PHOTOS: Therapy Dogs Help Children With Autism

on Wednesday, April 13, brought therapy dogs to the as part of a free reading session for children with autism.

The program was in collaboration with the Exceptional Needs Network in honor of Autism Awareness Month.

Dogs Kelda, Mitsy, Dash, Elsa, Arabella, Mojo, Hannah and Rico listened intently as ENN members read books, petted the dogs and experienced the thrill of enjoying dogs up close and personal.

This program, PAWS for Reading, is designed to allow children and adults to read books to dogs without judgment.

For children with autism or other developmental delays it also offers an opportunity to engage with a dog one-on-one and to enjoy a sensory experience.