Thinking of moving to TV with an Autistic adult that lives with us
 

I have been to TV for the last 10 to visit a friend and really enjoy my time there. My wife and I are thinking about moving and need some help.

We have a 32 year old autistic son that lives with us. Our concerns are will he have things to do in and around TV and more importantly will he be accepted.

We worry that he will be looked at differently and not be accepted in a not so direct way. He is a warm and respectful l person and any experience I have had with people in TV has always been positive, friendly and accepting but i am only there 6 days a year to have fun with a few friends.

I’ve always been told it wouldn’t be a problem and I believe he would enjoy himself but would welcome honest opinions.

Thank you

As others have advised many times, its best to rent for a few months to decide if It is right for you.

That's all anyone could ask for from a friend and neighbor.

Come on in !!!!

I too am considering moving to the Villages with my 39 yr old Autistic son, and i have similar concerns. Within the tri-county area i do not see (from internet searches) any support groups or social groups, but i also understand that it can take time to learn of such things. It would sure be nice to know of any groups that exist prior to renting/buying. I will continue to follow this post to see if anything pops up.

Form a club for adult children on the spectrum. Have get togethers etc.

:MOJE_whot:

Our 36 years old autistic adult son lives with us here. He absolutely loves going anywhere on our golf cart and being our club caddy when we golf. He has been widely accepted everywhere we go. Your child sounds a lot like him.

We were recently informed of a group called Autism Angels here in TV that we will reach out to. Come on down, life in sunshine beats dark cold winter.

Autistic adult
 

Many opportunities for adults w/special needs who are living with their parents here. There is a group called Special Friends Bowling that meet ea. Sat.for bowling & other activities throughout the yr. such as dances X-Mas parties etc. That has been put on hold due to Covid until after the new year but it is a large, active group. There is also a club/support group called Advocates for Adult Children with Intellectual Disabilities (AACID) that meets monthly, the 3rd Thurs. of ea. month at one of our rec centers. Different speakers come in ea. month. It is headed by John Langan who started the club about 6 years ago with approx. 12 families & I believe his e-mail list is now over 200 families. John is a wealth of knowledge & help in our Special Needs Community. Other opportunities are in the works.

I think it would be best to rent for afew months to see if there are things he might enjoy and also determine best village where they have more activities and close recreation center and pool etc.

first of all you would be hard pressed to find a better and caring community. When i go for a walk i'm usually offered rides
the real issue for you is can he get around himself, be able to drive a golf cart, use a cell phone. If he is mobile perhaps a request to the local sports softball activities can be made to waive the age requirement. Not to say you can't accompany him to his activities in community centers. Where there's a will
there's a way.
Best of luck

In the Daily Sun on Sun and Mon are lists of support groups/volunteer opptunities

Also find out about medical providers. If he has special medical needs it may not be easy to find doctors who will be able to treat him. There seems to be many offers of assistance from others on this post. Follow up with those who are here. Most people are friendly and a special needs person deserves opportunities for joy.

You should be fine, just remember people here are like people anywhere,

I live in desoto and I see 2 adults with autism or special needs in the neighborhood. They both ride bikes and seem to be out on their own doing activities. I have never saw/heard of any incidents of anyone treating them poorly. I don’t think most villagers would tolerate such a thing either. There are over 3,000 clubs and if you check probably one for autism. I think your son would be just as comfortable here as any other neighborhood.

https://districtgov.org/images/clubslisting.pdf

I know of a really great support group in the Orlando area which is about 50 minutes away. Here are a few links that may be helpful.

The Villages Autism Therapist - Autism Therapist The Villages, Sumter County, Florida - Autism Counseling The Villages, Sumter County, Florida

Autism Resources | Florida Department of Health

He is welcome! There are a few families with children like yours living in my sub and more in TV that I don’t know about. As a woman with a mentally disabled sister, who doesn’t live here though, she is accepted when she visits and we go out! It’s a wonderful environment for her and your son! Non-Acceptance can happen anywhere, unfortunately. I refused a long time ago to let those people control her happiness...and so did my parents.

All of your responses have been EXTREMELY helpful, and i am feeling a lot better about choosing to make the move with my son, to the Villages - i cant Thank you all enough!!!

You'll have to watch him closely just like you would anywhere. The Village people are very accepting and friendly.

Rent for 6 months and also find out if you need medication and healthcare it’s very mediocre here and meds crazy expensive.

People aren’t as tolerant as they used to be living in a homogenous society doesn’t foster empathy

I haven’t found healthcare mediocre...just gotta do your research. We’ve got Ocala close, Shands at UF in Gainesville and Orlando. All within an hour. And...,Mayo in Jacksonville. Meds being expensive has to do with your healthcare policy and the meds you’re on......not The Villages.

We moved here 3 years ago with a 23 year old learning disabled daughter. She is having the best time of her life. There is a parent advocacy group I can connect you with that is very helpful. She is safe here and is on bowling leagues. Many of her friends have autism. We could never have her so busy in ny. My name is Joan 6317674878. We never regret it.

I work with high school students with Autism and multiple disabilities in NY. We go out into the community weekly and have NEVER had anyone treat them without kindness. When I come to my house in TV, I run into people on the spectrum often. I can't think of a more perfect place to live with your son. Depending where he is on the spectrum, He could get a job. There are so many establishments that have programs for volunteer work. There is also a club called day break, where your child goes to and gives it the parent a break. It seems like there are many activities and groups that people mentioned. Sounds like a win-win to me. When I become permanent when I retire in a year and a half, I will also look into these groups to volunteer. I can't tell you the joy I get being with my students! OK, not every minute. Sometimes they can be annoying like my own kids! LOL

Lot's of changes here in TV. Been here well over eight years. We are moving as soon as the house is built in another part of FL. TV losing it's glitter! Apartments make a whole life style different.

Health care here in TV is well below par. The Village Hospital is rated under 3.0. Don't kid yourself.

It is now run by University of Florida/Gainesville. A huge step up.