Service dog helps area autistic student, proposed bill would ease challenges

Chris Stewart/Chris Stewart Donnie Oda, a Springboro Junior High School student, is seen with his autism assistance dog"Marble" on Thursday, Dec. 17.

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Chris Stewart/Chris Stewart Donnie Oda, a Springboro Junior High School student, is seen with his autism assistance dog "Marble" on Thursday, Dec. 17.

By Lawrence Budd, Staff Writer Updated 6:55 AM Friday, December 18, 2009

SPRINGBORO — Marble helps Donnie Oda get through the day at Springboro Junior High School.

Oda, 12, is among autistic Ohioans who would benefit from bills proposed in both branches of the Ohio Legislature expanding the definition of “mobility impaired person” and protecting them from legal challenges to the use of assistance dogs.

“These dogs, they perform miracles. They do something humans can’t do,” said Linda Oda, Donnie’s mom and a member of the Warren County Board of MRDD.

About 1.5 million Americans have an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Autism Society.

The law change — proposed in Senate Bill 220 and a yet-unnumbered companion House bill — is the result of work by the offices of Rep. Kevin Bacon, R-Minerva Park, who has an autistic daughter; and Sen. Shannon Jones, R-Clearcreek Twp., a friend of Donnie’s mom.

It protects autistic people who want to use assistance dogs in school or other aspects of life, Oda said.

The leash worn by Marble, a mixed breed female trained at Four Paws 4 Ability in Xenia, serves as a tether whenever Donnie wants to take off running while walking around school.

“She kind of puts on the brakes,” intervention specialist Lori Schneider said.

The dogs also know how to stem tantrums or “meltdowns” that strike Donnie and other autistic people.

“She puts her nose up his shirt. If that doesn’t work, she’ll scratch at him ’til he stops,” Linda Oda said.

Other students vie for the privilege of giving Marble treats, building bonds between him that might not otherwise develop between Donnie and other students.

“Having Marble here with Donnie helps Donnie to better participate,” Principal Andrea Cook said. “We’re very pleased with both Donnie and Marble being here.”

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