Introduction
Part of the transition process for parents of young adults with autism is the realization that they might not be able to look after their son or daughter with autism due to their own aging or some type of illness. Also, the young adult may be high functioning and feel that they are ready to leave the nest and make their way into independent living accommodations. Whatever the reality is, at some point in time parents need to be researching an appropriate living accommodation for their young adult. Some young adults might be independent enough to be able to have a roommate and live in an apartment situation. Others might be more comfortable in a group home. Presently in the USA there are many interesting newer models out there for young adults with autism and with their parents they can be exploring all possibilities. There are group homes, supported living, supervised living, farmstead programs and community living options, family teaching models, cooperatives, shared housing, and other residential models. Further explanation on these various types of housing accommodations can be found here.
There are also some new state of the art and upcoming housing models such as Sweetwater Spectrum which is the first housing community for young adults with autism with an organic garden, a greenhouse and a hot tub. Sweetwater is built to minimize unnecessary sensory stimulation, has ample size rooms and is constructed with healthy non toxic building materials including lightening, heating and ventilation. Many communities all over the US are currently concerned about the extraordinarily high numbers of young adults with autism who are and will be transitioning into adulthood and will need eventual living accommodations. The housing for autism focus should be on providing safe, appropriate, and comfortable living arrangements, as well as meeting the needs of all young adults with autism who are transitioning into the adult world.
Related Sites
Interactive Autism Network Description: This site links the autism community and researchers together. Stay informed with IAN.
Autism Housing Network Description: This site is a platform for creating housing options, sharing housing opportunities, and advocating for housing choices. AHN is working on a housing directory, video and other features to improve the housing network.
Books
Tools
Parent Forums/Blogs
Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.
Forum/Blog Name: The Autism Blog Description: Parent blog portraying the “ideal autism community.”
Forum/Blog Name: Autism Housing Pathways Description: This housing site provides information about group housing issues. The second link provides group discussion on youth and adult residential options for autism.
Consumer Corner
Community Library
The Housing Needs of Adults with Autism Description: Autism Speaks interviews parents and talks about the reality of the housing needs of their young adults with autism.
Gimme Shelter: Housing for Adults with Autism Description: This article discusses an overview of housing models and what is involved in making housing decisions for parents and their young adult with autism.