Landon is a 15-year-old with severe autism, ADHD, and anxiety. He loves to run, and jump, and has always been a very happy boy despite the fact that Landon cannot verbally communicate his wants and needs. He attends a school for autism where he has really done a great job of learning how to regulate his body. Landon really benefits from taking breaks when overwhelmed by groups and loud noises. He often uses a weighted vest and ankle weights to get the sensory input his body needs. Landon is one of four children and lives at home with his mom, dad, and younger sister. He has a difficult time playing with friends and classmates, but he loves to wrestle and laugh with his siblings.
Landon is the second youngest child in our family. We knew before he was a year and a half that something was wrong. His development seemed to drastically slow after his first birthday. He was not talking. He lined up his cars and trains. He did not turn when we called his name. Landon was diagnosed with autism at the Cleveland Clinic the month he turned two. We were fortunate to find a school that would take him so young, and he began speech and occupational therapy. Landon has since been in five different programs for autism.
There have been a lot of challenges for Landon. He is an incredibly picky eater. His food options are very limited and he inspects each bite before eating it. This has caused him to be extremely thin. Especially during the growth spurt he has had lately. Landon is almost 6 feet tall! Communication is always a big challenge for Landon. He will bring us what he wants or take us to it. The hardest part is when he is sick or hurt and he cannot tell us what is wrong. The scariest part of Landon’s autism is his eloping. When Landon is upset or anxious, his first instinct is to run – he does not understand the danger of running into the road. He has run right into unsuspecting strangers and at his size it is hard to explain.
We have tried so many diets and therapies to help Landon have an easier and happier life. Because of this, we have been considering getting a service dog for Landon for a couple of years now. We’ve decided this is the right time for Landon and us.
We think a service dog could help Landon in multiple ways. Easing his anxiety in public would help him to be more social and have more experiences. Landon wakes up through the night and it is our hope that sleeping with his dog would help him sleep through the night. We also hope that this special dog could be a friend to him and bring him happiness.
You can also mail a check or money order to:
W.A.G.S. 4 Kids
112 East Center Street
Berea, OH 44017
Please make a memo that your donation is in the name of Landon