As a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you may find yourself wondering what will happen as your child ages and is ready to move out of the house. While some autistic adults enjoy living with family into adulthood, many want the independence that comes with moving out and living on their own. Yet, what housing options are available for adults with autism? Fortunately, there is a wide range of housing options for autistic adults that can meet each individual’s unique needs and preferences. Explore the housing options for adults with ASD and tips for choosing the right one.
What Are the Available Housing Options for Autistic Adults?
Until more recently, adults with disabilities (including autism) often had few options for living outside of the family home. Luckily, times have changed. There is now a wide array of living options for autistic adults ranging from independent living to group homes depending on the level of care they need. Some of the most common housing options for autistic adults include:
Independent Living
Many adults on the autism spectrum (particularly those with mild to moderate ASD) are capable of residing on their own either in a house they own or an apartment they rent. However, these individuals must develop life skills such as cooking, budgeting, and time management to live independently. They also need to build a support network so they won’t become socially isolated.
Of course, even if an adult with autism is capable of living on their own, they may still need some support from outside agencies. Autistic adults who live alone may still need someone to come around for a few hours each week to help them with things like budgeting, handling government bureaucracies, and social planning.
Assisted Living
For autistic adults who are fairly independent but still need some daily support, an apartment in an assisted living facility may be the next best option for independent living. Autistic adults living in a supervised apartment in an assisted living facility still live independently. On-site staff provide varying levels of support depending on an individual’s needs. While some individuals in assisted living may simply need help a few hours a week managing medications and planning social activities, others may require daily help with housekeeping, personal care, and meal planning. The type and frequency of support provided meet the individual’s needs while allowing them to maintain their independence.
Group Homes
A group home may be a good option for individuals who need daily support and supervision. Group homes are community-based houses where several people with disabilities live alongside support staff. Autistic adults in group homes receive varying levels of support to meet their needs. There is staff present 24/7 to ensure residents are properly cared for. Residents usually have their rooms but share common spaces for meals and recreation. Some group homes are designed specifically for individuals with autism, and they are often located in houses in residential neighborhoods.
Nursing Facilities
For autistic individuals requiring substantial, around-the-clock support, residence in a nursing home is often the best option. Nursing homes are for individuals who cannot live independently and require constant care that they can’t get in a group home or assisted living facility. Staff in these facilities provide residents with medical care and speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
Tips for Choosing the Right Living Option for Autistic Adults
With so many housing options available for autistic adults, it can be hard to know which will work best for your child. Start by assessing your child’s needs and preferences. These include their level of independence, whether (or how much) they needed support, and their desired living environment. Make sure that you take some time to research housing options to understand the level of care different communities provide. This can help ensure your chosen facility meets your child’s needs.
Path 2 Potential Can Help You Assess Your Options
Moving out of the family home is a big transition for an adult with autism. You and your family shouldn’t have to go through this transition alone. If your autistic child is transitioning into adulthood and you need help assessing housing options and assistance programs, feel free to contact us at Path 2 Potential. P2P’s transitional services assist autistic individuals and their families with the transition into adulthood. We can help you review the different services available to your family.