KENNEBUNK — Students on the autism spectrum are gaining new skills and making some four-legged friends at Jumping for Joy at the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk.

Through the help of a grant from the Flutie Foundation, the Animal Welfare Society, or AWS, is offering Jumping for Joy, a six-week program that pairs local high-functioning students on the autism spectrum with AWS alumni dogs.

Working with AWS volunteers, students take dogs through an agility course. Facilitators say the program helps students grow communication skills, interact socially and learn to problem solve.

AWS Humane Educator Megan Cross said she heard about the program, which was created by a girl scout for a Gold Star award project, at a national humane education conference. She said AWS wanted to increase its programs with high school age students, and began offering the program in the beginning of the school year.

Dogs who participate in the program have all been trained and certified as American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizens.

“We don’t care what they look like, or how old they are. The point is that they’re really good dogs,” said Cross.

Cross spoke of one student who, when he first came to the program, spoke and interacted very little and now smiles and adresses staff and volunteers when he comes in.

Kennebunk High School teacher Beth Hazen said the school social environment can be hard for some students with autism, and can be a source of anxiety. Hazen said the dogs give the students unconditional love, and working with the dogs in the Jumping for Joy program gives students a boost of self confidence.

On Friday, students led the dogs through an agility course over a jump, around cones and through a tunnel. A volunteer coached them, telling them to give their dogs space from other dogs and to remember to praise them.

“Good girl,” said Kennebunk High School sophomore Isaac Zahares, 15, as Penny, a spaniel mix jumped over a hurdle.

“I just like how she cuddles a lot and how she’s an overall good dog,” he said, adding she was a good listener.

Kennebunk High School freshman Jared Shuffleburg, 16, worked with Carl, a very affecianate Corgi mix.

“He’s a very good boy. He’s very lovable,” he said.

Money from the Flutie Foundation helps schools pay for transportation to send students to the program and also for agility equipment and training for AWS staff and volunteers.

—  Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].