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Girl, 8, says support dog helps her cope with autism

Matt WeigoldDerby
News imageBBC A girl with long blonde hair and a white dress printed with images of dogs, sits next to a black Labrador. The dog has a blue collar, lead and harness. There is a brick wall to the right of them, a building to the left and a black car and green college building in the background.BBC
Piper says her support dog, Howard, is her best friend who helps her manage her autism

An eight-year-old girl has said her "really, really special" support dog Howard helps her manage her autism.

Piper, from Etwall, Derbyshire, said before she had Howard, she would regularly run off from social situations, which left her feeling lonely.

"Her world was a little bit smaller and a little less colourful, until Howard came along," her mum Laura said.

The black labrador has given Piper reassurance on car journeys, theatre trips and at bedtime, making life calmer Laura said.

"We can't imagine life without Howard now.

"He's part of the family and I know that Piper is safer when she's with Howard because she's more regulated," Laura said.

News imageSupplied Three images, all of the same black labrador, in his blue collar, lead and harness, in different locations with a blonde haired girl. Left, the two are hugging on the floor of a supermarket. The girl has her hair in bunches and is wearing a blue hi-vis vest, jeans and a checkered shirt. There is a trolley and a display stand in the background. Middle, The pair are crouched in front of a poppy display outside an old building. The girl is holding the black railings whilst hugging her dog. She is in a bright flowery dress. Right, the girl is carrying a Christmas tree covered in netting. The tree is almost taller than her. She is wearing a red bow, blue striped coat, red leggings and red furry boots. The dog's lead is connected to her coat and the dog. Behind her, other Christmas trees are lined up on a patioed area.Supplied
Howard has supported Piper on trips to the supermarket, family days out and Christmas events

Piper struggled with social situations and busy environments for years which was "difficult, challenging and restrictive" for the family, Laura said.

"[We had to] always plan, prepare and think ahead. We lost that spontaneity as a family," she said.

Initially, Laura did not think a support dog would be suitable for her daughter, but she contacted the Support Dogs charity based in Sheffield, after being recommended by a children's hospital consultant.

After a length matching process, Howard arrived on Piper's dad's birthday.

"He's not phased by any unusual sounds or noises or behaviour so we felt really confident with him around our children," Laura said.

Previously, Piper could only handle a 10-minute car journey before becoming dysregulated and she needed physical assistance from teachers to get her into school.

News imageA woman is sat beside some outdoor steps. A black labrador is sat and a girl is stood on the steps. The woman has long dark hair, a gold jumper, maroon trousers and a green bag with a long strap across her body. The dog is wearing a blue collar, lead and harness. The girl has long blonde hair, a white dress printed with images of dogs, white leggings and furry brown boots. There is a grey-fronted building with an intercom, a grey handrail and a brick wall to the right. There is a black car and green college building in the background.
Mum, Laura, said she cannot imagine Piper's life without Howard the dog

Laura said Piper can now enjoy trips to the shops, cinema and birthday parties.

"It's easier, we have a bit more freedom and Piper's more relaxed so she enjoys things a little more.

"Having Howard means we can access a lot more things," she said.

Piper said her "best friend" Howard notices when she is distressed and gives her hugs, kisses and comfort.

"Those sudden decisions, those impulses are still there. We still have lots of challenges but she is able to regulate herself by going to Howard," her mum added.

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