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 for our son Weston to receive therapeutic services from Emerald Coast Autism Center (ECAC). Weston was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of 2, and is considered non-verbal. 

     Early on, 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.

     Now that Weston is 7, I’m beginning 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 in an odd fashion with one of our horses, I can honestly say that I can see his POTENTIAL and a FUTURE. That is what we want to accomplish at Westonwood Ranch. To offer young individuals with autism opportunities to learn task oriented, employable skills in a nurturing farm environment.

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

                                                                                                                       In Gratitude,

                                                                                                                       Lindy Wood