This story was written by mother of two Tamara Standley. If you have a story or opinion you'd like to share, click here.

THE only thing a person with a disability or should I say different-ability wants, is to have an ordinary life - and my boys will have extra-ordinary lives.

My sons, Rhylee and Chase, have been diagnosed with autism.

Autism spectrum disorder is neurological disorder. ASD ranges from mild to severe, and as a result each child and family coping with autism has a unique set of challenges.

Recently our family, with help of the Gladstone community, raised $7,000 to buy Chase an assistance dog, Shadow.

Shadow is now eight months old and right into her advanced training.

The Gladstone community still rallies behind Chase and Shadow, and just recently Nu-Image Pet Styling has offered us free grooming for life for Shadow, and the Calliope Mobile Vet has also offered her services at discounted rates.

Sadly there isn't funding for these assets in Queensland and families need to raise the money on their own.

With the introduction of the NDIS there could be a positive change, and since the NDIS has rolled out in trial sites, there has been a service dog purchased.

I have recently started my own organisation which offers private respite support called Diverse Community Services.

I felt there was a need to offer a more personalised approach to respite support and their families, that doesn't always come from organisations, and hope with NDIS approaching that people with a disability and their families explore all options of alternative supports.

For information about Diverse Community services email diversecommunityservices@outlook.com.  

To follow Chase's story on Facebook, go to Chasing Shadow's-Chases Journey.