A family in Ogunquit, Maine, has found a unique way to raise awareness about autism acceptance after a zoning dispute over their giant metal roosters. David and Sara LeBlanc had a collection of the colorful creations on their lawn, which they said helped their 6-year-old autistic daughter, Pyper, regulate her emotions and navigate transitions.

The Zoning Dispute

The town of Ogunquit deemed the roosters to be impermissible advertising for the family’s attached restaurant, The Omelette Factory. However, the LeBlancs insisted that the roosters were meant to comfort Pyper, not advertise their business. After a code enforcement officer issued fines and ordered the removal of the roosters, the family appealed the decision.

The zoning board discussed the issue and eventually granted a disability variance, allowing the family to keep two of the roosters in front of their home. The variance requires the roosters to be part of a railing, and the family has been fined another $500 for noncompliance.

A Show of Support

Despite the dispute, the family has received an outpouring of support from the community. Friends, neighbors, and strangers have offered to take in some of the roosters to show their support for autism acceptance. The story has spread far and wide, with one supporter even sharing pictures of their children with a rooster statue in their yard in New Zealand.

The LeBlancs have given roosters to others to “foster” and show their support for autism acceptance. Pyper understands that the roosters being taken away were a challenge, but she also sees the positive impact it has had on the community. As her father said, “She understands that the roosters being taken away were the lemons, and Sam and his friends, fostering them, are the lemonade. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.