Fetal Alcohol Syndrome hits very close to home for our family, and is the primary reason that we got into this business in the first place. Natasha and her biological brother, Andrei, both have FAS, and we have witnessed firsthand how it can hinder and frustrate the child. Every case of FAS or FASD is different, but listed below are some of the tasks that I have trained Willow to provide for my sister, Natasha (seen in the picture in the background on a training outing with Willow).
Tasks
Alert to anxiety
Sniff out alcohol (or other substances) and warn when it is present
Locate the person if they have wandered off
Block in public
The dog will create a barrier around the person to help them retain their personal space in public
Deep pressure therapy
Dog climbs on top of person to provide pressure and shorten anxiety or outbursts
Alert when someone is coming up from behind to avoid the startle response
Serve as an external filter:
With impulse control issues, it can sometimes help the individual to explain their ideas to the dog. By thinking it, speaking it, and then hearing it, it triples the chance of making the right decision because they have had more time to think about it.
Alert parents or guardian to person leaving in the middle of the night or wandering off
Tasks
Alert to anxiety
Sniff out alcohol (or other substances) and warn when it is present
Locate the person if they have wandered off
Block in public
The dog will create a barrier around the person to help them retain their personal space in public
Deep pressure therapy
Dog climbs on top of person to provide pressure and shorten anxiety or outbursts
Alert when someone is coming up from behind to avoid the startle response
Serve as an external filter:
With impulse control issues, it can sometimes help the individual to explain their ideas to the dog. By thinking it, speaking it, and then hearing it, it triples the chance of making the right decision because they have had more time to think about it.
Alert parents or guardian to person leaving in the middle of the night or wandering off