In Honor of Autism Awareness Month, 29 Acres Shines the Light on JOHN!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks,  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET JOHN

My name is John, just like my dad.  Some people like to call me John Peter.  I live in Coppell, Texas, with my mom and dad.  I am mostly non-verbal, but have some single words and a few signs.  I am 22 years old and will age out of school this May.  I will miss my school and especially my teacher, Ms.Christy.

Changes in my routine are difficult for me.  I like order, and everything to be in the place it's always been.  I'm very strong willed, and have definite likes and dislikes.

My favorite thing to do is watch Barney videos on my computer, and listen to music on my iPod.  I started watching Barney before I was a year old, and it helped me to learn about lots of things, such as going to the dentist, firefighters, animals, people and life. My favorite song is Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville” and I play it over and over in the car. I also go to the pet store with my dad almost every day.

Some other things I enjoy are swimming and riding my bike.  I have always loved the water, and taught myself to float and swim when I was very young.  I'm always laughing when I'm in the water.  Learning to ride my bike took a little time, but I can do it very well.

I have a very good memory. I like to draw things that I have seen on a video and can remember every detail about it.  I can go somewhere one time, and remember where everything is when I go back, even if it has been a long time.  I like riding in the car and on airplanes, and I always remember how to get to the places I want to go.

29 Acres is so exciting for everyone on the autism spectrum. It will be a great a community that understands what we are all about, as well as a safe place for continued learning and becoming more independent. It makes me think of the Barney video “Everyone is Special” and how important everyone is…like Tristen, Noah, Julia, William, Michelle, Matthew, Sam, Huddy, Bryan, Hudson, William, Ryan, Andrea, Tug, Chandler, Elijah, Jordan, Kyle, Sam, Crawford, Ryan, Landon, Weston and Jon! Today, they Shined the Light on me and I want the Light to Shine on all of them! Thank you 29Acres…people helping people!

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

In Honor of Autism Awareness Month, 29 Acres Shines the Light on TRISTEN!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks (including the White House),  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET TRISTEN

         Meet Tristen. He is 18 years old and lives in the Dallas area. He was officially dx before 3 years old with autism.

Tristen has an in home one on one teaching program in place the last 3 years that has allowed him to excel in academics and progress in his language & communication. He has a team of 9 therapist that work  with him every week. We also work on community inclusion 2x a week. It may be grocery shopping, ordering my food independently at a restaurant, going to book stores or flea markets to add to my hobby, visiting the local fire departments, taking an art class, taking nature photos with my phone or packing a picnic lunch and taking a hike.

I am working on vocational office skills. I can sort mail, shred, copy and am working on data input as my Mom says I have amazing computer skills and problem solving abilities.

I like to bake, swim, do arts and crafts and sing kareoke. My favorite song to sing is "Born to Be Wild"

I have an extensive collection of vintage Power Rangers megazords that my parents have to find from all over the world. I also collect Disney VHS tapes and have a special closet that was customized to display them all. I am looking forward to the future as I know possibilities are endless if we reach for them with our community support.

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

In Honor of Autism Awareness Month, 29 Acres Shines the Light on NOAH!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks (including the White House),  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET NOAH

.    
I AM PRETTY MUCH A LONER BUT REALLY DO ENJOY THE TIME I GET AT SPECIAL OLYMPICS AND CAN SOCIALIZE WITH OTHERS LIKE ME
 

I LIKE TV AND PLAYING VIDEO GAMES, I HAVE OVER 300 ASSORTED GAMES AND 300 DIFFERENT MOVIES BUT I LIKE DISNEY MOVIES BEST!!!

HERE I AM WITH A LITTLE DOG I JUST RESCUED.

 
 FOR WORK, I HELP AT THE STORE AT SCHOOL BUT NEVER HAD ANY OTER JOB.  I WOULD REALLY LIKE ONE.
 
 I THINK I WOULD DO GOOD AT 29 ACRES  BECAUSE I FEEL I WOULD BE MORE COMFORTABLE IN THE SETTING AND NOT FEEL LEFT OUT

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, 29 Acres Shines the Light on JULIA!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks,  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET JULIA

Julia is a 4 year old girl with Autism who made her debut  this month on Sesame Street. She has bright orange hair and big green eyes! Julia is performed by a parent of a child with autism who uses her own experiences to help inform the actions of the character.

Thank you Sesame Street for infusing compassion and acceptance of diversity and differences in our young children.

You have some very wonderful friends, Julia.

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

In Honor of Autism Awareness Month, 29 Acres Shines the Light on WILLIAM!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks (including the White House),  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET WILLIAM 

  Autism is hard because I have so little language.  Sometimes it is frustrating that I can't communicate my feelings, desires, or just that something is wrong to those around me. I live on a country estate in England with my Mom, Dad and sister Joanna.  I have lived in England since I was three years old, and there they age out of school at age 19.  I have been attending a program here called Post 19.  What they are doing for young adults with disabilities has been amazing.  When we saw 29 Acres we knew it would be the same sort of program.  One that would continue my growth and education, push me to learn more, but support me when I needed help.

 I love food, and watching cooking shows.  I really love watching Pioneer Woman as it combines some of my favorite things- good food, cows, tractors and trucks.  Music excites me and is very important to making my day happy. I love musicals like “The Sound of Music:, :”The King and I”. and one you probably never heard of called “:Bride and Prejudice”.

  I enjoy working outside doing horticulture work like raking, weeding, and hauling items in a wagon or wheelbarrow.  I enjoy crafts, and anything musical. I also like to run the vacuum and help wipe up tables.

 .
29 Acres will be a special place that nurtures young people with autism.  It combines training, education, and support with fun activities to help me continue to grow. The more my life skills can improve, the easier and happier my life will be.  29 Acres offers a routine for fun, and exciting activities combined with learning new skills.  It will be hard to move back to the United States since we have been away so long.  29 Acres provides me a safe, comfortable environment to grow.  Who could ask for more than that?

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

In Honor of Autism Awareness Month, 29 Acres Shines the light on MICHELLE!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks (including the White House),  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET MICHELLE

Sometimes being born with autism itself makes a whole lot of certain stuff so much easier to be good at, to amaze other people, & or just to do in general. Like the type of art that I do, it is a scientific fact that most near-logically normal human brains are physically & mentally NOT capable of doing absolutely 100% purely geometrically & mathematically PERFECT mosaic/geometric designs done on paper & all drawn by hand.





I love to make people react in any kind of crazy humorous way to anything that I do, say, & or show them. Like if they get/react like all dizzy to my artwork, that type of reaction cracks me up as in it makes me laugh so extremely hard like a guffaw for so long.


For work, I like customer service, helping anybody out at all however it is needed, I am a people person, I love babies, little kids, & seniors, I love to help the environment, the earth itself, & being extremely creative with ideas on how us humans can do even better at taking care of our earth planet itself, I love creative writing, & I love to volunteer with seniors.


What excites me about 29 Acres?


Because it is the ONLY type of place & or/neighborhood that my parents WOULD EVER allow/let me be in & live in away from them & I will FINALLY get what I want & that is absolutely nothing but 100% pure INDEPENDENCE!!!!!!

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is  registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

In honor of Autism Awareness month, 29 Acres Shines the Light on MATTHEW!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks (including the White House),  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET MATTHEW

Matthew with Dad, Jeff

I live in South Carolina with my mom (Kelly), dad (Jeff), and my sister, Kayla. I spent a good part of my life in Minnesota where I had some great teachers who taught me a lot about what it means to go through life with Autism. We moved to South Carolina to escape the brutal winters and also to search for a residential community where I can feel wanted, understood and accepted. Because I have trouble with communication (I am mostly non-verbal), I am looking for ways that I can express my emotions to others without them misunderstanding how I really feel.

I love to be outdoors. My dad and I like to go hiking as often as possible. There are some amazing trails in the woods here around Clemson University. We often do videos that we post on Facebook, as part of an alter-identity duo we call the DeWitt Bandana Boys. When I’m stuck in the house, I like to watch videos on my iPad and TV. (My favorites are Disney and Dr. Seuss). I also really like trains and cows.

I’m pretty good at a lot of things, as long as you explain to me exactly what you want me to do. I can stack shelves, fill soda machines, set up chairs and tables. I know I could be very helpful on a farm, although I’ve never really had the chance. Working with cows (or other farm animals) would be really cool! I could feed and help herd the animals. I’m pretty alert and have a good memory so I know I could be a really good worker.

For the past 4 years, my family and I have been searching for the type of adult community that would allow me to be me, yet help me to reach my potential. I know I need some supervision but I’m pretty good about taking care of myself. I love the idea of being able to help start a new community and establish its identity and purpose. I want to be a part of something that helps other people understand that people with autism are not strange, helpless or dangerous. I’m excited to find a place that I can call home!!

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, 29 Acres Shines the light on SAM!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks (including the White House),  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET SAM

Sam is a 20 year old man living with his mom, step-dad and younger brother in Princeton, Texas.


Sam had a rough start; born 8 weeks early and lived in the NICU for about 6 weeks. Once home he struggled with developmental delays and poor muscle tone.  He had extensive therapy to learn to roll over, crawl, walk and talk.   Originally diagnosed with Sotos Syndrome, the Autism diagnoses was added in middle school. But Sam is a fighter and he works hard every day to keep up with his peers.


Sam completed his graduation requirements in 2015 but returned to high school under the 18 - 21 program.  He starts off his day in the school office where he performs office aid duties such as filing, picking up attendance and delivering items to the classrooms. This has really improved his social skills and everywhere Sam goes on campus he's met with a friendly hello.  Grabbing a cup of coffee in the teacher's lounge is one of his favorite things to do!


After finishing up in the school office, Sam moves to the special ed classroom where he prepares his own lunch.  He's learning to cook several simple meals, but spaghetti is his favorite.   Along with his school aide, Sam goes to Walmart once a week to purchase the items he needs to prepare his menus and he's so proud of his new debit card!  


After lunch, Sam, with his aide, goes out into the community and works at several local businesses, including the grocery store, city library, the senior living center and the local cafe.  He's learning very valuable work and social skills.  Recently, Sam obtained his first real job at a fast food restaurant.  He works about 10 hours a week and was so very proud of his first paycheck! 

When not working hard at school or his job, Sam enjoys listening to music, writing stories and building Lego sets.  He is often seen walking in the neighborhood, wearing his headphones and listening to his favorite music which is anything from Glee.  Sam is looking forward to living semi-independently and was very excited to see the 29 acres site plans.   He thought the housing plans looked just like his big sister's college dorms! 

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

In honor of Autism awareness Month, 29 Acres Shines a Light on "Huddy!"

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks,  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET "HUDDY"

Hi, my name is Hudson Foley – but everyone calls me Huddy. I live in Frisco Texas and I go to school at “It’s a Sensory World” in Dallas.  I’ve known some of the teachers there for over 10 years – they’ve helped me make a lot of progress.  My favorite thing to do is to go swimming.  I’ve always been a water baby! My record (when I was younger) was a 2 hour and 45 minute bath – I would have kept going but my parents made me get out.  Being in the water is so relaxing for me and it helps me deal with my sensory issues.  I’m a huge Disney fan too – I love all the songs.  My favorite movie is Mary Poppins.  And like so many other kids on the spectrum I love trains.  I’ve got all the Thomas the Train videos.

I’m looking forward to living and being part of the 29 Acres community.  It will be awesome to make friends and still be close to family.

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.

                                  You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

In honor of autism awareness month, 29 Acres Shines a Light on BRYAN!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks (including the White House),  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET BRYAN

Bryan and Chance

Because of a head injury I had when I was six I didn't get my autism diagnosis until a few years ago, though by that time I had long suspected something like it. Even though I knew i was different, I tried to not let that get me down thought my schooling and even went as far as getting a MEd in special education as I have always wanted to work with others like me.  I feel like autism gives me another view of the world that is unique and interesting and very useful in my field.

 When I used to live in Downtown Phoenix I would go to athletic events (mostly basketball and baseball) all the time, it was one of my favorite things to do.  Now that I live farther away from the stadiums this isn't quite as easy but I still try to make it as often as possible.  In addition to this I like playing games, spending time with my dog Chance, and just going out.

 I have worked for the past few years as a respite and habilitation provider for others on the spectrum, as well as working at a few schools in that time.  I enjoy doing this work because I feel that I can relate better to other people with autism than most and this gives me a leg up on others in the same field.  I would love to one day either be able to do this full time, or even better work at a school full time helping people with autism advance in life.

 Part of what I like about 29 Acres is that it could be a place where I could do this as well as having a place to live.  As someone who has moved approximately 10 times in the past 5 years having a stable environment would be nice.  Also as someone who travels everywhere for work, having everyone I work with in close proximity to me, would be nice as well.

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, 29 Acres Shines the Light on Hudson Harlan!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks (including the White House),  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET HUDSON HARLAN

My name is Lezlie Lowe. Hudson Harlan is my son. Hudson lives in Plano, TX. along with me, my husband David, and his four brothers. Hudson currently attends Plano West High School.

Hudson was diagnosed with autism at age 3. After his diagnosis, many different forms of therapy were pursued including ABA therapy, speech therapy, OT, music therapy, equine therapy, art therapy and various medical interventions. Hudson has made great progress and is now on the moderate to mild end of the spectrum. He continues to struggle with sharing his world with  others, including his family, but loves spending time with others on the spectrum. He is a very handsome and sweet guy, who makes friends easily and his family loves him very much!!!

Hudson loves haircuts, concerts, computer surfing, award shows, Disneyland, McDonald's and outings to the movies with friends.  He has a vast knowledge of movie and music history and trivia and enjoys following his favorite pop stars and celebrities and their careers on the internet.

The 29 Acres concept is an exciting alternative for families who are looking for a long-term living environment for their children on the spectrum. The creation of a community for ASD residents in the DFW area that is safe, enriching, full of opportunities and long-lasting is much needed by many families in the area.
The inclusion of a day program on site is also an attractive feature of the 29 Acres concept. Our family is looking forward to following the progress of 29 Acres!

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

IN honor of Autism Awareness Month, 29 Acres Shines the Light on WILLIAM!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks (including the White House),  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET WILLIAM-WAY UP THERE!

 I was diagnosed with autism when I was two years old.  Expressing myself has always been difficult for me but therapy over the years has helped me to grow and progress in so many ways.  I used to play by myself a lot because I didn’t know how to interact or socialize with my family and friends.  Now, I enjoy the attention and like to play with other people.

To say that I love the outdoors would be an understatement!  I love to swim like a fish, climb very tall trees, ride on my scooter- you name it.  I am the happiest when I am outside exploring nature.  I also enjoy reading books and playing board games with my sister. I like to collect matchbox cars- currently I have 178 of them!

 I enjoy matching, sorting, and arranging items. I like to help my parents unload the dishwasher, fold clothes, and feed the dogs.  I find satisfaction in cleaning and tidying up around the house.  I also like to help cook in the kitchen.  I can chop vegetables and can even sauté them in a pan!

 My fantastic parents have always tried to help me reach my fullest potential, but quality support and education after the age of 18 is very limited for me and for so many others. 

29 Acres is exactly what I need to continue to thrive and live a full and complete life.  I have so much to offer society, so much talent, so many gifts, but I need specific support and training that will allow me thrive and succeed.  At 29 Acres, I will be able to continue my education and training skills in order to contribute to society while living amongst my peers and engaging daily in positive social interactions. With 29 Acres, I feel like I can reach my fullest potential.

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible. 
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

29 Acres Shine the Light on Ryan!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks (including the White House),  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

Ryan is our first born.  He was diagnosed with high functioning autism during his kindergarten year of school.  That year we began seeking out different treatments and therapies for him as most families would.  We ended up going to UNT speech and hearing center with Rae Wingate and her staff.  With their help along with the help at school and at home Ryan has come so far in the last 10 years.

This once shy kid is now an outgoing, funny young man and the best giver of hugs ever!!!  He is a freshman at Killough High School.  He participates in student council and volunteers to help every chance he gets. 

Because Ryan was picked on in school a teacher suggested he take up self-defense.  Well that suggestion has turned into Ryan receiving his black belt in Karate in January of 2017 along with his little brother Noah.  He is taking instructor classes to be able to lead classes in the future.  He also enjoys going to LA Fitness and working out.

Ryan’s idea of fun is playing video games or going to the movies.  He is a HUGE Godzilla and Sharknado fan!!!  We have started teaching Ryan to drive and he will begin taking driving lessons in the summer.

Ryan has said that he would like to work at GameStop or a pet store now that he is 16.  He also took a class in school on video game making so I think he would also like to pursue a job in that area.  He has so many things he wants to do, his only limit is his imagination and an opportunity.

We believe 29 acres would be a great place for Ryan to develop more of the social skills he will need in the work force, while having a place of his own to become more independent.  He already does a lot on his own now including the laundry, dishes, and he cleans his room!  29 Acres would be a place where he can live in a safe environment but still have a place for learning, socializing and feeling part of a community that I think could benefit from him as well. 

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.

29 Acres Shines the Light on ANDREA!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Thanks to Autism Speaks, thousands of landmarks (including the White House),  businesses, houses of worship and communities in over 150 countries will  Light It Up Blue in April to raise global awareness of Autism spectrum disorder.

 29 Acres will proudly shine the light on individuals with autism  every day for the month of April. We want to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder in our own community and we hope we do that by sharing their stories.

MEET ANDREA

Andrea has autism specturm disorder and has also been diagnoses with Timothy's syndrome, which has resulted in additional physical challenges especially with her eyes and vision.

Andrea is graduating from Centennial High School in Frisco soon and is employed by Krogers, where her work is applauded by her managers and staff.

Andrea is also a Youth Counselor Leader at a young Women's Camp and has received the highest honor for purity and honor in her churches young women's program. 

Andrea is an unrelenting volunteer, in many service projects.

When Andrea isn't busy with school, work or volunteering, she loves to babysit her 4 year old niece, do crafts, bake and help her parents trouble shoot the TV remotes and computer apps! 

Mom, Dad and Andrea

In honor of the thousands of individuals living with autism in our Texas communities who are in need of quality housing and ongoing support, please consider supporting this project.  29 Acres is a registered 501C3 and all donations are tax deductible.
You can donate at http://www.29acres.org/donate

The 29 Acres mission is to elevate the quality of life for adults across the  autism spectrum by creating a dynamic housing community enriched with customized programming and support where every person will be empowered to live with purpose and joy.