Chelsea's Vocation
Chelsea's neurodivergent offspring are the reason her heart and mind have grown year after year for two decades. As a neuromajority human caring for and about autistic humans, she has learned to apply a thing or two about brain wiring and wants to share that learning with other people so they can know better and do better, too. These 20-minute long shows will be released every two weeks (two per month max), feature occasional guests, have a neuroaffirming focus, and highlight autistic experiences.
Chelsea's Vocation
Autism Assistance Service Dogs
Once upon a time, there was a mother of two young children with autism whose husband traveled a lot for work. She was exhausted all the time. She often wondered how she could take her two children out of the house by herself and keep them safe. One day while she was folding laundry and the TV was tuned in to Animal Planet, she landed upon coverage of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Commentator Ron Reagan made frequent references to specific breeds of dogs that made great therapy dogs … worked well with children … and she wondered … Is there such a thing as service dogs for children with autism?
Her internet search landed her at 4 Paws for Ability. And while, sadly enough, even the best dogs don’t live forever, so therefore there was no "happily ever after", it’s still a good service dog story. Chelsea is delighted that Kait is willing to facilitate more good stories, since her family’s began two decades ago. In this episode, Kait explains the three primary tasks 4 Paws autism assistance service dogs are trained to do for their children, including search and rescue tracks. Chelsea provides real-life examples of those tasks from Justus and Noey's childhood.
Kaitlyn Jones is a Client Services Coordinator at 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit in Xenia, OH, that places service dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. She began her journey with 4 Paws over 8 years ago, initially as a volunteer in college. Kaitlyn earned her B.A. in Psychology and now supports families through onboarding and post-placement support. Passionate about the impact dogs can have, she is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys outings with her registered therapy dog, Jude, exploring the community and spreading joy wherever they go.
Resources:
- Differentiating between emotional support, therapy, and service dogs (ADA National Network)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and service animals
- Assistance Dogs International
Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde.
Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.
