North Texas Academy for People With Autism Seeks Its First Students

The first part of a $12 million project in Denton County that’s aimed at creating job and housing opportunities for adults with autism officially launches this year, The Dallas Morning News has learned. Starting in mid-February, adults ages 18 and older who have a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and who have completed high school can apply for placement in the 29 Acres Transition Academy, the founders say.The two-year transition program will help young people with autism learn to live independently, and offer specialized job training and employment assistance.Residents will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis as they meet the criteria. Training will begin in August for the eight who are accepted.It’s just one part of a project that was first reported by The News last year.A University Park couple, Clay Heighten and Debra Caudy, announced plans to create a long-term solution for people like their 20-year old son Jon, who has a diagnosis of autism and lives at home.   Continue reading...