What This Story Is About

• A unique Midstate farm that is provides a safe and welcoming space where children on the autism spectrum and with other special needs can interact and connect with animals, build confidence and improve social skills.

Why It Matters

• This interactive environment welcomes children exactly as they are and gives their parents an opportunity to step away from the daily grind, exhale and enjoy their family.

What Happens Next

• Peyton’s Place just launched “Community Days,” where returning families can connect.

COTTONTOWN, TN (WSMV) – A unique Midstate farm has created an interactive environment where children with autism and other special needs are welcomed exactly as they are.

It is a place where every child is seen, heard and loved as they connect with animals that offer unconditional acceptance and companionship.

Feeding Jerusalem donkeys, running their little hands through bins of corn and oats and chauffeuring Hannah the rabbit around the barn is all part of the interactive experience for children with autism and other special needs at Peyton’s Place at the Seven Rays Ranch in Cottontown.

“A place where kids can come, families can come, they don’t have to worry about safety,” said Peyton’s Place CEO Rebecca Ray. “They don’t have to worry about their child eloping, and they can just be here and not have to apologize for anything at all.”

Having a son with autism, Ray and her husband said they knew the challenges facing other similar families.

“I hear from families that come, ‘We can’t go out to dinner because we get the looks,’ because a lot of autistic kids will definitely disrupt,” Ray said. “They might make noises. They might throw their food, and here you don’t have to worry about that.”

At Peyton’s Place, the Rays created an opportunity for parents to step away from the daily grind, exhale and just enjoy their family being together.

The Payne family describes the ranch as an incredible blessing. Their 3-year-old son, Emmett, has level three autism and is non-verbal.

“We have three other kids, and taking them anywhere is very over stimulating for him,” said Kelsey Payne. “Anywhere we go, he’s on the run, so being able to come here, let him do his own thing and just interact and be able to stim and be himself, is just wonderful.”

After opening in April of last year, Peyton’s Place has already hosted 150 family visits. Families make a reservation online and come for a one-hour visit, one family at a time.

From the goats, rabbits, ponies and chickens to the Kunekune pigs, Ray said every animal has a different job.

“They don’t care how hard a kid is or how gentle they are, they just want that kiddo to rub their belly,” Ray said. “They plop over, and I’ve had children lay on the pigs. The pigs are fabulous at their job.”

The interaction with these gentle creatures creates a sense of comfort and confidence for children.

But the cost for feed, the shavings, the veterinary fees can add up quickly. That is where WSMV4’s Surprise Squad stepped in to help, and Rebecca never saw it coming!

“I know you have no idea what is coming but stand with me for just a minute,” said WSMV4’s Holly Thompson.

“What?” asked Ray.

“The WSMV4 Surprise Squad on behalf of Blair Durham with Bart Durham Injury Law, they are giving you a donation of $1,000…”

“Aww… Thank you so much!” Ray said.

“Because they appreciate, we all appreciate what you do for this community, you and your husband and this place that you have built, and how you’re giving back,” Thompson said.

“Thank you very much!” Ray said.

“This isn’t the first time that we have been around kids with autism, and I’m glad it’s not because they are such a ray of sunshine,” said Surprise Squad sponsor Blair Durham.

“For there to be a place where they can go and just be completely free and their families can be free and their families don’t have to worry about if they’re making noise or if something goes on, and there are these loving animals, it is so awesome!” Durham said.

“Oh, my goodness, I teared up! No one is more deserving than Rebecca in this place. It is amazing,” Payne said. “The thing she’s doing no profit for her whatsoever, and it’s just such a joy.”

“I feel immensely blessed to be able to help,” Durham said.

Peyton’s Place just launched “Community Days” in February, a program that allows returning families to come together and connect. Click here for more information.

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