Mandy's Special Farm has been specifically designed and created to promote the positive physical, cognitive, social, emotional and daily living skills development of a maximum six women with autism, of various abilities, ages 18 to 30 upon admission through end of life. Residents of Mandy's Special Farm will prosper in a structured, caring, home-like environment that provides daily therapies, activities and treatments that address each woman's unique strengths, opportunities and needs as identified in her individualized treatment plan, which is updated annually. A pleasant, well-rounded curriculum will balance work with play, tasks with rewards, purpose with fun to maximize the learning, growing and living experience. Program details include: Atmosphere: The care philosophy of Mandy's Special Farm is to emphasize encouragement and positive reinforcement within a loving atmosphere of understanding, support and respect for each resident. Staff: Under the supervision of Ruthie Robbins, founder, and a certified program director, our licensed, trained staff features a maximum one-to-three care provider to resident ratio, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Should more individualized care be required for any resident, Mandy's Special Farm will make arrangements. On-site overnight watch is staffed every evening. Therapy: Based on individual need, physical, occupational and speech therapies are provided. Vocational Training: Based on individual ability and desire, vocational training will be offered with the goal, if a resident's skills allow, employment in a sheltered workshop. Security and Safety: The perimeter of Mandy's Special Farm's 4.22 acres is secured by fencing designed to prevent climbing. All trees are trimmed to prevent climbing. Access to the farm is controlled by a key-coded automatic entrance gate. Each staff member is trained in first aid and CPR. Parental Communication: Parents of residents who possess speech skills may telephone their daughter as often as desired. Parents may also communicate with our program director or founder as often as desired. A monthly update of each resident's progress will be mailed to parents, and will be available for review and downloading at a secured web page (password provided to authorized persons only) on the Mandy's Special Farm internet site.