Sabriya Rice:

A Dallas couple is planning to construct a $12 million community for people with autism on nearly 29 acres of land that was formerly a polo ranch in the Denton County town of Cross Roads.

It will include 15 homes, a community center and access to a ‘transitional academy’ that is designed to help young adults with autism develop the skills needed to live and work independently.

Clay Heighten, a retired emergency doctor and founder of a real estate management company, and his wife Debra Caudy, a retired medical oncologist, are leading the project.

Retired doctors Debra Caudy and husband Clay Heighten (right) with their  19-year-old son Jon. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)

Staff Photographer

Retired doctors Debra Caudy and husband Clay Heighten (right) with their 19-year-old son Jon. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)
Staff Photographer

The inspiration is their 19-year old son, Jon, who is on the severe end of the autism spectrum and requires a high level of supportive care.