History of Sweetwater Spectrum

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, affecting 1 in 45 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the coming decade, as many as 500,000 children with autism will reach adulthood, yet very few residential options exist to care for them.

In 2009, a group of families with children with autism collaborated with professionals and civic leaders to found a non-profit organization with a vision: to design and build a residential community for adults with autism unlike anything available today. Since opening our doors in January 2013, we have grown, evolved and remain dedicated to providing a model for the nation’s families, who are struggling with the lack of housing options for their adult children.

An explicit goal is to provide these autistic adults a “life with purpose.”

Our community leverages and optimizes the insights and knowledge gained through autism research while embracing sustainable design and best practices. We have created a residential environment that reflects the beauty and spirit of the surrounding area while offering supported living services in close collaboration with the North Bay Regional Center.

Created as a pilot community, and now operational for over 9 years, Sweetwater Spectrum is one model for community-based housing that works. Click here for our resources to help create special needs housing in your community.