Historical Perspective of a Farm setting for Adults w/Autism

The first farm model for adults with Autism was established at Somerset Court in England in 1974. Since that time, several farm communities have been established. Bitter Sweet Farms in Ohio was the first of its kind in the United States. The goal of these Farms is to be a home in which people with autism can thrive. It is a living and working environment that respects dignity, individuality, and nurtures the growth and well being of residents within a secure family-like setting that is both a community and part of a community.  Residents and Day Participants live a full, purposeful life through work that is valued by participants and society, balanced by healthy recreation. The farm setting provides structure as well as variety. In harmony with the slow rhythms of nature, the farm provides opportunities for discovery and learning. Each resident is encouraged to reach his/her full potential. Each person has a role to fill in the farm community, no matter how large or small. Each has a sense of their worth to the farm community. The Farm also strives to enhance public understanding of autism through direct education in conjunction with local schools and Universities. The Farm can make a positive contribution to the immediate community by providing needed goods and/or services and invites community participation as volunteers in farm programs and special events. The staff are well trained and dedicated to a high quality of life and learning for people with autism. Finally the Farm can serve the larger population of people with autism by creating an exemplary model for others to follow. 

This farm service model for people with autism is in use by several other organizations in the USA.  These include:

• Bittersweet Farms - Whitehouse, Ohio
• Carolina Living and Learning Center - Pittsboro, North Carolina
• Farmsteads of New England - Hillsborough, New Hampshire
• The Homestead - Runnels, Iowa
• Carolina Farm - Albermarle, North Carolina
• Rusty's Morningstar Ranch - Cornville, Arizona

Each of these farms is unique, but they share many common features, including:

• Quiet, peaceful environments in rural settings
• Focused on autism with well-trained staff and supervision and a structured teaching approach
• On-site vocational opportunities, recreation/leisure activities, horticulture and animals
• Community integration and support
• Each program is totally full, with virtually no turnover and very long waiting lists to get in