Help Samuel Enrique TODAY and change his story FOREVER!

Samuel Enrique González Acosta, a 10-year-old boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ranging from mild to moderate, since he was 18 months old. Samuel, who will be turning eleven this upcoming February 22nd, is a curious, intelligent, and energetic child whose unique way of understanding the world presents daily challenges while teaching those around him new ways of seeing life.

Three years ago, Samuel and his family arrived in Spain from Venezuela, seeking access to education, therapies, and tools to positively impact his well-being and development as an human being.

Despite his exceptional abilities, Samuel faces significant challenges that affect his safety and emotional well-being. Some of these challenges are:

• Biochemical changes related to preadolescence and adolescence: These changes have a physical and emotional impact, as increased hormonal activity brings mood swings, irritability, or moments of sadness. Additionally, the development of abstract thinking poses a particular challenge for individuals with autism, as it demands greater communication efforts one of the core difficulties of ASD to express reflective and complex thoughts typical of adolescence.
• Emotional self-regulation: The emotional shifts associated with his evolving worldview and the social stimuli he encounters among peers of his age group though normal for preadolescents generate doubts, insecurities, and discomfort for Samuel, requiring constant interventions from his therapists. Moreover, changes in routine or unexpected events can provoke anxiety and disorientation, necessitating the support of parents, caregivers, and therapists.
• Awareness of danger: Samuel has difficulty assessing hazardous situations, particularly in public spaces. He tends to wander off without warning and does not always respond to risks, which puts his safety at risk.
• Sensory self-regulation: Samuel is frequently overwhelmed by the constant stimuli he encounters in his daily activities, such as school, extracurricular activities, and therapies. Intense sounds, strong smells, physical proximity or contact, specific tastes or food textures, sensitivity to light, and exposure to strobe lights (common in films, cultural events, urban lighting, and emergency signals like police or fire alarms) are especially challenging for him and hinder his ability to adapt in certain environments.
• Social interactions: While Samuel demonstrates high-functioning abilities, social interactions remain a challenging area where he requires continuous support to navigate effectively.

This is where a service dog could make a significant difference in his life. These specially trained animals provide not only emotional support but also practical  tools to help manage daily challenges.

How can a service dog help Samuel?

1. A service dog can guide Samuel and prevent dangerous situations, such as wandering off or crossing streets without caution.
2. Their constant presence can offer comfort and stability during moments of anxiety or unexpected changes, helping Samuel self-regulate.
3. Service dogs might intervene in cases of sensory overload, effectively calming Samuel and redirecting disruptive behaviors.
4. With the companionship of a service dog, Samuel can gain greater confidence to navigate various scenarios, improving his independence and quality of life.

Acquiring a specialized service dog represents a significant investment, but we believe it will be an invaluable tool for Samuel’s development and well-being over the next decade. This period will coincide with his transition into adolescence, youth, and early adulthood (18 to 25 years old).

For this reason, we have launched a fundraising project, where your support can make a transformative difference.