Appreciating the Positive Effects of an Autism Assist Dog

“Autism affects every aspect of Norah’s life.” This statement, made by Norah’s mom, Kelly, sums up the challenges Norah faces. Kelly shares a few examples validating this, saying, “Norah has had problems sleeping since birth. Norah does not speak. She does repeat words. Norah has few self-care skills. She walks on her toes so she has AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthosis braces) to help with this.”

These challenges, alone, are enough to create anxiety for any parent, and Kelly and her husband, Brian, are no exception. However, what concerned them the most was leaving the house with Norah. Kelly says, “Taking Norah out into the community always involves careful planning to keep her safe. I make sure to hold her hand while out in public.”

Yet, Norah doesn’t understand these precautions, and “danger” is a foreign concept to her. “She will run away from caregivers because she thinks it’s a game,” explains Kelly. Additionally, Norah gets overstimulated easily, so the family’s time out and about is often dictated by what Norah can handle. 

So when a staff member from the Minnesota nonprofit Family Voices told Kelly about Can Do Canines, Kelly experienced a sense of hope. Hearing how Autism Assist Dogs can be tethered between the child and an adult, Kelly became optimistic that their family could have a new option for helping keep Norah safe in the world. 

After a thorough application and matching process, 10-year-old Norah and Kelly were introduced in early 2024 to Lester, a 3 ½-year-old black Lab. Kelly says, “Norah was very excited to meet Lester. She loves dogs.”

And what’s not to love about Lester? This “morning person” is most excitable at the start of the day. But whenever someone is talking to him, he perks up his ears and wags his tail to show his enthusiasm. Norah enjoys petting him and feeding him, and the two of them snuggling together is a favorite moment for Kelly to witness. 

It’s Lester’s calming presence, though, that has transformed this family’s hope into reality. Kelly shares, “When we go out into the community, Lester provides safety for Norah and reduces stress for me. He prevents her from running away.”

Not only is going out in public much easier now with Lester along, Kelly adds, “I think we might be able to stay places for longer periods of time now.”

“Getting Lester has been such a wonderful gift,” Kelly confirms. “Norah really loves having a dog around, [and] I am most grateful for the added safety element and stress reduction having Lester provides.”

These days, Lester is affecting Norah’s life, and with him, the results are positive and life-changing.

 

Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:

Raisers — Lia Capaldini, The Kromer-Ide Family
Special Thanks — Federal Correctional Institution-Waseca, Jackson Correctional Institution, Stanley Correctional Institution
Team Sponsor — Clear Water Lions Club and Clear Lake Lions Club Name-A-Puppy Donor — Pat Hughes