Mission
Erik’s Ranch is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that will provide unique choices for young adults with autism, allowing them to achieve dignity and meaningful interpersonal communication and integration within their families, home and community.
Philosophy
Erik’s Ranch is built on the philosophy of life-long learning – recognizing individual skills and tailoring work and leisure accordingly. Life-long learning helps our residents discover the things that bring them enjoyment, allows them to interact with others, and gives them a sense of accomplishment as they assist in supporting their living environment.
We created the living and working community that is Erik’s Ranch based on the methodology of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). We use this proven and effective treatment protocol with adults. This comprehensive intervention will be carried out in many settings at and around the Ranch. Skills are taught efficiently in discrete trial drills and then practiced and generalized in “natural” settings. Our programs, based on ABA, create immediate and lasting positive change for the residents and their families.
What happens when these children become adults is the focus of Erik’s Ranch. There is presently no state support in Montana for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders unless the family is unable to care for them.
