Kalispell MT -  A rural pathologist is building a group home for his son — and other adults with autism.

Ronan MT - MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship Alumni Soar with creation of Autism Homes.

Ronan MT - Forging a Better Life for Many in Montana

Butte MT -While parents of kids with special needs face many struggles, according to Heather Stenson, she says some of the greatest come during the transition into adulthood. 

“We need to catch up with the rest of the U.S.,” Stenson said. “Montana is the best place to live, unless you have a disability. If you do, you’re swept under the rug and forgotten about.”

RONAN — Twenty years ago — May 1998 — Julie and Rich Janssen’s son Jake was diagnosed with autism. He was 2 years and 9 months old. It was devastating news for the young parents. 

RONAN — “The sooner the better.” Those are the words of Rich Janssen referring to the need for a live-in care facility that provides comprehensive care aimed at adults with autism. None exist in the state of Montana at this point. Rich and Julie Janssen know that because their 23-year-old son Jake was diagnosed with autism approximately 20 years ago when he was 2 years, 9 months old. They have been searching for such a facility to place Jake for the last few years but have come up empty handed.

Ronan family hopes to break ground on new facility for adults with autism

Jill Valley, KPAX News, Missoula, CBS Channel 8

Kalispell couple teams up with Ronan couple to lead nonprofit aimed at building an assisted-living facility for adults with autism, in a state with few other options

By Myers Reece // Sep 4, 2018 

Home for adults with autism gets $150,000 donation         

'We have to be their advocates': Ronan couple envisions home for son, others with autism         

Autism trailblazer to graduate Ronan High School 

Issue Date: 4/17/2013
By Daniel Martynowicz 

• By NICK GEVOCK for the Missoulian, Jul 2, 1999 

Ronan boy's autism treatment shows promise

RONAN - Four-and-a-half-year-old Jake Janssen spends most of his day in his Ronan home playing with toys, painting and playing word games with an adult.