Across the United States, 500,000 individuals with autism are aging into adulthood. Today, children have a 1 in 36 chance of being diagnosed with autism according to the CDC in 2020. Sonoma is providing leadership in addressing the housing needs of this underserved population through its welcoming support of Sweetwater Spectrum, a model community for adults with autism and other related developmental disabilities.
A question universally on the minds of parents of children with autism is, “How will my child be cared for when I am no longer able?” Sweetwater Spectrum is working hard to provide a solution.
Sweetwater Spectrum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to exploring, building and evaluating an innovative housing model for adults with autism. It has developed and now manages a housing option in the Sonoma community utilizing supportive living services. This model includes an enrichment program intended to foster both individual choice and community engagement to provide a “life with purpose”. We embrace residents on a wide range on the spectrum of autism and other developmental disabilities and support all financial capabilities.