Choices for adults with autism and their families

About the Katydid Foundation

One in 150 babies is born with autism each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That means more than 1 to 1.5 million American children need some type of support for life.

The good news is the growth of services and programs for infants, children and teenagers afflicted with the disorder. But resources have not caught up for adults.

When an individual turns 22, few programs are geared for someone with the unique needs of those on the autism spectrum. In most states, government funding is not mandated as it is for children and adolescents.

The Katydid Foundation Inc., launched in 2004 by the mother of a young woman with autism, hopes to make that transition easier for individuals and their families. It is a unique self-directed program supported by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation and donations.

The foundation, which operates a home in Haverhill, Mass., is raising money to rehabilitate homes to accommodate more independent units for residents and live-in staff. Katydid also offers counseling and coaching for parents interested in being helped in finding their way through a complex system of funding and programs.

This Web site is part of the foundation’s mission to reach out to families searching for advice on how to break out of the bureaucratic box of group homes and sheltered workshops. It is not an easy task since there is little advice or direction at the state level in Massachusetts.

But the good news is that many families are already making it happen across the country. Self-determination and microboards are two ideas now under way in many areas as well as other unique arrangements quietly cropping up every day around the country.

This site is a forum for families to share successes and struggles in setting up their own form of supported housing. The message board and blog is open to all families with loved ones with autism and related disorders to share your stories and get answers to difficult questions. A resource section includes links and information on housing, funding, staffing, budgeting and training. We hope to shed light on what is happening in all states and even around the world.

We believe families who raised a handicapped child, can accomplish almost anything. The Katydid Foundation is committed to help us stand together in our search for choices for our loved ones with autism. Learn more.

Click here to watch a video about the Katydid Foundation.

Mission statement:
Choices for persons with autism and related disorders and their families. 

Anita L. Perkins, founder and president A longtime reporter, Anita heads up the foundation and works as a family advocate. She continues to write, photograph and design publications as a freelancer. Anita also teaches knitting and crocheting for Plum Island Knitters, a supporter of  the Katydid Foundation. www.PlKnitters.com

Mary Alice Lipman, vice-president and housing nurse. Mary Alice, a psychiatric nurse at Whidden Memorial Hospital, Everett, Mass. volunteers as the Katydid nurse and consultant. She has helped design medical and medication forms and training for our Haverhill program.

M. Brenda Smith, treasurer Brenda, a veteran business writer, editor and teacher, edits all Katydid Foundation materials including its web site. www.writesmith.net

Ellen Kaplan, clerk Ellen,  a successful business coach, helps the foundation maintain its business plan and mission statement. www.possibilities-at-work.com

Kelly T. Perkins, director Kelly, who owns Echo Ridge Farm, a horse farm in Lee, N.H., also works in commercial construction. She is the daughter of Katydid’s founder. A portion of proceeds from Echo Ridge Farm's tack shop and events are donated to the Katydid Foundation. www.echoridgefarm.com

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