Max is known for running. He has been found in the road by other parents after getting out of school. He has a tendency to unbolt doors and 'escape' from home. (He learns know bolts quickly and with ease so even though change them regularly he still can do them). The puppy tends to chase him out and with the right training could alert us in order to prevent him running into roads or getting lost. Having Fern in our family has made visiting friends and family easier as instead of an hour struggle to convince Max every time that their home is okay, with the puppy he goes straight into their home (he thinks he is looking after the puppy). With the correct training this would be able to stretch to things such as shopping trips, maybe even a restaurant or family days out. He is very strong and has this year already given me whiplash and broken my collarbone, having a trained dog to intervene and assist with his many meltdowns would be a huge weight off. Max also has struggles with sleeping as he cannot switch off and does not understand 'how' to go to sleep - something he asks me most nights. By training the dog to lay with him she would be able to assist him in learning to relax and in time sleep.

Our daughter Ava has also now been referred for further assessments. She too does not sleep. She suffers major anxiety and will not go anywhere with anyone unless I am there. She is also being tested for pica as she cannot tell the difference between food and non food substance - she literally eats everything - tables, doorframes, bugs, crayons - even if swapped with food items she cannot distinguish the difference and will meltdown that we have taken things from her - almost like she is missing out.

Food times are a very difficult time, neither of them can grasp sitting still for the duration of the meal - nor can they sit for long periods of time. Being able to feed the puppy encourages them to eat their meals as they see her doing it every day.

There are other medical conditions being tested and diagnosed as well as the Autism for both our children but the real concensus is that by training the puppy to respond to big needs they can both get a glimpse of what others take for granted as they can learn to respond to the world around them in safety. In the end I guess I want what all parents want - to see my children reach their potential and be happy.