The population of those with developmental disabilities is growing larger, and many in this group will need support of some kind for the rest of their lives. In most cases, this support comes from their parents, and every one of those parents worries about what will happen when they're no longer able to provide that support.

A 20-year study by the National Council on Severe Autism that concluded in 2020 and followed 187 people with autism in South Carolina revealed that 99% of the test subjects were unable to live independently and 70% ended up living at home with relatives.

For Sweetwater Spectrum's founder, Mark Jackson, this quandary presented an especially personal challenge — a challenge that drove him to find a way to create a fulfilling and supportive living environment for those with developmental disabilities. His own son, now 32, had been diagnosed with autism years ago and was soon to age out of his private school. In January 2013, Mark and his partners opened Sweetwater Spectrum. This three-acre farm site supports developmentally disabled individuals in downtown Sonoma to accommodate 16 full-time residents — soon to expand to 20.

In this episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Kirsten Howe speaks with Mark and Sweetwater Spectrum's Executive Director, Olivia Vain. Olivia's proven experience with directly managing programs focused on enriching the lives of those with autism was a great complement to Mark's acquired logistical knowledge, and both offer interesting insight into creating a supportive community for those with developmental disabilities.

Together, we're going to discuss:

• How Sweetwater Spectrum addresses the individual needs of its residents.
• The ways in which Sweetwater Spectrum differs from other approaches to special needs housing and the benefits those differences provide for the families of its disabled residents.
• The specialized, real-world knowledge that both founder Mark Jackson and Executive Director Olivia Vain have acquired now affords them the ability to consult with other prospective specialized communities so that they don't encounter the same pitfalls that they did.

And much more.

Unfortunately, parents are unlikely to outlive their children, which leaves a gaping void when even one parent dies. Coupled with the demands of caring for someone with autism full-time, support can often prove to be a lot for some families to handle. We hope this episode will give you insights to support the solution options available.

Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey

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