Why Erik's Ranch & Retreats?
The Need
According to the National Autism Society, 1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder. The cost of autism over a lifespan is estimated at $3.2 million per person – 60 percent for adult services alone.
In ten years, the annual cost of caring for those with autism is estimated to total $200-400 billion.
It’s clear that a tidal wave of young people with autism’s complex needs are moving toward adulthood. Some will be able to direct 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 support them and how?
For years there have been few choices for adults with autism, mainly their parents’ home or traditional group homes. Lifestyle options were limited and the work or volunteer activities dismally inactive or monotonous and without purpose: watching television, sorting ties, collating papers.
Erik’s Ranch & Retreats offers a great place to live where work and recreational activities are designed to optimize the individual’s skills, talents and desires. We serve young adults on the moderate to high end of the autism spectrum, including those with Asperger’s Syndrome. Our residents have many abilities yet, despite years of hard work and preparation for adulthood may need help and structure. We intend to provide this ongoing support to allow them to achieve a life that’s meaningful to them. And our safe and dynamic environment uses the best technology to regularly link our residents to their loved ones whether they live near or far away.
Minnesota Location: In 2008, it was reported that there were 11,217 individuals on the autism spectrum ages 3 to 21 being served by school districts in Minnesota. Those numbers were up 9.4 percent from the same school districts reporting eight years earlier. In Minnesota, some services are available to adults on the spectrum, depending on financial need and the county of residence. However, consistency of service quality, choices, and availability is severely limited and regularly being threatened by changing governmental priorities.
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 students with autism swelled from 212 in 2001-2002 to 442 in 2007 – a 52 percent increase in just seven years. The number of students with autism jumped nine percent between 2006 and 2007 alone. What happens to these young people after age 21?
