Not long ago, young Alexander Davis was ferried around in a pushchair – at the age of almost five. It was the only way the strapping lad, known as Xander, could be prevented from running away when out and about.

One in 100 children in the UK are diagnosed with autism, and half of these have a tendency to bolt from their caregivers, with no sense of danger. 

“I had to be in trainers – I had to run after Xander,” she said. “Running is not my forte.”

Natasha and her husband Gary, a 38-year-old prison officer, knew something had to be done to help them keep Xander safe. She looked up Support Dogs –  “I remember seeing videos of the children that already had a support dog and how they helped them,” said Natasha. “When I was watching them, I started crying – I could see my little boy in the situations they were in, and how the dogs helped them and their families access the world again.” 

Following a matching process, Xander was paired with Spot, and Natasha took handler training with the specialist dog. 

“it felt like they fit”

“He is such an intelligent dog – he knows what Xander needs, he knows when to leave him alone and he knows when to get closer. As soon as his blue jacket is off and he’s out on a free run, he’s such a goofball. We wouldn’t change him for the world.” 

And a trip to the supermarket is so much easier – Natasha doesn’t have to put Xander in the trolley or worry about him leaving go of her hand, as Spot is by his side. Spot also helps signal to people that Xander needs more space, greatly helping to relieve his anxiety.

“It was like a military operation previously, or we had to wait until Xander’s Dad got home, but now it’s like ‘let’s go’ and we can pop into town, or walk into the high street.” The family even managed to have their first family holiday last year – three nights in Great Yarmouth – thanks to Spot. 

"I can't imagine life without Spot. I don't think Xander could either"