cover story*
Jack's forever
FRIEND FOR AN AUTISTIC CHILD, SOCIAL INTERACTION IS VERY DIFFICULT. FOR JACK HAYNES, HAVING ENJI, HIS AUTISM SUPPORT DOG, HAS NOT ONLY GIVEN HIM A FOREVER BEST FRIEND, BUT ONE WHO LOVES AND ACCEPTS HIM UNCONDITIONALLY, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER
pictures brenda haynes
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og lovers know what dogs are capable of, what lengths they’ll go to for their other half, and how powerful and supportive their unconditional love can be. A year ago, the Haynes family of Mount Edgecombe had two dogs. And then came three. Enji. Jack Haynes is nine years old, a twin to sister, Molly. Jack is autistic – diagnosed as “moderate” – is verbal, adores fishing, and is in Grade 3 at Livingstone Primary School. His best friend, Enji the Labrador, is just 22 months old. He’s Jack’s Autism Support Dog. Jack’s mom, Brenda, had no
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idea there was such a thing. Few do: “I generally don’t look at Facebook first thing, but on this particular morning I did. Since Jack’s diagnosis, I’ve spent a great deal of time researching autism, and connecting with other parents who are on the same journey. On that particular morning, this Facebook site announced that applications had just opened for Autism Support Dogs. I had no idea what that was, so I researched it.” Brenda says laughingly, “I’m a self-confessed procrastinator, but not that day. I submitted my application then and there. It was a sizeable document, about 15 pages. But their attention to detail was so impressive.” By the end of the day, applications were closed –
it was full. Autism Support Dogs fall under the auspices of the South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind, an organisation which not only provides dogs for the sight impaired, but also for those who have physical or developmental needs, or those of orientation and mobility. They train Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, and Autism Support Dogs (ASD). Head of Marketing, Nadia Sands, says for the ASDs, they only take 30 applications every two or so years. Chat to her, and it’s very clear why. The resources needed to train these dogs are extensive – there’s an inordinate amount of time and professional input required, but most importantly of all, is identifying a dog with the right temperament for that role, then matching the dog’s personality to that of the individual. What temperament is needed? Nadia explains: “The breeds we use – Labrador, Golden Retriever and Lab X Retriever – are generally placid and social dogs, but for ASD they need to be particularly gentle and placid; a temperament which isn’t upset by noise or meltdowns often associated with autistic children. We only get one or two out of a litter.” For an autistic child, the
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social and emotional impact of having a support dog can be profound. Among other invaluable attributes, Nadia says, “They provide anchoring (which stops the child from bolting), and companionship for children who are often lonely due to their autism.” Brenda won’t forget that phone call. Her application was successful. Someone would
