AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
Boy with autism offers poignant explanation of living with condition as he fundraises for specialist dog
Elliott Pugh and his mum Lucy are fundraising for a canine companion to help him be less scared of the world
Puppy love: The calming experience of having a pet around means Elliott Pugh could thrive with an Autism Service Dog
Many youngsters hassle their parents for pet dogs, but Elliott Pugh wants one for a slightly different reason.
The 12-year-old who loves playing computer games, coding and painting, is hoping that he can become a dog owner, because canine company can help him to be a calmer, less anxious person.
Elliott has autism, and his behavioural issues can cause issues in public and private for he and his family to handle.
Talented boy: The 12-year-old loves playing computer games, coding and painting
Although he already has a pet cat called Rosie, his mum Lucy recently set up a GoFundMe account to raised cash for Elliott to get a specially-trained pet to help make his life better.
Elliott, from Bristol, explains: "I think it would be so cool to have a dog to help me stay calm and not so worried. Going in public places is really hard for me and I find it hard to make myself walk, so I use a wheelchair.
"I think having a special dog will make me feel safer. Mum said I can even take the dog on a plane. Last time I had to go on a plane I got so scared that I couldn't get through the security bit safely.
Pet resucue: Elliott and his cat Rosie, who helps his mood
"Maybe having a special dog would help me with things like that. It would be like my friend. I don't have any friends, apart from my teachers who are really great."
The emotional and open story of Elliott's condition - a rare type of autism called PDA, or pathological demand avoidance, is an eye-opener for anyone who doesn't have to live with the difficulties that autism and conditions on the spectrum can bring to a home.
He explains: "I found it really hard at my mainstream school, I used to get so scared that my brain would stop working and I would lash out and try and hurt people and strangle myself.
School days: But Elliott struggled in education with other kids
"On my last day at school, it took five adults to restrain me. I was only nine.
"Mum took me home and had to wrap me in a blanket to calm me down, and I was crying and shaking for hours."
After spending a year at home because no school would take him, he grew more sad.
He said: "I used to lay on my floor and cuddle my pillow for hours. I got even more scared of everything and I didn't want to go out of my bedroom.
"I was too scared to speak to anyone. I didn't want my curtains open because I wanted to forget there was an outside. I made mum take the mirror out of my room because I hated seeing myself so much."
Even when Elliottt found a new school he struggled to adjust, and he admits he trashed the classroom, smashed the classroom door and the computers, as well as trying to hurt other people.
Scrappy times: Elliot admits that he sometimes damaged his old schools because of his condition
Even at home, he was struggling.
He said: "When everything got too much, I would have meltdowns that would last for hours. I would bite myself, bang my head against the wall, and put my T-shirt around my neck and try and strangle myself.
"I also hurt my brother and sisters and mum and dad. I just don't know what I am doing when I get like that."
After spending time in a children's home, Elliott says he missed his mum and family terribly, and in March of this year, he was thrilled to have another school place where he didn't have to be around other children.
He said: "I was so happy about my new school place that I decided to do a painting to give to my new headteacher. She really liked it! I really enjoyed doing it, it made me feel calm and happy.
"I started doing more paintings and people asked if they could buy them. I didn't want the money so I decided to paint for charity.
"People have been so kind and nice and so far we have raised nearly £2000. I have donated £500 to the PDA Society so far, and given a cheque for £1,000 to my school."
With a massive effort, Elliott and Lucy have raised £4,110 of their £6,000 target, and they're thrilled with the response.
Elliot said: "Thank you to everyone who has helped me so far. Things are really getting better for me. I feel happier and I am started to talk to people more and to feel calmer.
"Things will always be harder for me because of my autism but it doesn't mean I can't be happy."
If you would like to give to Elliott's GoFundMe page, follow this link.
SOURCE (with more photos): http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/boy-autism-offers-poignant-explanation-6398761
Boy with autism offers poignant explanation of living with condition as he fundraises for specialist dog
Elliott Pugh and his mum Lucy are fundraising for a canine companion to help him be less scared of the world
Puppy love: The calming experience of having a pet around means Elliott Pugh could thrive with an Autism Service Dog
Many youngsters hassle their parents for pet dogs, but Elliott Pugh wants one for a slightly different reason.
The 12-year-old who loves playing computer games, coding and painting, is hoping that he can become a dog owner, because canine company can help him to be a calmer, less anxious person.
Elliott has autism, and his behavioural issues can cause issues in public and private for he and his family to handle.
Talented boy: The 12-year-old loves playing computer games, coding and painting
Although he already has a pet cat called Rosie, his mum Lucy recently set up a GoFundMe account to raised cash for Elliott to get a specially-trained pet to help make his life better.
Elliott, from Bristol, explains: "I think it would be so cool to have a dog to help me stay calm and not so worried. Going in public places is really hard for me and I find it hard to make myself walk, so I use a wheelchair.
"I think having a special dog will make me feel safer. Mum said I can even take the dog on a plane. Last time I had to go on a plane I got so scared that I couldn't get through the security bit safely.
Pet resucue: Elliott and his cat Rosie, who helps his mood
"Maybe having a special dog would help me with things like that. It would be like my friend. I don't have any friends, apart from my teachers who are really great."
The emotional and open story of Elliott's condition - a rare type of autism called PDA, or pathological demand avoidance, is an eye-opener for anyone who doesn't have to live with the difficulties that autism and conditions on the spectrum can bring to a home.
He explains: "I found it really hard at my mainstream school, I used to get so scared that my brain would stop working and I would lash out and try and hurt people and strangle myself.
School days: But Elliott struggled in education with other kids
"On my last day at school, it took five adults to restrain me. I was only nine.
"Mum took me home and had to wrap me in a blanket to calm me down, and I was crying and shaking for hours."
After spending a year at home because no school would take him, he grew more sad.
He said: "I used to lay on my floor and cuddle my pillow for hours. I got even more scared of everything and I didn't want to go out of my bedroom.
"I was too scared to speak to anyone. I didn't want my curtains open because I wanted to forget there was an outside. I made mum take the mirror out of my room because I hated seeing myself so much."
Even when Elliottt found a new school he struggled to adjust, and he admits he trashed the classroom, smashed the classroom door and the computers, as well as trying to hurt other people.
Scrappy times: Elliot admits that he sometimes damaged his old schools because of his condition
Even at home, he was struggling.
He said: "When everything got too much, I would have meltdowns that would last for hours. I would bite myself, bang my head against the wall, and put my T-shirt around my neck and try and strangle myself.
"I also hurt my brother and sisters and mum and dad. I just don't know what I am doing when I get like that."
After spending time in a children's home, Elliott says he missed his mum and family terribly, and in March of this year, he was thrilled to have another school place where he didn't have to be around other children.
He said: "I was so happy about my new school place that I decided to do a painting to give to my new headteacher. She really liked it! I really enjoyed doing it, it made me feel calm and happy.
"I started doing more paintings and people asked if they could buy them. I didn't want the money so I decided to paint for charity.
"People have been so kind and nice and so far we have raised nearly £2000. I have donated £500 to the PDA Society so far, and given a cheque for £1,000 to my school."
With a massive effort, Elliott and Lucy have raised £4,110 of their £6,000 target, and they're thrilled with the response.
Elliot said: "Thank you to everyone who has helped me so far. Things are really getting better for me. I feel happier and I am started to talk to people more and to feel calmer.
"Things will always be harder for me because of my autism but it doesn't mean I can't be happy."
If you would like to give to Elliott's GoFundMe page, follow this link.
SOURCE (with more photos): http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/boy-autism-offers-poignant-explanation-6398761
