Autistic Adults at Bittersweet Farms is a touching view of an inspirational residential care program for autistic adolescents and adults. This compelling book focuses on adult autism treated through the concepts used at Bittersweet Farms, an 80-acre farm in northwest Ohio. Through historical rationale for a therapeutic community, a comparison between the Bittersweet Farms model and treatment settings in the United Kingdom, specific treatments and training programs at Bittersweet Farms, and staff, parent, and resident viewpoints, the innovative program--based on the premise that adults with autism continue to need special care and training throughout their lives--is brought to life. Divided into three sections, Autistic Adults at Bittersweet Farms returns repeatedly to the concept behind the program--molding autistic adults into contributing members of society in their own ways. Section One includes a potpourri of information, giving a glimpse of the range of models available for treatment and what makes each program a success. Taking a closer look at program considerations within various community settings, the second section examines behavior modification techniques in training autistic children and educating their parents. As politics play an important role in developing an innovative care program like Bittersweet Farms, the final section delves into regulations and funding for different types of residential care programs. Ending on a very human and optimistic note, section three closes with three personal accounts of life and work at Bittersweet Farms from a staff member, a resident, and a parent, with each praising a different aspect of the total person care environment of Bittersweet Farms. Occupational and physical therapists, policymakers, educators, and parents of autistic children will be encouraged from reading this outstanding book.

Sergeant and Mrs. Chuck Fowler, a happily married couple in their mid-thirties, apply to adopt a child. Chuck, a successful U.S. Army drill instructor, and Betty, an engaging and active military wife, expect little difficulty in securing a child. Rquired blood tests and subsequent DNA tests tie Betty to four, possibly more, murders of young women in Ohio and Michigan. Her dismayed husband remains loyal, while her grief-stricken mother is shocked into denial. Betty's mother's confusion and Chuck's staunch defense of Betty go further, since both for the first time, find out that Betty Fowler was originally Butch Waddell. Betty obviously has a secretive past. Is it possible that along with once being a man, she was also a murderer?

Kip and Marty, two PI's track leads on the criminal behavior of Dock, a felon who directs a homeless shelter. Dock hates snitches and rats, yet becomes one to try to save his own skin. When it doesn't work, the mob kills him, and Kip replaces him as the director. There's a curious bond between them-- the ex-cop and the murderer. This is a book about good guys and bad guys. The big difference is, in this book the good guys are not perfect; there are no hearts of gold and only honorable intentions. The bad guys too, turn out not to be all that bad. They have a caring, even loving side. And the scruffy, smelly, distasteful street people turn out to be ... decent. Real human beings in painful situations. More concerned with the well-being of their companions than many a "normal" family could honestly claim. While the plot deals with theft, murder, scandal and the seamy side of life in the underclass, it also is a fascinating study of human nature.