The Need
A tidal wave of young people with autism’s complex needs are moving toward adulthood. Some will be able to participate in their own life decisions, but many will never be able to live alone. As a society, we are largely unprepared for this surge. Who will take care of them and how?
For years there have been two primary choices for adults with autism: their parents’ home or institutions. Lifestyle choices were often inadequate and the work or volunteer activities dismally inactive or monotonous and without purpose: watching television, sorting ties, collating papers.
Erik’s Ranch was developed as a much-needed answer to the limits and lack of choices offered for people with autism. We serve those on the moderate to high end of the autism spectrum, including those with Asperger’s Syndrome. Our residents are those with many emotional and physical abilities but who, despite years of hard work by the individuals themselves and their loving families, need continued close supervision and structure. It is our goal to provide this ongoing care, helping them achieve a life that’s meaningful to them. And our safe and dynamic environment will liberally use technology to regularly link them to their loved ones whether they live near or far away.
The autism epidemic is not prejudice to any area of the United States or the world for that matter. According to the national autism society, it is estimated that 1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder. Services to these individuals are estimated at $60 billion and 60% of these costs are for adult services. In ten years the annual cost is estimated to be $200-400 billion. The cost of autism over the lifespan is estimated at $3.2 million per person.
Providing a life full of promise and possibility for those you love just got easier.
Minnesota Location: In 2008 it was reported that there were 11,217 individuals on the autism spectrum ages 3-21 being served by school districts in Minnesota. Those numbers are up 9.4% from the same school districts reporting 8 years earlier. In the state of Minnesota some services are available to adults on the spectrum, depending on financial need and the county you live in. But, many would agree that consistency of quality, choices and availability are severely limited; and regularly being threatened by a weakening economy.
Montana Location: In this rural state, services and resources to help the developmentally disabled are severely limited. Approximately 375 people between the ages of 6 and 21 are receiving minimal types of services from the state. Statistics from the state’s Office of Public Instruction show that the number of autistic students swelled from 212 in 2001-2002 to 442 in 2007 – a 52 percent increase in just seven years. The number of autistic students jumped 9 percent between 2006 and 2007 alone.
