My name is Ady and I am in my 20s now. I came to Canada many years
ago hoping that I will find help with my extreme anxiety and strange
behaviour. My mom promised that we will find our way to social integration.
I am interested in computers and technological devices. I am
fascinated by new technology and musical instruments. I have a
collections of watches. Time is important to me. I need to follow a
schedule and to have structure in my life. I cannot handle waiting
times and changes in my program. I like traveling, airports, seas,
oceans. I’m good with maps, directions and locations.
I like movies, usually cartoons and I am passionate about the
Avengers. Everything behind the screen is interesting and possible!
But my real life is difficult due to my worries and the pressure of
unexpected changes that make me nervous. I can’t deal with certain
smells, specific noises, textures, crowded places. Sometimes, when
excited, I have self-stimulatory behaviours, including hand flapping
and jumping. People look at me with disgust and I know these are not
desirable habits, but I have a hard time controlling them. Sometimes I
talk to myself to clarify my thoughts and fears. I still need
assistance in developing community living skills, including public
transport and personal safety.
For my first 10-12 years of life I was completely phobic of furry
animals. I had panic attacks even if seeing a cat in a window! I
followed a complicated “gradual exposure” treatment for many years.
You will not believe it, but I have a cat and a dog now.
My mom read somewhere that there are service dogs. If I would have
such a buddy I will never be alone with all my fears again. This
trained dog could take me out of my world and help me better
integrated into other people’s worlds.
Thank you for listening to my story.
Please support Kingston 4 Paws Service Dogs and help me obtain my
dream buddy!