Living Centers for Autistic Adults
The Carolina Living and Learning Center and Eden A.C.R.E.s
Some parents of young adults may make the decision to look into a residential program. Learn more about the CLLC in North Carolina and Eden A.C.R.E.s in New Jersey.
Parents and caregivers who are working with transitions for autistic teens and young adults have a variety of options. What might be a good fit for one family and individual with autism might not be the best fit for another. It is important that appropriate research is made prior to helping determine how a young adult with autism transitions into adulthood. One option that some families choose is to utilize the services provided by residential programs for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
Carolina Living and Learning Center
Located on a farm in Pittsboro, North Carolina, the Carolina Living and Learning Center (CLLC) is a part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Division TEACCH. “Located on 79 acres of land just north of Pittsboro, North Carolina, the CLLC currently has one home for 5 adults and a second home for 10 adults with autism. Both homes are certified as Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF-MR) and the primary source of operating funds is Medicaid.”
Residents at the CLLC work on acquiring independent living skills in the communication, social, leisure, vocational and domestic arenas. One unique feature of the CLLC program is that members participate in a mobile landscaping crew. After acquiring landscaping skills working on the farm, members of the crew go out into the community to put these landscaping skills to use while earning money.
Open positions for the residential program are hard to come by but the center does offer a day program as well. For more information or to set up an appointment to tour the facility, contact the CLLC at (919) 542-1910.
Eden A.C.R.E.s
Eden A.C.R.E.s (A Community Residence Experience) has been operating group homes for adults with autism in New Jersey since 1979. “Eden A.C.R.E.s presently operates eleven group homes and four supported living apartments in central New Jersey. Each residence is licensed by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) of the New Jersey Department of Human Services and meets all state and local health and safety ordinances.” Between five and seven adults reside in the homes while the apartments usually only serve two or three adults. The properties offer a 2:1 participant to staff ratio and provide 24 hour support to residents.
Participants in the Eden A.C.R.E.s program focus on community involvement and residents are involved several events that give back to the community. A few examples of their charitable contributions include making baked goods for residents of nursing homes and working with the “Toys for Tots” campaign. Eden A.C.R.E.s can be contacted at (609) 987-0099.
As young adults with autism transition into adulthood, everyone involved can experience significant amounts of stress. Working one-on-one with a residential program can ensure a smooth transition for both the family and the individual who will be participating in the residential program.
Sources:
Carolina Living and Learning Center
