Furry friends help twins connect
Twins Harry and Isaac Armstrong are learning how to connect with others through interacting with their furry friends.
Visits to Red Berson’s Gidgegannup farm have helped the autistic pair develop their social skills.
Mr Berson, a former school principal, volunteers for non-for-profit group Friends of Autism.
He and fellow teacher Russell Pratten recently started a school holiday program where children with learning disabilities can engage with a menagerie of pets.
“We’ve got alpacas, miniature horses, miniature goats, ducks, geese, chickens, dogs and a miniature cow,” he said.
“The kids love pottering around, washing and grooming the horses and feeding the animals.
“We want to provide a social experience for the kids rather than a therapy-based program.”
Harry and Isaac’s older sister Grace, 13, was thrilled with the progress her 10-year-old brothers made at Mr Berson’s property.
“They have learnt about responsibility, through taking care of the animals,” she said.
“It has also given them more social skills.”
Mr Berson’s close friendship with Friends of Autism founder Dee Marlow encouraged him to volunteer for the group.
Friends of Autism relies heavily on volunteers and on fundraising to keep running.
The organisation is a beneficiary of United Way’s Five Cents for Five Senses campaign.
The campaign encourages people to donate their unwanted five cent coins to assist five senses related charities.
Collection tins can be found at HBF and Westpac branches.
More information at unitedwaywa.com.au.
