A FAMILY from Paulton is raising funds to provide their 12-year-old daughter, Ruby, with an autism assistance dog to support her and improve her quality of life.

Ruby, 12, from Paulton, has faced significant challenges since her autism diagnosis at the age of seven. She experiences social communication difficulties, executive functioning challenges, demand avoidance, and sensory overload, all of which have made daily life a struggle.

Ruby also has severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) related to germs, particularly outside the house, and experiences substantial sleep issues.

Rosie and Ben Dedman, Ruby’s parents, are actively working to raise funds for an autism assistance dog, hoping that a companion could provide crucial support in her daily life. They have launched a fundraising appeal to cover the costs associated with acquiring a suitable dog, specialised training, insurance, and necessary equipment.

Rosie said: “Ruby has not attended school since January 2024 as the secondary school system is not a tolerable place for someone like Ruby; she barely coped with primary school. She reached autistic burnout at the end of 2023 and spent months not wanting to do anything except watch TV and play SIMS on the computer.

“Ruby loves the company of animals and feels that they are much easier to understand than humans. The only reason she leaves the house now is to visit animals she likes at horse therapy, the dog that her counsellor has, or the kitten at her art lessons that she has just started.

“We have been fighting to get her an EHCP (Education and Health Care Plan), but it's a very long process, during which we are unable to work full time as someone needs to be home all the time caring for Ruby. This has a knock-on effect on our whole family.”

Autism assistance dogs can play a crucial role in supporting individuals like Ruby by helping to manage anxiety that may lead to ‘meltdowns’. These dogs can provide deep pressure therapy during distressing episodes, which may help reduce the intensity of these reactions.

The family has set up a JustGiving page to help raise the funds, and so far, the campaign has raised £3,500 towards the £8,000 target. People can visit the page here: JustGiving - Autism Assistance Dog.

The £8,000 target to cover the estimated costs of securing and training Ruby's assistance dog includes approximately £2,500 for a golden retriever puppy, £3,688 for the PAWS Assistance Dogs training course, and additional expenses such as a dog bed, crate, toys, and a dog car seat belt. The first year’s insurance is expected to cost around £672, and food expenses are estimated at £600.

Supporters can also contribute by shopping through Easyfundraising and selecting 'Ruby's Assistance Dog' as their cause. A portion of each purchase, from groceries to holidays, will go towards Ruby's fund at no extra cost. Visit: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/rubys-autism-assistance-dog.

People who would like to help in any way should contact [email protected].