Leeds Donkey Sanctuary helps autistic girl improve her confidence

Clara Bowers, 15, has a 'special bond' with the rescued animals

A teenager with autism has used her "special connection" with donkeys to help improve her concentration in school.

Clara Bowers, 15, felt very anxious during her GSCEs so her mother thought her "close rapport" with animals might help.

She began visiting Leeds Donkey Sanctuary and her mother Ana said it had been a "huge benefit".

"I connect better with animals, they listen unconditionally," Clara said.

The teenager said she had felt overwhelmed with her exams looming and was referred for a taster session at the Donkey Sanctuary in Eccup.

Ms Bowers said she had not seen her daughter smile like that in a long time at her first visit.

"Clara's bond with the donkeys has been a happy emotional journey and the programme has been a huge benefit to her mental wellbeing," she said.

During her sessions at the Donkey Assisted Activities programme Clara practices mindfulness techniques, creates positive memories and learns tools to help her cope with the pressures of school.

Clara pictured with her favourite donkeys Harry and Bailey

Equine coach Samantha Butcher said Clara had overcome her initial reluctance to make eye contact with the donkeys.

She recalled one particularly moving moment with a 15-year-old donkey called Harry, who had been abandoned on a roadside in Ireland.

"Harry chose to lay down next to Clara in the sand arena while she was taking part in a mindfulness session - time seemed to stand still," she said.

"The smile on Clara's face when Harry came to support her was so powerful.

"Clara's mum was stood watching the session and I remember she had tears of happiness in her eyes."

Since her visits, Clara's confidence has grown and her mother said they had received positive feedback from her school that she can self-regulate better and handle challenging situations.

Cathryn Hampshire, centre manager at the sanctuary, said: "Hearing how Clara was able to take the learning and techniques and apply them to her emotions in a stressful situation is brilliant.

"Emotional regulation - or exploring how we think and feel about something - is a form of mindfulness practice.

"By learning this tool in her weekly sessions, it helped Clara to use her five senses and focus on her breathing to remain calm and in control." 

The teenager wants to study animal care in the future and is also learning sign language to help her communicate better when she cannot find words.