Building Autism Acres: How Allan Young is Redefining Safe Spaces for Special Needs | Season 2 Episode 23
Allan Young, a dad of three autistic sons, shares how fatherhood, faith, and service led him to build a safe, inclusive space for special needs families.
In this heartfelt episode of Dads In Autismland, host Mark de Grasse sits down with Allan Young, founder of Autism Acres, a purpose-built sanctuary for children with autism and other special needs.
Allan shares his powerful journey from military service to creating a five-acre haven in Rochester, Washington for families like his own—including his three sons on the spectrum and a foster daughter with Down syndrome.
Listeners will learn about the hands-on life skills training Allan offers at home, the carefully designed features of Autism Acres (from elopement-safe fencing to sensory swings), and how he and his wife are fostering a safe, welcoming community grounded in compassion and faith. It’s an inspiring story of resilience, resourcefulness, and redefining support for families navigating autism.
TOPICS COVERED
The origins and mission of Autism Acres in Washington
Parenting multiple children on the autism spectrum and one with Down syndrome
Designing a safe, sensory-friendly environment for children with special needs
Transitioning from military life to full-time caregiving and homeschooling
Building community through faith-based service without preaching
Personal wellness and stress management strategies for autism dads
The importance of structured flexibility in daily routines
QUOTES
“My son now has friends—it’s awesome. We needed this just as much as the families we’re trying to help.”
“We designed everything at Autism Acres with safety in mind—because eloping isn’t just a possibility, it’s a reality for a lot of us.”
“Caretaking is hard. Being alone in the house is hard. Coming home from work is hard. That’s why me and my wife make sure each other gets a break.”
“We didn’t want a structure so rigid it became a problem—we wanted routines that help our kids feel secure without trapping them in them.”
“We’re not a Christian organization—we’re an organization run by Christians. We’re not here to preach, we’re here to serve.”
Every child’s autism journey is unique. This video shares one family’s personal experience and is meant for informational purposes only. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical advice.
