WHY IS THE OLIVE BRANCH NEEDED?
The number of adults with special needs in the DFW area continues to grow year after year. While they are young, and in school, K-12, there are good programs in place to guide them through childhood, and adolescence. However, the real need arises once they complete high school and leave behind the programs that had played such a large part in their development.
Many parents do not know what to do next. Depending on the level of need, they may or may not be able to live independently, hold a job, or otherwise make a contribution to their community. This is where the Olive Branch comes in. This is where we excel in coming alongside our citizens and taking the next step with them in their life journey.
Many parents do not know what to do next. Depending on the level of need, they may or may not be able to live independently, hold a job, or otherwise make a contribution to their community. This is where the Olive Branch comes in. This is where we excel in coming alongside our citizens and taking the next step with them in their life journey.
NATIONAL STATISTICS
According to a National Autistic Society survey of over 450 children and adults with autism, an astonishing 70% of adults with autism are unable to live independently. Of these individuals, 49% live with family members, creating a huge financial burden on aging parents, and 32% live in residential care facilities, which offer little or no privacy, autonomy, or stimulation.
70% Of Autistic Adults Are Unable To Live Independently
Only 3% of adults with autism live fully independently. In terms of employment, only 6% of adults hold paid, full-time jobs. Regarding mental health, over half of adults with autism have been diagnosed with depression some time in their adult life while 11% say they have suffered a "nervous breakdown."
94% Of Autistic Adults Are Unable To Hold Paid, Full-Time Jobs
Even though the majority of adults surveyed had participated in at least two autism interventions in childhood, 65% continue having difficulty making friends. Of teens surveyed, 74% stated that they had difficulty making friends. Of children under 13 years old, 31% participated in no social activities at all.
65% Of Autistic Adults Have Difficulty Making Friends
Clearly this data shows the burden on quality of life for adults with autism, issues such as independence, self-determination, employment, mental health, social support, and meaningful relationships are virtually ignored when planning treatments, assessing treatment outcomes, or evaluating an overall program’s effectiveness.
Adults with autism are in need of treatment programs which focus on improving family life, self-perception, self-esteem, confidence, ability to compete in employment opportunities, the ability to live in the least restrictive environment, ability to decrease depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, for more successful outcomes.
Adults with autism are in need of treatment programs which focus on improving family life, self-perception, self-esteem, confidence, ability to compete in employment opportunities, the ability to live in the least restrictive environment, ability to decrease depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, for more successful outcomes.
LOCALLY: FRISCO, TEXAS
Determining the actual number of special needs adults who might benefit from the Olive Branch community is difficult. Part of the difficulty is that many slip through the cracks and are sitting at home after high school, unreported after they leave the school system. They simply fade away from the systems that track their progress and needs.
IN 2016, THE CITY OF FRISCO HAS 152,710 RESIDENTS. AT BUILDOUT, THAT NUMBER IS EXPECTED INCREASE TO 375,000.
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The best way to determine what the potential numbers of special needs adults who might fit into our community is to track those exiting the public school system. Just under 10% of all students enrolled in FISD are classified as special needs.
In 2014, the city of Frisco estimated that 2,500 adults in Frisco that have special needs (approximately 1.5% of the population). Nearly 4,400 special needs students were enrolled in FISD grades K-12. The Olive Branch will serve not only Frisco but the surrounding North Dallas area, the state of Texas, and possibly the entire US. |
Independent State Analysis
In 2009, the state of Texas paid for an independent analysis on the costs and benefits of providing services to adults in Texas with ASD and related disabilities. It was called Texas House Bill 1574. The study was completed in 2009 and it showed a significant need for services for adults with these disabilities. The state did not pursue the execution of a plan to address these issues. Below is a summary of the finding of THB 1574:
Texas House Bill 1574 (2009)
Study on the Costs and Benefits of Initiating a Pilot Project to Provide Services to Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Related Disabilities
In 2009, nearly 8,300 adults in Texas with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) either received services or were on a waitlist to receive services from the Dept. of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and/ or the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Nearly half did not receive service due to lack of funding.
In 2009, nearly 8,300 adults in Texas with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) either received services or were on a waitlist to receive services from the Dept. of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and/ or the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Nearly half did not receive service due to lack of funding.
- The study inventoried existing programs that provide services to adults with ASDs and related disabilities in Texas, which include:
- special education services delivered through the State’s 1,700 high schools;
- vocational rehabilitation supports provided by DARS;
- home and community-based service waiver programs operated by DADS;
- health care services through HHSC; and,
- • other programs that provide housing, workforce, and other supports.
- Insufficient resources result in individuals being unable to access services. More than 78,000 individuals are currently on interest lists for DADS’ waiver services including an estimated 4,000 adults with ASDs. Without supports, families report that young adults regress and lose gains they made in school, are less likely to sustain employment, and are less engaged in their communities.
- Services are not designed for adults with ASDs. For example, services lack behavioral components that are critical to individuals with ASDs, day habilitation programs provide “baby-sitting” rather than meaningful activities, and jobs in which consumers are placed are beneath their abilities.
- The existing system is fragmented. Unlike in school when services for children with disabilities are primarily the responsibility of their school, responsibility for providing services to adults with ASDs is spread across multiple state agencies, local authorities, and contracted providers. This can overwhelm families and result in consumers not receiving services they need.
- Employment outcomes are poor. Adults with ASDs are chronically unemployed, having difficulty in both obtaining and retaining a job.