Good Dog! Drake is the first of her kind at Good Dog! Autism Companions, a local non-profit that specializes in training personal service dogs, and Comprehensive Autism Center (CAC), the one-of-a-kind applied behavior analysis (ABA) facility where she works.
As a facility dog, Drake helps increase motivation, promote gross and fine motor activities, provide opportunities for language and calm and comfort children with autism spectrum disorders.
Find out what she’s been up to lately!
The video below, captured by the staff at CAC, is just one example of the wonderful work Good Dog! Drake does to help local children and families living with autism.
A note from CAC’s social facilitator, Jenna:
Because CAC provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to military families, it is very common for our families to move across the country — or even the world — on short notice.
Recently, one of our client’s parents sadly shared their news of new orders and relocation. While this child has been coming to the center on a regular basis, he has never expressed an interest in playing with Drake. This wasn’t a big surprise to his family, however, since they have two big, beautiful Labradors at home.
As the move took full swing and toys were packed in boxes at home, the client attended more sessions in our center. When this video was captured, the child was playing a game of chase. He ran for the tunnel giggling, “Come on Drake, follow me!”
Drake was following close behind and dove into the tunnel after her new buddy. All the adults gathered to observe their joyful playtime. We chatted about how engaged he was with Drake. His technician casually mentioned that he has dogs at home, but stated that their interactions looked nothing like this.
Finally, he came to the center for one of his final sessions with CAC (not to mention, the last chance to play with his friends and his new buddy, Drake). When his mom came to pick him up that night, she shared with us that their dogs have been boarding due to the move. We shared the same video clip with her and she nearly burst into tears while watching her son appropriately play with Drake. She quickly composed herself and jokingly said, “I sure wish we could take Drake with us.”
It is so comforting to know that with Drake’s help, we can support families through difficult moves not only clinically, but emotionally as well.