Branches On the Spectrum is a safe place where children on the Autism and social skills spectrum can attend to utilize the learning sessions to gain knowledge. The Farm offers a stepping-stone learning technique to allow younger children to “step up” into our program and for our participants to “step up” to other programs or start their life journey. Each participant learns their way. There is a 1:1 ratio for each learning program. Each session is a 2-hour block. Days and hours are determined at the time of intake.
Farm Programs
Each participant learns the cycle of life in a way they can understand. During this program, they work the soil to plant the seeds and nourish the plants until they show the fruits to be harvested. The participant goes on to use the harvest to learn skills with products that can be sold for a donation to help supply the tools for the next life cycle. The children can take home some of the produce they have helped to grow.
Animals are a thrilling way to learn to be gentle and kind. You can take the egg and watch it hatch. Baby chicks, foals, and calves instill joy and amazement in the participant watching them grow. The life cycle of animals teaches gentle behaviors as well as patience. The growth and changing needs of each animal are a wonder for all involved. These new skills strengthen the intense feelings for life itself. Participants learn a new gentleness that increases their connection with those around them.
Our Sensory Garden will be one of only a few in Montana and the surrounding states, and the only one in our part of the state. The garden will stimulate a quiet or energizing response from each of the senses sound, touch, smell, taste, sight, and the immense joy to be had from these interactive items meant to calm or stimulate the person’s need at the time. Each part of the garden instills a different reaction for the child and the caregiver. It may feel like walking into your own personal Eden.