Autism Sanctuary helps participants thrive through farm‑based learning and support

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - At the Autism Sanctuary, caregiving takes on a different shape — one rooted in routine, nature, and meeting people exactly where they are. From gardening to feeding cows, each activity is designed to do more than entertain - they help participants discover interests, build confidence, and develop skills they can carry into future endeavors.

Some participants travel nearly an hour each day to attend the Sanctuary’s day program, Executive Director Olivia Bruno said — reflecting the limited number of opportunities for adults with autism. After someone turns 22, the state is no longer required to provide public education.

“We have some people who drive around 50 minutes a day to come out to our day program, just because there haven’t been any other opportunities for them,” Bruno said.

“Everybody that’s in our program, we develop individualized goals with their whole support team,”

Those goals are shaped by case managers, families, and support teams — all focused on helping people build community connections and meaningful relationships.

“A lot of people have goals to build community connections, meaningful relationships,” Kueser said. “So we try and facilitate that as best we can, both on our property and in Charlottesville and Crozet.”

For Kueser, the work is driven by the relationships she builds with participants and their families.

“A lot of the parents will say they wake up on Saturday and their kids are asking for it to be Wednesday again because they’re ready to come back. Knowing that we’ve created a place where they feel truly valued and loved — and have fun — makes me want to come out every single day.”

Activities like animal visits, music making, and planting keep participants active and connected to nature. They also help people explore new interests and strengthen existing skills.

Bruno said she’s watched participants grow in ways that go far beyond the daily routine.

“Seeing the growth they experience from starting in our programs — the new skills they learn, the behaviors they overcome, and the sense of belonging and purpose they grow into — while spending time at the Sanctuary and being supported by our staff and their peers,” Bruno said.

More information on the Autism Sanctuary and it’s programs can be found at the link below:

www.autismsanctuary.org/

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