My name is Lindy Wood and I am the proud mother to Weston.  My husband and I relocated our family of 6 to Freeport, FL from Alabama in 2015 due to limited services for autism.  Weston was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of 2, and is considered non-verbal. 

 

 I noticed Weston’s unique bond with animals of all kinds and the peace and tranquility nature provided him. From the time he learned to walk, Weston has been intrigued with nature…often pulling every eggplant from our small family garden and coveting it like a small typically- developing child does with a new toy. I watched him get eye to eye with our horses and explore every single facial detail that I am certain we all fail to appreciate or even recognize.

 

When your child is young and so full of life and potential, it is difficult to imagine that the simple work of planting a seed and harvesting vegetables could somehow be worthwhile. If you are parent, then you will understand...we've probably had those visions of success wanting our children to reach full potential, a doctor, lawyer, etc.  Sometimes autism changes that vision.

 

As Weston grew older, I began to understand that for HIM, being able to take care of himself and perform simple tasks that serve a function in society would be a very good outcome.

 

Today, if you ask me how it feels to watch Weston pick vegetables from the garden or watch him look eye to eye iwith one of our horses, I can honestly say that I can see all the amazing abilities that God has blessed him with and he will share this gifts if given the opportunity to be exactly the way he was designed to be.  That is what we want to accomplish at Westonwood Ranch. To offer young individuals with autism opportunities to learn self reliance, life skills and employable skills in a nurturing farm environment.  After all, we all want to feel valued, loved and contribute to this world.  Westonwood creates this opportunity for many.

   

 Consider helping us improve the lives of young individuals living with autism.

 

In Gratitude,

Lindy Wood, MSN

Founder/President