She loves unicorns, fairies and her big brother Zach.

She is cheeky and constantly has a smile on her face.

But Amber has just been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (level 2), ADHD combined type, severe speech disorders, sensory issues and attachment disorders.

Nicci Passmore is Amber’s foster/kinship parent and she is constantly worried about her little girl’s safety.

“Amber has sensory overload, meltdowns, difficulty understanding what people say, social barriers, a very limited attention span, difficulty forming relationships, depression, anxiety and safety issues as she is a “runner”,” Ms Passmore said.

“She will run away at any opportunity, so it’s a constant worry.”

Amber has been accepted for a Autism Assistance Dog through Smart Pups and Ms Passmore hopes the specially trained canine will be just the thing needed to help give the ever-smiling youngster some independence. 

“We avoid busy public places because she tends to run away,” Ms Passmore said.

“But having a Smart Pup will give Amber the independence to be able to do normal things in day-to-day life.”

Smart Pups are raised on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

They look out for the health and well-being of children with special needs, keeping them safe and out of harms way.

They are trained to assist a child with specific daily routines and can reportedly help reduce anxiety and increase daily successes in a variety of ways.

Ms Passmore said a Smart Pup can also act as a bridge between the child and the rest of the world to foster opportunities for social inclusion, friendship and belonging. 

“Having the dog will change her life completely and give us some respite to know that she is safe.” Ms Passmore said.

“The assistance dog in the short term will give Amber greater independence in being able to safely attend school plus a huge range of other benefits associated with owning an assistance dog.

“Though in the longer term our goal is to ensure Amber has a stable and safe childhood and teenage upbringing and will lead a fulfilling successful life.”

A Smart Pup for Amber will cost $25,000 and Ms Passmore is busily trying to fundraise to reach the target.

“It is still a long journey,” Ms Passmore said.

“They do not start raising the pup until we raise the funds needed.”

Amber was the child of two parents with their own special needs and placed immediately into foster care at birth.

Ms Passmore offered to take Amber as a full-time foster/kinship parent when she was four weeks old.

To help Amber get her Smart Pup and the assistance she requires or for more information, go to www.gofundme.com/ckwff2d7