"Observing the incredible calming effect that dogs can bring when a child with ASC is angry, anxious or distressed, or witnessing a dog distracting a child away from disruptive or dangerous behaviour for example, has led the charity to believe that whilst for some there will always be a need for a fully trained assistance dog, a family pet dog, of different breeds and ages, can have a massively beneficial impact for these children.

"Almost 200 families have benefitted from the scheme so far. Feel free to browse the website to see what some of our families have gained since the project launched: http://paws.dogsforthedisabled.org "

Six workshops are planned for Surrey in 2012 at Ruxbury Farm, St Anns Hill Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9NL

Summer:

Workshop 1: Friday 11th May 2012 (10am start, 3.00pm finish approx.)

Workshop 2: Friday 8th June 2012 (10am start, 3.00pm finish approx.)

Workshop 3: Friday 6th July 2012 (10am start, 3.00pm finish approx.)

Autumn:

Workshop 1: Monday 22nd October 2012 (10am start, 3.00pm finish approx.)

Workshop 2: Monday 19th November 2012 (10am start, 3.00pm finish approx.)

Workshop 3: Monday 10th December 2012 (10am start, 3.00pm finish approx.)

"As we are a charity, a one off payment of £30 (taken upon booking) is required. All workshops, refreshments, lunch, resources and PAWS membership aftercare support is all included in this fee.

PAWS@dogsforthedisabled.org

"PAWS (Parents Autism Workshops and Support) has therefore been set up under the wing of Dogs for the Disabled, with funding by The National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund, and a number of trusts and donors, to bring together the parents and carers of children with ASC to share experiences and to explore the helping potential that a pet dog might have within their family . . .