Autism and Therapy Chickens

by Alix Strickland

Many families will attest to the therapeutic benefits of having animals for their children on the autism spectrum. Families have explained how dogs, cats, dolphins, alpacas, and fish-filled aquariums have positively impacted their children’s communication, social and independent living skills.

Keeping chickens and a chicken coop are now also being praised as therapeutic for children on the autism spectrum. Families who keep chickens are getting their children with autism involved in feeding and caring for the chickens which promotes self-help and independent living skills. The chickens serve as a conversation starter for children who are shy and limited socially, thereby helping to improve their social skills with peers and adults. The children feel safe and open around the chickens and are able to play with them, while playing with other children is often difficult. This increases the child’s play skills.

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