For World Autism Day, the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, marked the 250th family trained as part of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Assistance Dog Programme for families of children with autism.
The Assistance Dog Programme, begun in 2004, pairs assistance dogs with autistic children and their families across the country.
The assistance dog brings about significant behavioral changes and improved manageability in autistic children who develop a close personal bond with the animal.