My name is Louis. I am 4 years old.

My world is very different to yours. It is often a very confusing, lonely and scary place.

I am highly sensitive to sound, sight, smell, taste and touch – I find it difficult to process sensory information.

Because of this everyday tasks such as brushing my teeth, getting dressed or eating can cause me distress.

Going outside the safety and routine of my home can be very scary and overwhelming. Going to school or shopping with my family can cause me a lot of stress and sometimes I have a meltdown.

I can become so stressed or anxious that I cannot sleep or I lash out. I cannot tell you how I feel, what I need or what has upset me because I am unable to use words to express myself.

My friends and family are raising money so that I can have my own Assistance Dog. They are specially trained to help children like me.

Whilst there is no cure for Autism, an Assistance Dog could help me develop my speech, provide reassurance when I am anxious, help me calm down through my meltdowns and give me the confidence I need to deal with a world affected by Autism.

Any donation towards getting an Assistance Dog of my own really would change my life – my world wouldn’t be so scary and lonely anymore.

Our Facebook page #Dog4Louis