Charity Dogs for the Disabled is looking to define specifically what it is about the behaviour of pet dogs that improves the development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and pinpoint the traits that trigger desirable behaviour.
Dogs for the Disabled has over twenty years experience of training assistance dogs to help adults and children with physical disabilities and children with autism. Following positive experiences of training autism assistance dogs and the anecdotal evidence available, the charity, in collaboration with the National Autistic Society (NAS) and the University of Lincoln, is investigating exactly what it is about dogs and their behaviour that can bring about amazing changes and helps to improve the social and emotional development of children with autism.
The pioneering PAWS (Parents Autism Workshops and Support) research project, funded by the Big Lottery, was established last year and the charity now needs more families to take part.
Since its inception in June 2010, nearly 200 families across the UK have benefitted from the workshops that are run alongside the research project. These workshops provide parents of children with ASDs with the opportunity to come together and share experiences, find out more about owning a pet dog, and explore the potential of training it to help them and their child overcome the effects of their condition through focusing on building solid, positive relationships between the pet dog and child.
Miri, a short-haired Jack Russell, has given eleven year old Josh who has Aspergers Syndrome a greater sense of responsibility and a vehicle to relieve stress. His Mum Suzanne comments: “Most people with an ASD find it extremely difficult to cope with sudden changes and things outside their normal routine, and Josh was no different. Miri has had a great impact on Josh and the functioning of my family. Before introducing Miri Josh never used to like getting ready for school, however now that Miri needs feeding and sorting out in the morning Josh is up and eager to get on with the day. Miri is also who he will talk to when stressed.”
Corri Waitt, PAWS Research Coordinator at Dogs for the Disabled, comments: “It’s very exciting to be involved in a great project that could benefit so many families today and in the future that have children with an ASD. If you are a parent of a child with autism you will understand the challenges and frustrations caused as a result of their condition. At Dogs for the Disabled we believe that pet dogs can help your whole family overcome these challenges and enhance everyday life.
“If you are considering dog ownership, I urge you to think about taking part in the PAWS research project so families with children with ASD can better equip themselves to overcome the challenges of their child’s condition.”
If you have a child aged three to sixteen that has been diagnosed with an ASD and you are considering taking on a pet dog in the next year, or if you already have a pet dog, then the charity would like to hear from you.
The PAWS research project consists of two stages, but you do not have to take part in both. The first stage includes three telephone interviews, conducted before and after adding a pet dog to your family. This is only applicable to families intending on getting a pet dog in the next year. The second stage involves a home visit to video record the interactions between a child with autism and the pet dog.
If you’re interested in taking part in this ground-breaking research project and helping thousands of families in a similar situation, please click on the PAWS link at www.dogsforthedisabled.org, call the PAWS team on 01295 759836 or email the PAWS team.
