Autism on the Farm

AUTISM ON THE FARM

By Linda H. Davis

SHOW DESCRIPTION

“Families talk of autistic adults who have formed close relationships with staff, of even medically complex people with autism who have been able to reduce or entirely eliminate their medications since moving to the farm or ranch, a claim supported by staff and by farmstead studies.  The healthy lifestyle and meaningful work can translate into better-functioning people.  Like Bittersweet’s Jerry, many adults with autism who live on farms have found new freedoms outside the farm: no longer held back by their sometimes alienating and dangerous behaviors, they shop, eat in restaurants, do volunteer work, and even travel.”

“Bittersweet … adheres to a restraint-free Capability Teaching Practice, a nonviolent, humane approach.  Bittersweet staff avoid using the word “no,” trying instead to shape behavior by interjecting a new idea, such as tearing cloth instead of one’s clothes.  … one particularly empathetic Bittersweet teacher … introduced window washing to a young man as he rocked—a common autistic tic.  “David,” said the teacher, “You rock really well.  Why don’t you use your rocking back and forth to help you wash those windows?”  It worked.  Staff has discovered that Robert St. Clair’s daughter Kathryn will participate in art “when the material is brought out to the barn,” says St. Clair.  “We have found that if you are patient, you can be very effective,” says Vicki Obee-Hilty.”

-  Linda H. Davis

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