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BOUNTIFUL — Service and companion dogs have helped bring better lives to people with physical difficulties. But dogs can also be a big help to kids who are trying to cope with mental and emotional needs.
Here is a look at two Utah families, two children with autism, and the two dogs that are making a difference in their lives.
A dog named Snowe is the newest member of the Wilkins family. Natalie Wilkins is happy having Snow there.
"She's been very good for Natalie," said Eric Wilkins, her father.
Across town, Will Fairbanks loves to play fetch with his new dog, Jenks. Everyday interaction between people is easy and natural for most kids, but can be a struggle for children with autism. Having a dog helps to bridge that gap.
"Especially with people he's not comfortable with, he's very hesitant," said Will's mother, Kattie Fairbanks. "He may play with them, but talking is definitely out of his comfort zone with new people."
Will and Natalie have had to face very particular challenges, since both are on the autism spectrum.
"She does not relate with people," said Eric Wilkins. "People don't relate. She cannot have relationships. She doesn't know how to form relations."
Natalie was also prone to emotional eruptions; what her family calls "meltdowns." It's one of the things that pushed them to experiment with a canine companion.
"Her eruptions, her physical violence to herself and to some of her siblings," said Eric, "if there was a dog that would help her emotionally, we'd give it a try."
The dogs came from Canine Companions for Independence in Oceanside, California, which generally helps clients with physical challenges. In a bit of a coincidence, C.C.I. awarded dogs to two different autistic kids from Bountiful at the same time. The families were amazed at how C.C.I. was able to match personalities. The right dog ended up with the right kid.
Her eruptions, her physical violence to herself and to some of her siblings. If there was a dog that would help her emotionally, we'd give it a try.
–Eric Wilkins, Natalie's father
There was a bond right away, according to Janae Wilkins, Natalie's mother.
"Phenomenal," she said. "I was blown away."
Natalie herself notices her own moods are better with Snowe in the family.
"She helps me be calm," she said. "If I'm having a meltdown, she'll help me."
Now, both kids, both dads, both dogs are comfortable going shopping, something they almost never did before they got their canine companions. The dogs are always on a dual leash with a parent maintaining control.
Mark Fairbanks, Will's father, said he sees a difference.
"I think there's more confidence," he said. "We're seeing some benefits now, and they say as they grow, as they continue to bond, it gets better."
And for Natalie, those meltdowns aren't what they used to be.
"The little things that would just send her into an eruption irritate her still, but it's mild," Eric Wilkins said. "It's manageable. I can deal with it.
"It's made her quality of life a lot better, again, even though she doesn't know it."
There's real hope that, in the future as the bonds with the dogs deepen, that both kids will connect better with the people in their lives.
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