Autistic children support dogs project expanded

THE Tanaiste pledged €500,000 yesterday to expand a national programme which uses guide dogs to help children with autism.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell said the money will help the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) reach out to more than 150 families who are waiting to take part in the IGDB’s Assistance Dogs for Families of Children with Autism programme.

The scheme, which originated in Canada and which was piloted in Cork three years ago, pairs dogs who are deemed unsuitable for guide dog work with children with autism.

Each assistant dog wears a blue jacket which has a small handle attached. There is a belt attached to the child’s waist which is attached via a lead to the dog’s jacket.

The parent uses an extended lead to control both the dog and the child. The dog responds to the verbal commands of the parent who controls speed and direction.

Autistic children often lack a sense of danger so the fact that they are attached to the dog instils a huge sense of confidence.

The dogs also act as a point of stability and security for the children, increasing their independence and offering comfort in times of stress, especially in public.

Three families took part in the pilot phase before the project was rolled out to 21 families in 2005. There are now more than 150 families waiting to benefit.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform committed €1 million to the project at its launch and it has allocated over €300,000 to date.

Mr McDowell met with families and children who have taken part in the project at the IGDB in Cork yesterday and pledged a further €500,000 from his department’s Enhancing Disability Services fund.

“It is a fantastic example of what can be done when State funding is available,” he said.

The IGDB also plans to embark on a breeding and training programme to further expand the service.

Eileen O’Donovan from Douglas, Cork, said her daughter Eileen has benefited enormously since she was paired with Elliot.

“It has instilled huge confidence in her. Edel would get upset in public before but now we can go for walks, to the shops, anywhere,” she said.