Lots of research has been undertaken over the years about how animals can help people with Autism. Some have suggested that animals provide an opportunity to create a social bond and even reduce anxiety. Whatever the benefits may be, it is certainly true that here at Newfield, many of our students enjoy visiting animals at the farm.
Our older students in the School for Autism have had the opportunity to go for a weekly visit to Mrs Dowson’s farm this half term where they have thoroughly enjoyed joining in with tasks such as feeding the chickens, helping to clean the beds of the animals and spending time holding and caring for them. Each pupil has gained new skills and enjoyed the experience in a variety of ways.
Below is a link to a BBC clip from a learning centre which uses ‘chicken therapy’ amongst other farm based tasks, to help young people with Autism to feel calm and learn new skills.