"For some time now, Dogs for the Disabled has been inundated with parents requesting an assistance dog to help their children affected by ASC cope with certain everyday situations. In order to meet this demand, a new team has been set up at the charity, working in partnership with Lincoln University and the National Autistic Society, on this new service.

Aimed at assisting parents of children on the autistic spectrum, the team is now set up to provide a series of workshops and the long-term support required to source a suitable pet dog, or to help train their existing dog, to assist in the behaviour and development of their child.

Through this service Parents Autism Workshops and Support (PAWS) running at a number of locations Nationwide, parents now have the opportunity to attend a series of three, one day workshops run by Child Development and Dog Training project workers. Workshops cover a range of topics, from selecting the right dog for the child and family, to family involvement, and practical ways in which the dog can help the child’s development. Following the workshops, the PAWS team offers ongoing support for all families enrolled.

The next local workshop in Surrey is

Location: Ruxbury Farm, St Anns Hill Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9NL

Workshop 1: Monday 24th October 2011 (10am start, 3.00pm finish approx.)