A Columbiana area family is asking for help to get a service dog who can assist their five year old daughter who has non-verbal autism.

21 News spoke with the family who says caring for "Lainey" requires a lot of close attention.

Like any five year old, Lainey Mason likes to play and explore.

"Lainey doesn't have any physical limitations. She can climb like a monkey!," said mom, Kim Mason.

Lainey is a non-verbal autistic child. She's happy, active and affectionate but she can get frustrated when she can't express herself and that can be dangerous.

"A service dog would intervene when she would get frustrated to the point where she would self harm. She will bang her head on the tile, the window as hard as she can. The service dog will recognize that and stop that behavior," said Mason.

And since Lainey likes to run, her parents are worried she may get away from them.

"HER BEING NON-VERBAL SHE DOESN'T ANSWER WHEn WE CALL SO IT'S INCREDIBLY SCARY! THE DOG WILL BE TRAINED FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE gOD FORBID THAT EVER HAPPENS THE DOG IS TRAINED FOR HER SCENT AND WILL BE ABLE TO FIND HER," added Mason.

A service dog would be life-changing for the family since they can't really go anywhere with her because she takes off. But the dog is not cheap. To even get on a waiting list they need around $23,000. Some of Kim's co-workers have helped to raise around $8,000 for the family to get that dog.

If you would like to contribute to Lainey's service dog, click here to go to Lainey's Facebook page.