Waterlooville woman with autism who has up to 30 seizures a day needs to raise £9,000 for assistance dog

A YOUNG woman with autism is hoping to gain more independence as she aims to raise enough money for an assistance dog.
Megan Wilson from Waterlooville is fundraising for an autism dog which will help her become more independent.
Picture Ian Hargreaves (040320-2)Megan Wilson from Waterlooville is fundraising for an autism dog which will help her become more independent.
Picture Ian Hargreaves (040320-2)
Megan Wilson from Waterlooville is fundraising for an autism dog which will help her become more independent. Picture Ian Hargreaves (040320-2)

Megan Wilson, from Waterlooville, was diagnosed with autism when she was 18 which causes her heightened anxiety and stress as well as extreme mood swings.

The 20-year-old cannot leave the house alone due to non-epileptic seizures linked to her autism - she can have up to 30 seizures a day which can last up to an hour and a half.

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Megan has kickstarted a fundraising campaign to raise money for her own autism assistance dog, which would allow her to have more independence, help with everyday tasks such as medication reminders and provide deep pressure therapy where the dog puts its weight on you to calm you down.

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‘I may look normal but I’m not, and most people don’t realise that,’ said Megan.

‘The amount of social anxiety it causes even to say hello to people I know is just overwhelming.

‘It will make a tremendous difference. I’m currently not allowed out of the house on my own unless I take a taxi or am with a friend.’

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Megan cannot attend college or have a job because nowhere will accept her due to her frequent seizures which are brought on by stress.

However, when Megan began researching charities which provide autism dogs, she found that most will only fund a dog for children aged between three and 10.

She has found the company Autism Dogs CIC, but to get a fully trained dog she will need to pay £9,450.

Megan said: ‘Autism doesn’t stop when you’re 10 years old.

‘This dog will bring me my independence, it would mean the world.’

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Parents Debbie and David currently work alternate shifts to make sure someone is always around to help Megan, and they are hoping an assistance dog would allow Megan to have her own life.

Debbie said: ‘We’re thinking of the future for Megan, anything that would lessen Megan’s stress and anxiety.

‘I want her to be prepared for when she is older and more independent.’

To donate to Megan’s fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/autismdogformegan.

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