Family needs help to pay for therapy dog training

TWO years ago, little Leo was diagnosed with autism, ADHD and auditory processing disorder. He interprets the world a little differently and now he’s looking for a friend to help him navigate it.

LEO Troy interprets the world a little differently, and now he’s looking for a friend to help him navigate it.

The four-year-old from Airport West doesn’t have it easy. Each night, Leo can stop breathing up to 20 times because of a serious sleep apnoea.

Two years ago he was diagnosed with autism, ADHD and auditory processing disorder, which affects his ability to understand speech.

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Ethan and Leo Troy with Dexter the puppy. Picture: Alex Coppel

The family has been approved to receive an autism assistance dog through the charity Smart Pups, but they need to raise at least $20,000 for the dog to be trained over the next year.

These therapy dogs are trained to find children if they run off and nudge them to disrupt destructive behaviours, and their presence can help reduce the child’s anxiety.

Ethan Troy plays with Dexter. Picture: Alex Coppel

“It would change not only his life, but our whole family’s life,” Leo’s mum Bronwyn Camplin said.

“He will be so much calmer with the dog. We will be able to go out places, because now we don’t go out.

“The dog can come to hospital with us, and that is going to take a lot of his anxiety away.”

Ms Camplin said the dog would also help their 12-year-old son Ethan, who also has autism.

To donate, go to: gofundme.com/smart-pup-for-leo

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