Historically, young adults with autism have the poorest employment outcomes among young adults with disabilities. In recent years, researchers looking at employment outcomes found that when young adults with autism have opportunities to participate in programs that adequately prepare and support them as they enter the workforce, they can be successful and valuable employees. Other studies that examined employment rates among young adults with autism show that there remains a significant need for programs that strengthen employment skills and provide opportunities for practice. Alpaca assisted therapy programs have been shown to have positive effects on people with ASD that can translate into skills they can apply to their everyday life.

Learning 4 Life Farm is designed to provide a venue where young adults with autism will have opportunities to explore employment options and practice valuable workplace skills including, growing and harvesting flowers and vegetables, and creating and selling products in the gift shop. Additionally, the Farm is a place where individuals of all ages with autism can experience the wonders of nature and the outdoors, enhance their well-being through active or passive involvement during plant and plant-related activities, develop age-appropriate leisure skills away from tablets and computer screens and interact with our alpacas in a sensory friendly environment.

We are excited to provide our kids with a sensory friendly environment to work with and care for alpacas!