Testimonials

Veronica Writes: ​
My son Alex is almost 17 (10/24/89) and I do decorating and teach design at a college also. These upcoming (FAP) events sound great and I will come. Thank you for all the work you are doing...it is so meaningful!!

Cheri L. Collins Writes:
I am the mother of a teenage boy with autism. As my son ages doors close - there are fewer and fewer opportunities for him to have meaningful interactions with others. I am so pleased that there is an organization like FAP out there that is, more than metaphorically, looking to open a door, working to build a better future for adult children with autism. The Farm project will open a door to a future where our children can continue to grow and can lead happy and fulfilling lives.

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Dorothy Lerner, mother of Michael O'Reilly Writes:
As the mother of a 34 year-old son with autism and as a professional in the disability field, I applaud the diligence and determination of Friends of Autistic People to create a sustainable farming community for adults on the Autism Spectrum: a vibrant community within the community where learning, growing, working and giving back to the community become a daily reality for our adult children on the spectrum. I am proud to be an active member of this progressive, innovative and dedicated organization. As everyone knows only too well, the population of those with autism is swelling to previously unimaginable numbers. Parents of individuals with Autism are aging and families will not always be there to care for their family member with Autism. Currently, there are very few group homes that are capable of providing the intensive and comprehensive life services that adults on the Autism Spectrum so desperately require to be fully included in their communities. There is little evidence that this dearth of group homes will change over time. It is imperative that we, the families of children with Autism, actively support and participate in building the farm and realizing the dream that we all share: a safe, caring, productive, and thriving living, learning, and working environment for our sons and daughters.

Gina Smith Writes:
​Good Morning!! Brita and the Friends of Autistic People Family!!!

First I'd like to say, you guys are truly a sincere group of people fighting for a great cause. I truly enjoyed and appreciated my time at your most recent event honoring Tommy and Dee Hilfiger. I’ve not been the same since. My heart has been grieved with empathy and compassion for your plight as parents and organizers. When I arrived home that evening, though it was late my 14yr old son woke up and he, my 24yr old daughter and I shared the events of our day. Yet, through all the chatter and gratitude for a day well spent my mind could not escape what my heart experienced when Brita, during her address of the quests declared, "I was ANGRY at the lack of resources concerning adults with Autism.” WHOA! “Did she say, “ANGRY!?” I thought as it isn’t a word I often use or hear amongst such audiences. Disappointed, sadden, frustrated, gravely concerned, overwhelmed, even outraged or T’d off, but not “ANGRY!” There is something about that word that many would shy away from when identifying an emotion in such an arena, including me, that is until now.

The word, “ANGRY!” pierced my soul, it had felt so raw, so honest and yet the emotion attached to it said, “to add insult to injury, I am tired of saying or feeling as though not enough is being done about it soon enough or efficiently enough.” Later, this sentiment of feeling anger was reiterated by Dee Hilfiger. At which point my heart broke in two. In a later exchange in a show of solidarity and sincerity I asked Brita about her choice of words, at which time she said, "Gina, rt? Gina is your name? I was actually furious, I was trying to be nice when I said angry!" At that point all I could do is look at her and say, “I get it!”......

Angela Sims-Cousins Writes:
I just wanted to reach out and say hello to you. I sat next to you at lunchtime during the Autism Conference at Adelphi University. I hope that all is well with you and your daughter. It is such a wonderful thing that you are doing for adults with Autism. Sitting next to you and across to the nice woman on the other side of the lunch table helped me feel assured that there is hope for my 7 year old son in the future for when he reaches adulthood. Please continue doing the wonderful things that you are doing. The world needs more people like you with big hearts full of love.