Housing and adults with autism: seeking resources
Monday January 12, 2009
I'm writing an article that provides an overview of how to plan for, select and fund housing for adults with autism. In support of the article, I'm looking for online resources that provide information not only on what the general options are but also on where to seek detailed information and contact information regarding topics such as -
- How to build a transition plan around anticipated housing needs/preferences;
- How to identify local residency options for adults with autism;
- How to identify funding for support/housing for adults with autism;
- When an adult with autism should (or shouldn't) live at "home" (with parents), and how to find supports in that setting;
- How to judge the quality of a residence for adults with autism;
- How to know whether your independent adult child with autism is doing okay or needs extra help;
- How to find reliable, subsidized services that provide limited support to independent adults with autism (cleaning, cooking, etc.)
- How, if you are an adult with autism, to find such services for yourself.
I think you have to write this one on your own. If you were specific to a location, I could give it per where I live, but each state and what they offer adults would be difficult to have in one article.
Most states have within their counties departments for adults with disabilities, also the autism society would be a start. Another question would be is if the adult would be on medicaid or private support per the parents. Assisted living can be expensive with out aide.
I’m a Master’s student at Saint Louis University. Our project is focused on creating an “Angie’s List” of local resources with reviews to allow local families to see what opportunities are available to those transitioning from high school to adulthood (post-high school). Do you have any suggestions for our project as a parent and advocate? I offer our sincerest thanks.
So are you asking us to do your Masters research for you?
http://www.mnddc.org
Should have everything encluding orginial papers to videos etc.
I expect you to get an A!!!!lol
Looking forward to your article- I have a 26-year-old son who has, amazingly enough, served four years in the army (not without struggles! even went to Iraq!) and will be getting out soon. This is an issue I’ve been contemplating, since I am single and struggling financially on my own myself, whether to try to have him live with me or try to find a place for him.
In NYC there are homes but they are a lot of times thru agencies themselves. One must be very patient and do extensive research on finding these as well as any type of service for their child. The community is getting larger and larger and the things available for our children are getting more and more crowded. Yet the system can not keep up with the demand. My son is now 6 when it is his turn to see what there is out there it will be overcrowded for society is living longer now. I will love to see what you do find out and await your articles publication.
Bless you,
Maritza
You may be interested in several initiatives in New England. One, the Creative Living Center of CT just received its 501(c) 3 status and is working on a residential farmstead model for adults with ASD. There is a similar community in Vermont or NH – I’d have to check.
The model presumes that anyone on the spectrum would be treated according to needs and abilities. All would be actively involved at the farm, providing meaningful employment as well as security and social contact.
The problem is becoming critical as adults with autism, many children of baby boomers, age out of the system and aging parents worry about their care for the long term. And the incidence is rising, up to 1 in 150 births, as you know. It is a social issue that needs to be addressed now, even as adults wait years on a list for residential accommodations.
After November 19,2009 (when we add an addional 36 pages of content on autism housing issues) go to http://www.myarchway.org and get lots of info on housing for adults with autism nationally. Also join ARCHway to connect up with others nationally who are focused on this issue.
Karen Kaye-Beall, Director
Foundation for Autism Support and Training
Center for Autism Support and Training
Speech, Communication and Reading Center
301-260-2777