PARENTS of autistic youngsters have long claimed dogs can form a "special connection" with their children, aiding social and emotional development.

But now animal behaviour experts at the University of Lincoln, in collaboration with the National Autistic Society and charity Dogs For The Disabled, aim to see if they can scientifically prove there are benefits.

Daniel Mills, Professor of veterinary behavioural medicine at the university, will oversee the Parents Autism Workshops and Support (PAWS) research project, which is being funded by the BIG Lottery fund.

"There is an enormous amount of anecdotal information out there to suggest that dogs can not only help children with autism spectrum disorder, but also that they may help alleviate stress within the family more generally," said Professor Mills.

"There is, however, a lack of good science to show exactly what the effect is or how reliable it is.

"We hope through this study to be able to pinpoint and quantify specific benefits for carers so they can have realistic expectations and get the most from their relationship with a dog.

"We have a great team and I am very optimistic that this work will lead to direct benefits for many families and individuals."

One family which has already felt the benefits of having a dog around their autistic son is the Curtis family, of Castle Street in Lincoln.

Three years ago, they brought home Jack Russell Megan for son James, now 8.

Mum Nicola says she couldn't imagine life without their canine companion.

"We watched the film After Thomas, a true story about a family dealing with their child's autism and how a dog changes their lives," said Mrs Curtis.

"So we looked into it and realised a dog could help James.

"He can get quite distressed, but then he cuddles Megan and it calms him down.

"And we've seen him make huge improvements in a number of ways.

"For example, we used Megan to help get James to clean his teeth – as when we cleaned her teeth he knew he had to clean his.

"I think this study is a great idea – and I've already signed up for the workshop to be held in January at the University of Lincoln."

Course leader Katie Bristow- Wade said: "PAWS is different from many of the other animal-assisted therapy projects that have gone before because it aims to make the most of the relationship a family has with a pet dog."

The first one-day PAWS workshop takes place at Riseholme Park in Lincoln, from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday, January 11.

Places cost £30 and can be booked by calling 01295 759836.

Visit www.dogsforthedisabled.org for more information.