Autistic boy’s life transformed thanks to his pet dog

[Michie]

A furry friend helped this little boy to speak for the first time.

Autism spectrum disorders are complex, and the channels of finding connection and communication with autistic people can be unexpected.

Leon Kirby-Bulner is a 4-year-old boy with autism who was completely locked in his silent world, until he was freed from this mental cage by a 4-legged friend — his dog, Fern.

Continued below.
Autistic boy’s life transformed thanks to his pet dog

 

[Rene Loup]

God first created animals and said they were good. The fact that even in a fallen world, we can still use them for therapeutic purposes. However, God ALSO said that it is not good that Adam was alone. Eve was created to be that human companion for Adam. Even in a perfect world, Adam still needed human connection.

Now, in a fallen world, it is tough for everyone. With autism and any other disability, even more so. The statistics are disgusting...

-According to one study, 44% of children with autism reported being bullied, 10% being perpetrators, and 16% being both bullies and victims.[5]

-'Mate Crime' is commonly commited against those with ASD. Basically, they are taken advantage of by those claiming to be their 'friends'.[4]

-People with ASD suffer high unemployment rates, some estimates as high as 86%.[2][3]

-People with ASD are 9x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.[1]

-People with low-functioning ASD have an average life expectancy of roughly 40 years and those with high-functioning ASD have an average of 58 years.[1]

While stories like the one presented in this topic's original post may be heartwarming, more can be done for these people. By no means should these people be portrayed as objects of pity. They are normal: Human beings made in God's image who have their own problems, just like everyone else. If anything, those with perfect health are not normal, with only 5% of the entire world population being so.[6]

The Bible has the Great Commission: Make disciples of the nations, including people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.[7] Now get out there and welcome these people by loving them as yourself, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth![8]

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/...early-death-in-those-autism-spectrum-disorder
   
2. Employment Research and Reports | The Arc’s Autism Now Center
3. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toro...d-this-job-fair-aims-to-change-that-1.5089780
4. https://www.autismtogether.co.uk/mate-crime/
5. Kids with Autism at Increased Risk for Bullying
6. Are You the 5 Percent? Small Minority Have No Health Problems | Live Science
7. Acts 1:4-8, Gal. 3:28, John 3:16-18, , 20:19–23, Luke 14:1-24, 24:44-49, Matt. 28:16-20
8. Deut. 5:1-22, 6:1-25, Ex. 20:1-17, Luke 10:25-37, Mark 12:28-34, Matt. 22:34-40, Rom. 13:8-10