William is a non-verbal 3 year old boy diagnosed at 18 months with Autism.

At only a few months old, we noticed he wasn’t making much eye contact. He also was late to achieve child development milestones, including walking and talking. While it appeared to most that our son was a healthy and happy baby, we knew in our hearts something was wrong. After multiple requests to his pediatrician for support, we were referred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio for an evaluation and diagnosis. In a few months time, and in the midst of COVID shutdowns and restrictions, William was one of the youngest children NCH had diagnosed with Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder. While heartbreaking and surreal, our concerns were finally validated. We immediately started supportive therapies, like speech and physical therapy, and awaited an opening for ABA therapy through NCH.

By his 2nd birthday, William cleared the waitlist for intensive in-home ABA therapy. We had therapists in our home twice per day for 20+ hours per week plus continued speech therapy. We saw some improvements in his ability to communicate his needs through limited sign language and non-verbal cues.

When William turned 3, we submitted an application for his enrollment at Bridgeway Academy, a center-based program and accredited school that supports autistic children and adults. We were incredibly blessed to learn William was accepted into their preschool program and would be able to receive ongoing therapeutic support while attending school full-time.

At nearly 4 years old, William has developmental delay, significant sensory processing issues, and continues to struggle with communication. He does not say any words and utilizes limited sign language to communicate his needs and desires. One of our biggest concerns, and one of the leading causes of death for autistic children, is elopement. Trips outside the home with William can be challenging and often require more than one adult to ensure his safety. He shows no signs of fear and does not understand danger. As his parents, we continue to search out and obtain means of support where possible. Our desire to help ensure we can best communicate with our son and keep him safe is what brought us to discover W.A.G.S. 4 Kids.

We believe a service dog for William would greatly enhance his life. A service dog would be a constant companion for our son to help keep him safe and secure. His ability to connect and interact with a dog where words aren’t required is something only man’s best friend could do. A service dog could help improve his sensory processing challenges. More importantly, a service dog would help keep William safe during excursions.

We are incredibly excited to welcome a service dog into our home and continue to support William’s growth, development and safety. Thank you for your support!

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 for William