Finding a way

FREEPORT — Parents of children with autism not only have to care for their child today, but they also must plan for the child's future.

"In most circumstances, children outlive their parents and parents have to plan for that, but it is especially true in the case of parents of children with autism," said Lindy Wood.

Wood and her husband are the parents of a 7-year-old autistic son.

The Woods moved to the Freeport area two years ago from west Alabama, searching for a place offering more services for their child. However, they found Walton and Okaloosa counties' offerings to be practically nonexistent. Now two years later, they are in the process of creating their own assistance for their son and others in the autism spectrum.

The Woods purchased 40 acres in the Portland area in northern Walton County. They plan to break ground in September on a facility for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder.

Westonwood Ranch, named for their son Weston, is a pre-planned, nonprofit development designed to teach life and vocational skills in a holistic farm environment. According to Wood, those at the ranch will have some control over their learning curriculum by choosing from diverse classes — with the ulitmate goal of becoming gainfully employed.

The proposed offerings will include: aquaponic greenhouse operations, marketing and sales of organic produce, landscape gardening, ranch maintenance, therapeutic equine activities, animal feeding and care, animal assisted therapy, creative arts and a summer agriculture program. All of this is geared to promote individual growth through social, physical and cognitive stimulation.

The ranch will have a 4,800-square-foot vocational training center and a covered equine arena with stables.

Wood said she hopes to get local businesses on board by offering internships and employment opportunities.

The ranch is partnering with Emerald Coast Autism Center for staffing.

"We will have a highly-trained staff to address issues," she said.

Westonwood Ranch is a nonprofit and seeking grant money and donations. The goal is to open late fall of 2018.

When open and at capacity, the facility will be able to accommodate more than 100 individuals.

"One in every 62 children is diagnosed with autism but there are no programs to help them with skills," Wood said. "There needs to be a fundamental shift in the way we address this issue."

For more information, visit westonwood.org.