A FAMILY from Burley-in-Wharfedale is seeking help to fund the training of a support dog which has already transformed the life of their young son.

Since ten-year-old Nathan Rowling was paired up with Fudge the golden retriever, his family say his confidence and his ability to communicate has vastly improved.

Nathan was diagnosed with autism several years ago. The developmental disorder affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they make sense of the world around them.

The lifelong condition can cause stress when interacting with others, and taking part in everyday activities.

When Nathan’s mum, Brenda White, heard about trained service dogs for autism, she set about trying to find a charity or service which would fund a dog to help Nathan.

The highly-trained dogs offer their handler safety, comfort and inclusion in social situations, as well as companionship and support. Many supporters of the use of service dogs say they can ease frustration and anxiety by providing a calming sensory input.

They can also alert their owner if they see him or her performing repetitive behaviours. And with small young children, the dog can be trained to lie down and ‘anchor’ a youngster if he or she tries to run off.

Much like a guide dog, hearing dog or medical alert dog, the dog stays with its owner all day, at school, in the workplace and at the supermarket.

Mrs White sought help from numerous charities and organisations in the UK before hearing about private company Service Dogs Europe, based in Ireland. The organisation finds a young dog suitable for the person’s needs and gives them some training, before delivering the dog to its new home. After a few months together, to make sure dog and owner bond, the organisation then begins to give the dog more intensive training.

Nathan and Fudge are already inseparable – and Fudge is also a hit with Nathan’s brothers, sister and the family’s other two dogs.

Brenda said: “He’s talking a lot more now, which he didn’t do before, and it’s helped with his confidence.”

Since Fudge arrived, the family has been able to take Nathan on trips to the cinema, and as an official service dog, Fudge can also accompany him on family shopping trips, accompanying him in elevators and on stairs. The family look forward to being able to go on holidays too.

A fully trained support dog costs more than £6,000. The family has already made the first payment, but has been left needing to find more than £4,000 to keep Fudge and continue with training.

A fundraising page at letsgofundraise.com/charity_details.php?charity=21#fundraisers is due to go live in the next few days.