'It was magic:' Cork's canine companions opening doors for neurodivergent children

Sara Prodoni thought she had lost her son when he ran out in front of a truck, but now that he has Indi the dog, new opportunities have opened up for Ruben

Ruben and Autism Assistance dog Indi: "the bond just happened — it was magic"

After noticing her young son Ruben was having issues with speech, language and social engagement, Kildare-based Sara Prodoni, a neuroaffirmative parent and an advocate for the neurodivergent community, helped Ruben through the process of assessment and diagnosis for autism in 2020 — right as the Covid-19 crisis struck.

Putting new routines in place was challenging for us all, but when factors like sensory issues and flight risk are in consideration, certainty and stability are all the more important — especially when it leads to a close call like Ruben experienced last year.