Meet Humphrey Davy. Davy’s journey began 29 years ago as a House Parent at a boarding school in Dehradun, India. For seven years, he cared for over 230 boys aged 7 to 16, living alongside them as a resident housemaster. This experience gave him deep insight into communal living—overseeing the common kitchen, organizing meals, helping with homework, managing children’s sports, planning outdoor activities, liaising with vendors, and keeping parents updated (back in the days of old dial-up phones!).

In a time when reliable communication was rare, Davy often became both a father and mother to the children. Evenings were spent sharing stories, helping kids write letters home, and comforting those who missed their parents. Through these years, he learned not just the logistics of running a community, but also the emotional needs of children—especially those who struggle to express themselves.

A Parent’s Deepest Concern: Who Will Care for My Child?

When Davy became a father to an autistic child, his greatest fear became clear—who would care for his child when he was gone? This led to a bold vision: a boarding school-style commune where parents wouldn’t just visit once a year, but live on campus, creating a stable and structured environment.

Children would sleep in dormitories but spend their days with their parents—eating meals together, playing sports, watching movies, and engaging in daily routines. This gradual separation would help children build strong bonds with caregivers, other kids, and the community, ensuring that when a parent was no longer there, their child would feel safe, loved, and surrounded by familiar faces.

Bringing Technology Into the Future of Care

As a tech expert, Davy saw how AI could preserve a parent’s presence even beyond their lifetime. He envisioned AI replicas of parents, capturing their voice, expressions, and memories. These AI companions could check in on children, store medical histories, recall past treatments, and provide caregivers with valuable insights. Children could interact with them as if their parents were simply working abroad, maintaining a sense of connection and emotional security. AI could even do simple things like order Christmas gifts, ensuring that a parent’s love is felt in meaningful ways.

A Self-Sustaining Haven for Parents and Children

Beyond just care, Davy dreamed of a community that could sustain itself—a place that grows its own food, generates its own electricity, and provides lifelong security for both parents and children. Building this vision is no small task, but with the support of parents, government departments, and well-wishers, he is working tirelessly to bring it to life.

This is more than just a project—it’s a promise. A promise that no autistic child will ever be left alone, and no parent will have to fear what will happen when they are gone.