Description
A view of an inspirational residential care programme for autistic adolescents and adults. This book focuses on adult autism treated through the concepts used at Bittersweet Farms, an 80-acre farm in northwest Ohio. Through historical rationale for a therapeutic community, comparison between the Bittersweet Farms model and treatment settings in the United Kingdom, specific treatments and training programmes at Bittersweet Farms, and staff, parent, and resident viewpoints, the innovative programme – based on the premise that adults with autism continue to need special care and training throughout their lives – is brought to life. Divided into three sections “Autistic Adults at Bittersweet Farms” returns repeatedly to the concept behind the programme – molding autistic adults into contributing members of society in their own ways. Section one is a potpourri of information, giving a glimpse of the range of models available for treatment and what makes each programme a success. Taking a closer look at programme considerations within various community settings, section two examines behaviour modification techniques in training autistic children and educating their parents. Section three delves into regulations and funding for different types of residential care programmes. Occupational and physical therapists, policymakers, educators, and parents of autistic children should be left encouraged from reading this book.
