Welcome to my blog about my son and his autism assistance dog, Indie. Indie arrived into our lives on Sunday 19th September 2011 and Brandon was born on January 3rd 1998. Brandon has been diagnosed with severe autism; severe intellectual disability; acquired brain injury; non verbal; epilepsy; asthma and chronic asthma. Brandon suffers from severe anxiety resulting in him being aggressive and violent to people which has resulted in him being expelled from a number of social groups even those specifically catering for children with special needs: Barwon Valley after school activity sessions; Rainbow Club swimming lessons; school bus and respite care is difficult to gain for him because since he has been deemed dangerous he is requiring two carers however there are not enough capable carers able to deal with Brandon's high challenging needs. Our family remains completely isolated from the outside world because Brandon's behaviours are so challenging it is virtually impossible to access the community with him.

Indie is therefore our superman! I contacted Katie Hunter from Dogs for Kids with Disabilities raising the possible idea of being able to acquire an assistance dog for Brandon. Both of us were wary as to whether a puppy would be safe with Brandon given his violent nature. Well, this is where this blog comes in to document the success this beautiful animal has had to date with Brandon. I hope you will enjoy following this touching journey as much as I will enjoy sharing this special story with you.