About Astrid
About Astrid’s Journey
At just four years old, Astrid is a bright, beautiful soul who fills our lives with love, resilience, and light. Shortly after turning 16 months old, Astrid experienced a sudden regression in her communication, social, and cognitive abilities. She was later diagnosed with Level 3 non-verbal autism—a moment that shifted our world and started our dedicated path toward helping her thrive.
Every single day, Astrid shows incredible strength. She attends ABA therapy five days a week, working tirelessly to navigate a world that can often feel overwhelming. Day-to-day life presents big challenges for her, including self-harming behaviors during difficult moments, elopement risks, a lack of safety awareness, and frequent sensory overload.
Despite these obstacles, Astrid's determination inspires us all:
- Finding Her Voice: She is actively learning to communicate her thoughts, needs, and feelings using her AAC device.
- Building Connections: She is taking brave steps toward social interaction and connecting with those around her.
- Finding Peace: She is working hard on self-regulation techniques to help her recover and find comfort after meltdowns.
Bringing an autism service dog into Astrid's life will provide the constant, gentle support she needs—offering grounding during sensory overload, interrupting self-harming behaviors, and keeping her safe from elopement. Every donation directly funds the specialized training her service pup needs to become her devoted partner for life. Thank you for walking this path with us and helping Astrid find her independence!
Meet Hank
Meet Hank! This 12-week-old purebred Standard Poodle is stepping into a huge role as Astrid’s future service dog. Hank is an energetic, affectionate pup who loves everyone he meets—especially his furry family members (a French bulldog and two cats!). When he’s not playing chase with Astrid or enjoying cheese balls together, he is the ultimate cuddle bug who just wants to lean in close. As he finishes his vaccinations, Hank is preparing for the dedicated training that will turn him into Astrid’s life-changing partner.
The Journey For Hank
- Phase 1: Early Foundation & Socialization (Puppyhood)
Hank focuses on fundamental obedience, impulse control, and exposure to different environments. He learns to navigate real-world settings with composure while building a strong, affectionate bond with Astrid and our family.
- Phase 2: Task-Specific Skill Training
Hank begins dedicated task training tailored specifically to Astrid’s everyday needs. He practices specialized skills such as: - Sensory Grounding & Deep Pressure Therapy: Applying gentle weight to help calm and comfort Astrid during periods of distress or sensory overload.
- Self-Harm Interruption: Recognizing signs of distress and nudging or placing a paw to interrupt self-harming behaviors.
- Elopement Prevention & Safety: Learning spatial awareness and tethering techniques to help anchor Astrid and keep her safe from wandering.
- Phase 3: Public Access & Advanced Integration
Hank transitions his training to public settings—stores, busy streets, parks, and medical visits. He practices maintaining focus solely on Astrid despite heavy distractions, ensuring he remains a dependable, calming presence wherever they go.
- Phase 4: Team Certification & Final Placement
Astrid, Hank, and Astrid's primary support person complete comprehensive public access and team testing together to ensure everyone operates seamlessly as a handler unit. Once certified, Hank officially steps into his full-time role as Astrid’s dedicated guardian, assistant, and best friend.