Many parents and caregivers have signed their autistic children up for summer enrichment camps during their childhoods. These camps have provided social skills training, help with life skills, and important educational opportunities. When children turn 18, these camp-style activities dry up. The needs of our kiddos do not change though. It can be hard to locate services that are fun and offer the opportunity to learn these types of skills. This blog is full of opportunities for autistic young adults.
Once I got into researching this post, I could not stop. I ended up going down the rabbit hole of school, work, farm, mental health treatment and employment opportunities. This is a post I will return to continue to add resources. I worked all day and have probably spent 7 hours on this, so it will remain in this format until I get some sleep and an energy spurt.
The Farm section goes on forever. That is the good news; there are a lot of options. The bad news, is that I stopped trying to organize it by state. That is kind of a bummer, and I will try to come back and put some rhyme and reason into that list. Fortunately, I was able to install a search function on the page, so if it works correctly, you should be able to pull up resources by state, etc.
School Opportunities
Minnesota Independence Community and College
For students who need a little extra help before going off to college, or heading into the work world, MICC offers your young adult the chance to learn independent living skills while living on campus. A bonus is that they are able to earn career-related certificates through Century College, including Food Service/Hospitality, Health/Human Services and Digital Careers. This 3-year program, which is in Richfield, MN, allows program participation for young adults between the ages of 18 and 26. It is pretty spendy though, coming in around 51,000k for years for a non-degree program. You can use CDCS waivers to pay for part of the cost. This is definitely worth the look if your young adult needs more assistance to help them become independent.
Work Opportunities in Minnesota
Erik’s Ranch and Retreats offers an innovative living, working and social model for autistic young adults that it calls “members”. Young adults have upscale living accommodations at the urban retreat in Edina, Minnesota. Their members are run the retreat and are employed as concierge staff, artists-in-residence, IT specialists, gardeners, sous chefs – whatever their passion.
Independence is available with behind-the-scenes support, if necessary. With the help of 24-hour staff, security and the use of technology, they provide their members with the independence they desire and offer their families peace of mind that their loved one is safe and successful in their new home. Erik’s model serves young adults on the spectrum, who have varying needs. At Erik’s Retreat, members live as independently as possible based on their desire for support. Video cameras are used in all public places. Safety is their first priority and utmost concern.
Erik’s is featured in a Netflix video called The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals.
Mental Health Treatment Opportunities for Autistic Young Adults
It is very difficult to find mental health treatment options for adults who are autistic, or any kind of intensive programming for autistic adults. Here are the resources I have been able to find:
Pasadena Villa is a psychiatric treatment center with a program specifically for autistic adults. The four key areas of focus for their program include: goal setting, executive functioning, emotion regulation, and social skills. It isn’t possible to find a price list on their website, which is a distinct sign that is very expensive. They do not accept insurance plans at their autism ranch program, of course, and offer payment plans. If you or your young adult need more intense services, this does look like a great option. They are worth calling. My guess is that it will be two new cars easily.
Employment Opportunities for Autistic Young Adults in General
There are several companies that hire autistic individuals through special programs. They include:
Camp and Farm Experiences for Autistic Young Adults
If your young adult is between the ages of 18-22, Talisman Summer Camp in Zirconia, North Carolina might be for them. Activities include planning and prepping a meal, field trips to job resource sites, community service opportunities, social outings and group lessons on social, independent living, and transitional skills. Traditional camp-based activities add opportunities for developing friendships, socialization, and increased physical activity. The camp sessions are 17 days long and cost $6000, which honestly feels like extorsion, but everything is so expensive nowadays, it is kind of like … what’s a few thousand dollars? Well, maybe for some it is that way. Generally, camp experiences for special needs individuals are more expensive. It’s a way of exploiting people with disabilities. Yes, I said that out loud.
The Goat Collective” by Cook Foundation LLC
Pennsylvania
https://www.cookfoundationllc.org/
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