An autistic girl from Derby, who often ran away and put herself in danger, has had her life transformed by an assistance dog. Eight-year-old Alessa, diagnosed with autism age five, frequently bolted from her family. After a close call where she was hit by a car, her parents sought additional support.
"If there was an open door, she'd be gone—she was constantly on the go," said Donna, Alessa’s mother and Clinical Support Worker. "She ran across the road to see her grandad's van and was hit by a car. Thankfully, the driver braked just in time, but it was a close call that left us all shaken."
Mandy, a Labrador-Golden Retriever, trained by the National Charity of Support Dogs, has dramatically improved Alessa's behaviour. Research by Autism Speaks indicates nearly half of autistic children are prone to bolting or wandering. Since Mandy joined their family, Alessa has almost stopped running away. "When Alessa is upset, Mandy just sits with her, and she calms down. Mandy is her rock," Donna noted. "Before, she would throw things, scream, shout, and kick."
During lockdown in 2021, Donna applied for an assistance dog, and within a year, a match was found. When Mandy met Alessa, their connection was immediate. "As soon as Mandy sat with her, Alessa just chilled. It was amazing to watch." Mandy has not only brought calm to Alessa but also brought the family closer together.
