Lived Experience: Personal Perspective on Special Needs Ranches for Adults
Personal experiences can often provide invaluable insights into the challenges and realities faced by individuals with disabilities or developmental disorders. In this article, I share my perspective as someone with autism spectrum disorders who has thought about—and ultimately declined—a potential living arrangement at a special needs ranch for adults with disabilities. My experiences teach us about the complex interplay between autonomy, support, and personal growth.
The Disadvantages of Special Needs Ranches
The idea of living at a special needs ranch for adults can seem appealing at first, offering a structured environment where one can receive support and companionship. However, the reality for individuals with autism and other disabilities may be quite different.
Residential care in such environments often involves being fully supervised and managed by staff at all times. This can include activities as basic as going outside, making decisions, or engaging in solitary hobbies. The environment can feel more like a prison than a supportive home, with individuals often being expected to conform to strict routines and social expectations. Being surrounded by strangers who are not personal friends can be challenging, and the emphasis on social interaction and group activities can overshadow the need for personal autonomy.
Another significant drawback is the continuous evaluation and analysis of behavior, often through cameras and collaborative goal-setting meetings with various professionals. This can create a sense of being constantly watched and judged, which might exacerbate anxiety and stress. The environment is not conducive to individualization, nor does it allow for natural behaviors and interests to be expressed freely.
Moreover, the focus on socialization and leisure activities that many adults may have outgrown can detract from the opportunity to develop practical life skills such as home management, work, and personal development. In essence, many of these facilities prioritize preservation and socialization over true adult living and personal progression.
The Personal Perspective
From my own experience, living in such an environment would not suit my needs. I have autism spectrum disorders and do not feel that the residential arrangements offered by these ranches align with my desires for autonomy and personal fulfillment. Residential care can often feel like a form of effortless support that fails to address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, treating them as children rather than adults.
Being a zoo animal, a wounded bird, or a rescue horse is a precise and unwelcome analogy. My autism is simply a part of who I am, and I do not want my abilities, interests, and natural behaviors to be exaggerated or turned into a spectacle. I am wary of the spotlight that such environments can bring, particularly on a global scale.
The rigid social and behavioral expectations are also a significant issue. I do not have a natural inclination towards caretaking roles, nor do I have the patience or personality for it. In caretaking situations, I often feel resentment towards the responsibility of having to do everything. Over time, this could lead to feelings of frustration and even burnout.
My perspective emphasizes the need for an environment that respects individual autonomy and allows for personal growth and development. In contrast to the structured and supervised environment of a special needs ranch, I prefer a living arrangement where I have more freedom to navigate life on my own terms, develop practical skills, and pursue personal interests without rigid supervision.
The Alternative Approach
For adults like myself with autism, a more personalized and integrated approach may be more beneficial. This could involve support in the form of local community services, smaller residential settings, or even self-sufficient living arrangements where individuals have more control over their daily routines and social interactions.
Ultimately, the goal should be to facilitate true adulting—providing the support needed for individuals to lead fulfilling, independent lives. Instead of trapping us in predefined roles, we should strive to create an environment where individuals can thrive and pursue their unique paths in life.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to living at a special needs ranch for adults with disabilities is a resounding No. The environment does not align with my values of autonomy, personal growth, and individuality. While such facilities may offer some forms of support, they do not adequately address the unique needs and desires of individuals like myself. Striking a balance between structure and freedom is essential for true life enhancement and personal fulfillment.