Douglas Acres is a concept at this point—a planning vehicle that in the end will result in the purchase and construction of a residential, life-long facility for autistic and retarded adults. A unique feature will be the establishment of an “intentional community,” that is, a community of families of autistics, who will live on or near the grounds of the facility. The intention is to keep the family directly involved with the handicapped individual’s life, while offering professional support where needed. That direct involvement will also help serve as a check on the many abuses that handicapped people are subject to in more impersonal placements.

Additional keywords: Autism, autistic, long-term care, housing, placement, GFCF, self-abuse, thimerosol, mercury, vaccination.