THERE were “four-legged” guests at a conference on autism organised by ChAPS (Cheshire Aspergers Parent Support) yesterday (Monday).
Members from Warrington attended the conference, at the Holiday Inn, Runcorn.
There were a range of expert speakers on autism, together with representatives of PAWS, an organisation that trains autism support dogs.
PAWS speaker and trainer Helen McCain told about its workshops that help parents of children with autism to choose and train a dog to help a child with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). She demonstrated what the dogs could do to help.
She said that a special chemistry often developed between a dog and a child with autism. Dogs are seen to have a calming effect on the child, which helps them to adjust their behaviour when they are anxious, angry or distressed.
