Ethan was born on a cold November morning in 2012. He was a happy, smiling infant – but very quiet. As he grew, his family realized that he was missing milestones, in particular with speech, but also with gross and fine motor capabilities. At his 2-year-old well-baby visit, it was obvious that Ethan was experiencing delays but the extent was still unknown. At 3-years-old, Ethan received the formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Type II – and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD.)
"It's hard to express the fear of the unknown like that moment [when Ethan was diagnosed]. Will he grow up ok? Will he have friends? Will he go to college – have his own family? You panic on levels you didn’t know existed. You grieve for the life you fear he will never have. Then you breathe… And you realize this beautiful little boy is awesome. He loves meatballs and tickles. He is the best snuggler. He loves animals and sings to his stuffed toys. You realize you love him with every fiber of your being. You commit to trying to help him anyway you can."
- Leahmarie, Ethan's Mother
Ethan's parents began to arm themselves with knowledge, learning as much as they could about the resources and tools available to help Ethan. As they began researching therapies, they were introduced to W.A.G.S. 4 Kids. Ethan's parents realized that an autism spectrum service dog could help Ethan in so many different ways: he could help Ethan meet and relate with his peers, love him when he's frustrated, and interrupt his STIM behavior, just to name a few.
"Our vision was [that a service dog would] calm Ethan and provide him an anchor in his world when he needed one."
- Leahmarie, Ethan's Mother
After two years of fundraising for their service dog, Ethan's family met their service dog, Tinner, when he was officially paired with Ethan on November 4th, 2019.
"Tinner HAS become Ethan's anchor. He also has become a friend and snuggle buddy when things get scary."
- Leahmarie, Ethan's Mother
Ethan's parents and brother began to see changes in Ethan's behavior and demeanor not long after Tinner became a member of their family. Parents of special needs children often face challenges that others can't even begin to understand. Making trips to the grocery store, going to the park, sending their children to school, taking their child to get a haircut - these tasks that so many other parents don't think twice about, many special needs parents have to consider carefully. Our autism service dogs are task trained to support these children and help them cope with their diagnoses, whether they're facing challenges at home or out in public. Just one of the many ways that Tinner has helped Ethan is by acting as an anchor in what would otherwise be scary social situations.
"Tinner went with us to get haircuts (because I love my boys and have ZERO haircutting skills) - Ethan, who hasn't come to terms with the hair-cutting process, became terribly anxious and refused to get into the barber chair. But after he put Tinner in a "down-stay" next to him and told him, "Don't be scared Tinner, it is just a haircut," he sat down and was able to make it though with zero trauma."
- Leahmarie, Ethan's Mother
Tinner and Ethan's friendship began just a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic swept the nation, and the world. The lockdowns, quarantines, increased safety precautions, reduced socialization, and loss of routine have undoubtedly been difficult for all, but those with autism are especially struggling to cope with the "new normal." The children that we serve who battle autism are leaning on their service dogs now more than ever, and Ethan is no exception.
"COVID-19 has limited us in our ability to take Tinner and Ethan out in public as we try to keep the boys home as much as possible as an abundance of caution in a crazy time. Autistic kiddos do NOT like wearing masks - and also do NOT keep their hands nicely to themselves. But when we do go out, Tinner is there to comfort E who is not used to being out in public as well."
- Leahmarie, Ethan's Mother
While Ethan and Tinner strengthen their bond during quarantine, Ethan's parents believe that Tinner will be integral for helping Ethan transition back into the world when it returns to normal as we have known it.
"Many folks look forward to the days we can go to the stores, restaurants, and visit family again without fear - parents of Autism Spectrum Disorder kiddos know that we will have to re-teach our children how to re-adjust to the "outside" world. Tinner will be KEY to Ethan's re-acclimation to this and is a Godsend."
- Leahmarie, Ethan's Mother
From the big things, like helping a child to cope with a pandemic, to the little things, like helping a child receive a haircut without trauma - these moments are what your donations to W.A.G.S. 4 Kids make possible. Your gift will be used to help children and families across 30 counties in Ohio. It's thanks to our donors and supporters that we can help children with special needs throughout live their most joyous lives.
If you’d like to change the life of another child in Ethan and Tinner's name, please click the button below to make your online donation today. Know that with your gift, you are “Growing Possibilities, One Child at a Time.”