OWNING a rabbit is like holding a piece of pure wonder in your hands. Their soft, twitching nose and boundless curiosity spark a quiet magic that fills your home with peace and joy. In their gentle eyes, you see trust beyond words, a connection so deep it awakens your soul. They teach you to cherish stillness, to find beauty in the smallest gestures, and to love with a heart wide open.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Its manifestations vary widely in terms of severity, which is why it is referred to as a “spectrum”. Children with autism often experience heightened sensitivities to environmental stimuli, difficulty with emotional regulation, and challenges with forming social bonds. However, they often possess unique strengths, such as exceptional focus, memory retention, and creative thinking, when placed in supportive environments.

At Bailey Blues Farm, located in the scenic hills of Runaway Bay, St Ann, we have recognised the profound benefits that interactions with animals—particularly rabbits—can offer to children on the autism spectrum. Through our non-profit, Gloria Angela Lee Foundation, we are devoted to gifting rabbits to children with autism, not merely as pets, but as therapeutic companions. The impact of these rabbits on children with ASD is nothing short of revolutionary, and the following reasons elucidate why these unassuming creatures are vital to enhancing the well-being of autistic children.

Calming influence: The presence of a rabbit can act as a soothing agent for children with heightened sensory sensitivities. Their gentle, rhythmic movements and soft fur provide a tactile experience that promotes relaxation.

Non-verbal communication: Rabbits, being non-verbal creatures, offer children with ASD a safe space to practice non-verbal communication, fostering understanding through body language and cues, helping children refine their own social skills.

Emotional regulation: The predictable nature of a rabbit’s behaviour aids in helping children with autism regulate their own emotions, reducing anxiety and encouraging emotional stability.

Empathy building: By caring for a rabbit, children on the spectrum learn to understand the needs of another living being, fostering empathy in ways that are sometimes difficult to achieve in human interactions.

Routine and structure: Rabbits thrive on routine, and in return, they help children develop daily habits. This is especially beneficial for children with autism, who often find comfort and security in predictable schedules.

Gentle companionship: Rabbits offer companionship without the pressure of meeting social expectations. For children who struggle with making human friends, rabbits provide an avenue for meaningful relationships that are non-judgmental and wholly accepting.

Sensory processing: Many children with autism experience either heightened or diminished sensory sensitivities. The act of petting a rabbit, with its soft fur and gentle warmth, offers sensory input that can be both soothing and stimulating, depending on the child’s needs.

Reduced anxiety: Interacting with rabbits has been shown to lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety—a frequent companion to children with autism.

Bond formation: Rabbits form deep bonds with their caregivers, offering children with ASD the opportunity to experience unconditional affection, which can be vital in enhancing social-emotional development.

Improved focus and attention: Engaging with a rabbit requires focus and attentiveness, which can help children with ASD improve their attention spans in other aspects of life.

Non-judgmental environment: Rabbits offer an atmosphere free of social pressure. For children who are often judged or misunderstood, this provides an important refuge.

Therapeutic touch: The act of stroking a rabbit has been clinically proven to release endorphins, which help in mood regulation and combat feelings of sadness or frustration often experienced by children with autism.

Patience development: Rabbits are creatures that require gentle handling and patience, teaching children valuable life skills that extend beyond their interaction with the animal.

Confidence building: Successfully caring for a rabbit can give a child a sense of achievement and responsibility, boosting their self-esteem.

Motor skills enhancement: Feeding, grooming, and caring for rabbits can improve a child’s fine and gross motor skills, fostering dexterity and coordination.

Increased social interaction: The presence of a rabbit often encourages conversation and shared experiences with others, thereby providing an organic way to enhance social engagement.

Safe emotional outlet: For children who may struggle with expressing emotions, bonding with a rabbit provides a safe outlet to project feelings of affection, frustration, or joy.

Decreased aggression: The act of caring for a gentle creature can diminish aggressive tendencies, channelling energy into nurturing rather than acting out.

Positive behavioural reinforcement: When children see the positive responses from their rabbits—such as nuzzling or attention—they are encouraged to continue good behaviour, thus reinforcing social cues in a tangible way.

Reduction in meltdowns: Having a calm, non-intrusive presence like a rabbit nearby can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of sensory overloads or meltdowns.

Self-regulation through observation: Rabbits are naturally calm and slow-paced animals. By observing and mimicking these behaviours, children with autism can practice self-regulation techniques.

Unconditional acceptance: A rabbit does not judge based on a child’s quirks, behaviours, or abilities. This unconditional acceptance can greatly enhance a child’s confidence and sense of belonging.

Holistic therapeutic aid: The interaction between a child with ASD and a rabbit is therapeutic on multiple levels—psychologically, emotionally, and physically.

Stimulating cognitive development: Caring for a rabbit requires problem-solving, attention to detail, and critical thinking, all of which stimulate cognitive development in children on the autism spectrum.

Encourages responsibility: Owning a rabbit teaches children the importance of responsibility and the consequences of their actions, reinforcing life skills that will aid them in the future.

Promotes emotional expression: Children often project their feelings onto their rabbits, using them as a way to express emotions they might find difficult to communicate otherwise.

Safe sensory environment: Unlike louder or more demanding animals, rabbits provide a sensory experience that is gentle and calming, making them perfect for children who may be overwhelmed by more boisterous pets.

Trust building: Forming a bond with a rabbit helps children develop trust, not just with the animal but also with themselves and their caregivers, improving relationships over time.

Facilitates mindfulness: The act of watching a rabbit hop, eat, or rest encourages children to remain present in the moment, teaching them mindfulness and helping to reduce anxiety.

Community engagement: At Bailey Blues Farm, children who interact with the rabbits often engage with one another, fostering a sense of community and shared experience

Empowerment through autonomy: Caring for a rabbit provides children with a sense of autonomy, enabling them to take control over an aspect of their environment in a positive, nurturing way.

Support for parents: The introduction of a rabbit into the family can ease some of the stress experienced by parents of children with autism, as the rabbit becomes a supportive element in the child’s therapy.

Bridging the communication gap: Children who struggle to express themselves verbally may find it easier to “talk” to their rabbit, using it as a bridge to enhance their communication skills.

Therapeutic diversion: The presence of a rabbit can serve as a positive distraction during stressful situations, diverting attention away from overstimulation or frustration.

Universal accessibility: Unlike more specialised therapies, the introduction of a rabbit is accessible to a wide range of families, making it a universally viable therapeutic option for children with ASD.

At Bailey Blues Farm, through the Gloria Angela Lee Foundation, we have seen first-hand how the humble rabbit can transform the lives of children on the autism spectrum. Rabbits, with their gentle nature and unassuming presence, provide a unique form of emotional therapy that addresses the specific needs of children with autism in ways that no other form of therapy can replicate. These creatures not only offer companionship but also create an environment of peace, stability, and growth that is essential for the developmental needs of children with ASD. We are committed to continuing our mission of donating rabbits to children with autism, empowering families, and transforming lives one bunny at a time.

Dr Bailey is a family physician whose ambitions transcend the conventional parameters of medical practice. She’s driven by an unquenchable intellectual curiosity and an expansive vision that embraces both scholarly and creative endeavours. She’s a senior house officer, poet, gourmet chef, model, cuniculturist, and philanthropist, and owner of Bailey Blues Farm.