Living arrangements for the adult with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Independent living
Some adults with an ASD are able to live entirely on their own. Others can live semi-independently in their own
home or apartment provided they get assistance with solving major problems, such as personal finances or dealing
with the government agencies that provide services to persons with disabilities. Family, a professional agency, or
another type of provider can provide this assistance.
Living at home
Government funds are sometimes available for families who choose to have their adult child with ASD live at home.
These programs include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid
waivers, and others. Information about these programs is available from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
An appointment with a local SSA office is a good first step to take in understanding the programs for which the
young adult is eligible.
Foster homes and skill-development homes
Some families open their homes to provide long-term care to unrelated adults with disabilities. When the home
teaches self-care and housekeeping skills and arranges leisure activities, it is called a “skill-development”
home.
Supervised group living
Persons with disabilities frequently live in group homes or
apartments staffed by professionals who help the individuals with basic needs. These often include meal
preparation, housekeeping, and personal care needs. Higher functioning persons may be able to live in a home or
apartment where staff only visits a few times a week. These persons generally prepare their own meals, go to work,
and conduct other daily activities on their own.
Institutions
Although the trend in recent decades has been to avoid placing persons with disabilities into long-term care
institutions, this alternative is still available for persons with ASD who need intensive, constant supervision.
Unlike many institutions years ago, today’s facilities view residents as individuals with human needs and offer
opportunities for recreation and simple but meaningful work.
Living arrangements for the
adult with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Independence and Autism
Home, Education, Leisure, Work,
Independence & Planning a Future
Autism Checklist
|