Chickens for People with Spectrum Disorders
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By Sue Norris We already know that chickens can help in therapeutic ways traditionally reserved for animals such as dogs and cats, but recent empirical research shows that they can be a blessing for some children and adults who live with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other problems where communication, social skills, and learning can become a challenge.
The CDC estimates that one child in every 59 in the US has some sort of ASD — that is a large number and growing.
The autism spectrum is large, ranging from phenomenally gifted people such as Einstein to people who will be institutionalized for their entire lives; there is hope for many to overcome some of the initial problems of behavior and socialization with the appropriate therapies.
The calming aspect of being with animals is a welcome break from the lights, noise, and constant intrusions of our modern world.
Most people don’t notice environmental factors such as noise and bright lights, but for people with ASD it can be very overwhelming to the point of sensory overload leading to anxiety, panic, and “meltdowns.”
With supervision and assistance from adults, many autistic children can learn to control some of their behaviors, feel worthy, communicate better, and hold their place in the world.
Probably the best-known person in the U.S. to have autism is Professor Temple Grandin. She is a professor of animal sciences, author, and speaker on animal science and autism. She has authored several books and has a large YouTube presence where she talks about all aspects of life with autism.
Another source of information and inspiration is the book My Best Friend Goldie, by Alair Bergman. Alair lives with autism and this book reflects Goldie’s problems and eventual triumph over many of the aspects of autism.
Sarah Wilson lives in the Channel Islands, UK. She has two teenage boys and a daughter. Tia, her daughter, has severe ADHD and autism.
Initially, Tia did not like socializing and had behavioral issues which could become aggressive in nature.
Sarah says it has been a long and hard struggle to get to this point where Tia can take care of the chickens by herself.
Sarah started the learning process when Tia was young. She made picture cards of the different things that needed to be done with and for the chickens and showed and helped Tia to do those things. Breaking it down into small steps was the key and Tia thrived on the routine and can now care for the chickens herself.
Tia is now able to relax and be herself with the chickens. There is no need for verbal communication although she talks to them and cuddles with them constantly.
If she gets anxious or frustrated she goes and talks to the chickens and Sarah says you can see her start to relax when she is with them. The chickens make her feel important; they calm her and make her happy. She even plays music to them from her iPad!
Chickens have helped her to regulate her moods and behavior, she now has something to talk about with other people and the money she earns from selling the eggs is her wages.
Ruth Lloyd lives in the UK and deals with autism formerly known as Asperger’s, along with some physical problems too. She wasn’t diagnosed until she was in her 30s, about six years ago after some personal difficulties.
She has always kept pets but 18 months ago finally got some chickens. She actually got some rescue hens and enjoyed seeing them evolve from, “Tatty, shy farm girls into bossy, cheeky, fluffy terrorists!”
Ruth finds it very calming to be with them, she describes it as a peaceful escape. She says it is less challenging having a relationship with animals as their needs are “simple and clear most of the time.”
She enjoys the routine of feeding, cleaning and other chicken chores, but also says that the unpredictability of them stops her from becoming too obsessive, which has helped in her work life by translating to better coping skills when things don’t go according to plan.
What can we take away from these stories?
For Sarah and her daughter, there has been great improvement in :
- Mood and behavior modification
- Ability to perform tasks
- Improvement in speech and cognition
- Feeling of importance and worth
- Feeling of contributing and being “normal”
For Ruth:
- Calmness and peace
- Better coping skills
- Nurturing
Our world is full of light, noise, stress, and always in a hurry. Whether you live with autism or not, I’m willing to bet that you find your flock a source of calm and peace. I know I do!
References
My Best Friend Goldie by Alair Laree Bergman (Gratitude Grove Farm Press)
Many thanks to Sarah and Ruth who put the personal touch to this piece.
Originally published in the October/November 2020 issue of Backyard Poultry and regularly vetted for accuracy.
