BACKGROUND

Picture from Dr. Leo Kannerhuis Wolfeze

Farmstead communities for adults with autism have been evolving in Europe and the United States since the early 1970's. Most were created through devoted and energetic leadership of parents and a "special " teacher. Most still flourish, with plans to expand residential and work options beyond the original site. The farmstead model is not a utopian vision. It blends a unique set of opportunities for living, working and socializing in rural settings with access to activities in neighboring towns and cities. Farm activities include meaningful tasks that require cooperation and interdependence. Skills can be taught and communication enhanced as staff and residents work and play side-by-side.

FARMSTEAD MODEL CHARACTERISTICS

As described in the book European Farm Communities for Autism (Giddan & Giddan, 1993, Medical College of Ohio Press), Characteristics of these farmsteads include the following:

• Rural settings
• Natural contexts for residential, vocational and recreational experiences
• Interdependence between residents and staff
• Structure, order and behavioral principles applied
• Focus on communication
• On-going staff training
• Involvement with the larger community beyond the site
• Continued family support

SIMILARITIES AMONG COMMUNITIES:

• Rural settings
• Origins with regard to timing and needs
• Parental involvement
• "Special" teacher
• Government funding
• Range of abilities among the residents selected

CONTRASTING FEATURES:

• Size of the community
• Staff training methods and procedures
• Styles of individualized programming for residents
• Expectations for the residents
• Type and extent of record keeping

CRITICAL ISSUES:

• Leadership transitions
• Long-term financial security
• Public relations
• Staff retention
• Behavior management
• Satellite settings
• Program expansion