Paws sessions help kids with autism

Tuesday 10th April 2012

Parents of children with autism can find out about the benefits dog ownership can have for their child at a workshop.

Dogs For The Disabled will hold Parents Autism Workshops and Support (Paws) sessions in Northern Ireland for the first time.

The charity, which trains assistance dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities, and families with a child with autism, will be holding three one-day workshops in June.

Paws has all ready helped families in England, Wales and Scotland.

Suzanne Walker, mother of Asperger's syndrome patient Josh, said: "The Paws workshops have had a massive positive impact on Josh and my whole family.

"It used to be very difficult calling Josh down to get ready for school but now, because Miri our pet Jack Russell needs feeding and sorting out in the morning, he'll be down in a flash. Miri has helped Josh's social and emotional development greatly and it is all thanks to Paws."

Katie Bristow-Wade, Paws project team leader, said: "With the right support, ordinary pet dogs have the potential to transform the lives of families affected by autism. Paws workshops identify ways a pet dog can be trained to ease the strain of bringing up a child with autism."

Workshops will take place on June 12, 13 and 14 from 10am to 3pm at Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, Teeshan Road, Ballymena, County Antrim.

To take part or for more information call 01295 759836 or email paws@dogsforthedisabled.org.

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