Working to support families with autism at Higher Lank Farm

Autism spectrum friendly family farm holidays

At Higher Lank Farm we have specialised in holidays for families with children up to the age of 12 since 1999 and have enjoyed every minute.   I’m Lucy, a former special needs teacher, and special needs swimming teacher, and together with my husband Farmer Andrew have welcomed families with Autism for many years. As well as in a professional capacity I also have a wealth of personal experience which enables me to support and understand the needs of both the children and the parents who are staying with us.

The peaceful location, multiple outdoor play areas and equipment mean that families staying don’t need to leave the farm  during your stay.

I spend an hour every morning with the 2 families staying feeding our animals (we have chickens, ducks, and geese with eggs to collect, goats, pigs and orphan lambs to bottle feed and swapping stories and experiences as we go. We have chickens, ducks, and geese with eggs to collect, goats, pigs and orphan lambs to bottle feed too. Our animal feeding can be as hands on as each child needs. As we only have a maximum of 2 families staying at a time I get to know the children really well and am able to differenciate what we do to meet each child’s needs. We have an amazing support dog called Bonnie who helps me, along with my husband Farmer Andrew. 

We’re a working pedigree Belted Galloway breeding farm, and we offer a tractor and trailer ride to see our herd once a week. This can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each family staying, we also offer twice weekly pony and trap rides which are a huge favourite with the children staying.

Our indoor endless pool and jacuzzi is available to each family for their exclusive use 5 times during each stay. I also offer 1-1 swimming lessons for children on the autism spectrum too.