.  They are very close, and work super together.  Having the dog has also changed the way people approach, accept, and treat him.  It has created a whole new experience for him, and given him opportunities for personal growth and development that are wonderful.  It is also the same pattern I’ve seen with many others struggling with this disability.

It brings me great joy and personal happiness to see these people transform their lives through their relationship with their DogWish Service Dogs.

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