A new four-stage programme for anyone interested in introducing a dog into their home for the therapeutic and practical benefits that can be brought to a child with autism has been developed by New York Times bestselling author Nuala Gardner.
Highly practical
Friends Like Henry is comprehensive and highly practical, with examples, tips and advice throughout. It covers all aspects of the responsible ownership and training of a companion dog, and it provides tips throughout the dog’s entire life. Accessible for families and professionals alike, the innovative programme can have a huge impact on the life of children with autism or other conditions.
Nuala Gardner
Based on first-hand knowledge, the programme was created through the successful experience the author had bringing up two autistic children with totally different needs. Benefits of their companion dog included improved social skills, emotional regulation, toilet training, independence and mental health, among many others.
Hot topic
Companion dogs at home and school are a hot topic at the moment, and this book is the perfect guide for any family interested in finding out if a dog is right for them. It answers all the questions a family will have before they take the leap into dog ownership in a friendly and honest way.
Richard Lord of Assistance Dogs Australia said of the book: “All the anecdotal evidence has been borne out by research, which has indicated the benefits most frequently reported by the families when a well-trained dog is introduced in the family. These benefits include improved safety and security of children at home and in public, further development of the child’s motor skills, reduced anxiety in children in the presence of the dog, reduced parental stress and improved social interactions of children with other family members and the wider community. Nuala’s programme will help any family or individual wanting to introduce a dog into their lives, for all the benefits they bring.”
You can read more from Nuala Gardner on the JKP blog, and can find Friends Like Henry in all good bookshops and at JKP.com. The final word will go to Nuala herself, who says “May this manual be the catalyst to create more canine successes and many new wonderful friendships between mankind and dogs.”
