Aid service: An innovative project which provides autistic children with an assistance dog is bringing significant moderations in children's behaviours, according to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB).
The project, which is the first of its kind in Europe, claims to have helped children with autism become less isolated, increasingly independent, more aware of dangers and more sociable with adults.
Ken Brydon, manager of the IGDB, said that prior to the introduction of the project, some parents were no longer able to take their children into many social situations because of their child's tendency to bolt into open spaces.
The concept of providing a fully trained dog to families of children with autism is one which has existed in Canada for over five years, where guide dog instructors transferred their expertise into training dogs for use with an autistic child.
Following visits by the IGDB to Canada in 2003, three families in Cork received assistance dogs under a pilot project, which was part-funded by the Southern Health Board and the Department of Health 12 months ago.
This follows recent statistics from the Irish Society for Autism which show that there are 1,200-2,000 children and young adults with autism in Ireland, increasing at a rate of some 100 new cases every year.
Noelle O' Shea, mother of four-year-old Sarah, believes the addition of their dog, Eve, has resulted in "huge improvements" in her daughter's behaviour.
"When she was younger and we were out in public, it would be a case of sensory overload for her because of the crowds and the noise.
"I would have to keep her in the buggy and she would have her hands to her ears all the time because she was so frightened," said Ms O'Shea.
Now, however, by means of a belt and handle which links mother, child and assistance dog, Sarah can walk freely and safely with her dog Eve.
Consequently, a reduction in parental stress and worry has followed.
The impact of the assistance dog on the child and their family has, in all cases, exceeded expectations, according to interim reports compiled by the IGDB.
"Until you see it, you almost can't explain how magical the relationship between the assistance dog and child can be . . . how incredible it is that they can develop this unique bond," said Mr Brydon.
Maura O'Neill, whose eight-year-old son Eoghan received an assistance dog under the second phase of the pilot project about six months ago, testifies to the magical bond between child and dog.
"It's lovely as a parent to see a child and dog interact because there is something very special about that bond but when the dog is chosen to be a companion for your child, it's a completely different appreciation you have," said Ms O'Neill.
Such is its success that the IGDB is now preparing to offer the service full-time, subject to available funding and demand, and is now open to receiving applications from families of children with autism.