Autism on the Farm, by Linda Davis

Parents of individuals with disabilities do not need to be reminded that once their children age out of school programs, finding a place for them can be fraught with challenges.  Where should they live?  Can they or should they have a job?  Will their living arrangements and job situation help them to develop, preserve their dignity, and fulfill them?  Linda Davis, whose son has autism, has grappled with these questions.

In Autism on the Farm: A Story of Triumph, Possiblity, and a Place Called Bittersweet, Davis tells the story of Bittersweet Farms, which since the 1970s has serves autistic individuals with residential and day programs in rural Ohio.  As a working farm, Bittersweet provides, in the words of founder Bettye Ruth Kay, "an opportunity and program for our residents and day students to learn real work skills, become more social beings and control their behavior in the process of doing meaningful work as partners with our staff."

Resisting the stereotype of "funny farm," and resisting the increasingly negative perception of institutions for the disabled, Bittersweet's leadership is committed to serving autistic adults with dignity and integrity.  Autism on the Farm gives an honest account of life at Bittersweet, not a perfect place but an attractive and inspiring alternative for the families of autistic adults.  As Davis points out, since the Olmstead decision in 1999, institutionalization of the disabled has been discouraged, and in some states eliminated.  Farms like Bittersweet struggle not be viewed in the same light as impermissible institutions, and have at times, from the perspectives of funding and policy making, been the baby thrown out with the bathwater.

Davis's interest in Bittersweet Farms is not detached.  She was inspired by Bittersweet to establish the SAGE Crossing Foundation in Massachusetts, which has similar goals.  I believe Davis's goal in writing Autism on the Farm was not only to celebrate the work of Bittersweet, but to draw attention to the rapidly growing need for programs for adults with autism, and to inspire parents of children with disabilities to think ahead about finding, or, as she did, creating programs for their children.  I don't like to think about it, but my 11-year-old daughter is growing fast.  Questions of placement, work, and independent living will arise sooner than I think.  I know she would love a place like Bittersweet.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!