Apartments For Autistic Adults

Who Decides Where Autistic Adults Live

For many intellectually and developmentally disabled people, large campuses or farmsteads may be better options than small group homes. But new state laws could make it hard for big facilities to survive.

In December 2014, I watched 24-year-old Andrew Parles fit wood shapes into a simple puzzle in the new vocational building at the Bancroft Lakeside Campus, a residential program in New Jersey that serves 47 adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. The task wasnt challenging for Andrew, but his team was taking it slow: Andrew was still recovering from surgery after detaching his own retinas through years of self-injurious behavior. A staff member stood nearbynot hovering, exactly, but close enough to intervene if Andrew suddenly started to hit himself in the head. His mother, Lisa, was hopeful that hed soon able to participate in the programs he had enjoyed before his surgery: working in Lakesides greenhouse, painting in the art studio, delivering food for Meals on Wheels.

Congregate settings for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been discouraged for years. During the 1960s, around the time Ken Kesey published One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, patient advocates began rejecting the idea of the mental institution, arguing that people with disabilities should and could live in their communities. Since that time, the institutionalized I/DD population has dropped by more than 80 percent.

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Determine If The Ideal Setting Exists

Once parents or guardians have identified an ideal living situation, the next step is to determine whether such as setting already exists or whether the family will have to create the setting. A surprising number of parents or guardians are involved with or considering involvement with the creation of a residential setting for their child with autism. Some are funding or developing supportive living situations others are envisioning and creating work/home settings in towns, cities, and rural areas.

Often, information about adult living situations in your state or province is available through school district sources. If not, you may need to look into the Department of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Public Welfare, or other appropriate agency. Do your homework to determine whatâs out there.

Abuse Of People With Disabilities: Victims And Their Families Speak Out

Spectrum Institute

A report of the 2012 National Survey on Abuse of Individuals with Disabilities. The mission of this study is to identify ways to reduce the risk of abuse, to promote healing for victims, and to seek justice for those who have been victimized. Statistics of abuse are broken down by type of disability.

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Housing For Adults With Asd Or High Functioning Autism

For adults with high-functioning autism and ASD, moving into a group home or independent living can be an exciting time of transition. Of course there are mixed emotions for both the autistic person and their parents or family members, but for many this is a positive step toward independence for everyone involved.

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Benedictine School In Maryland

The Benedictine School offers co-ed education and residential programs for students ages 5-21 with intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and autism.

Each students unique needs are met with high staff to student ratios and a multidisciplinary approach using research-based methods and techniques.

Learn more about Bens School through their website or by calling 634-2112.

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What Is Supportive Housing

The Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey is a great resource to learn more about supportive housing. A supportive housing model is not unique to individuals with autism or another developmental disability. According to SHA:

Supportive housing is permanent, affordable, lease-based housing for people of low income with access to flexible supportive services. Supportive housing is designed for people with special needs including those with mental, physical and developmental disabilities as well as people who are homeless. Supportive housing provides a safe, affordable home with access to support services so that individuals can live as independently as possible in communities of their choice.

The following video offers a clear and concise explanation of how the supportive housing model works in the community. Additional videos are available on SHAs YouTube Channel.

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How To Find Group Homes For Autism Near Me

Are you looking for group homes near you that accept autistic children, teens, or adults?

Use this listing to search by zipcode for group homes near you.

See our listing of resources below for other search options. Other ways to find group homes are to ask case managers, doctors, and the Department of Human Services in our county.

How To Know If A Young Adult With Autism Needs A Group Home

The decision to for a young adult to move into a group home is one that takes careful consideration for both the autistic individual and their family. There is no one path to housing, but instead explore ways to manage this life transition from a positive frame of mind.

Some factors to consider for group home placement can include:

• What are the persons desires?
• Does the person need support for every task, a few tasks, or just once in awhile?
• What are the transportation needs?
• How will healthcare be managed?
• What is available for recreation, employment, volunteering, and friendships?
• How will money be managed?

No matter the situation, focus on the individual and his or her strengths, needs, challenges and preferences.

Consider using a Community-Based Skills Assessment which will help determine the eight areas of functional life skills.

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Questions To Ask When Visiting A Group Home

Here is a list of questions to consider asking when exploring group home options:

• Who are the staff or caregivers in the home? What is their role?
• Do you like the home and yard? What are bedrooms like?
• What are other residents like? Are they friendly and do they seem content and comfortable?
• Does the home seem comfortable to you?
• How clean is the residence?
• Do the residency have privacy?
• What are the house policies and visiting hours?
• Are pets, smoking, or alcohol allowed?
• Are personal religious practices supported?
• Are bedrooms private or shared?
• Can you bring your own furniture and personal items?
• How much storage space will you have?
• Is the home handicap accessible?
• Is transportation available?

Housing For Adults With Autism: A Growing Crisis

• adults, housing, independence, Medicaid, summer 2019 issue

This article will discuss the need for appropriate housing for adults with Autism. New and emerging programs will be explored. In full disclosure, this writer is the president and founder of Indie Living, Inc., a housing program currently in the early stages of development in New York.

Over the next decade, the CDC estimates that 500,000 teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorder will age out of their school-based services and move into adulthood. As adults, the need and desire for person-centered housing opportunities is growing exponentially. An estimated 80,000 individuals sit on waiting lists that can be as long as 15 years. The number of individuals on waiting lists is expected to grow as the prevalence of Autism is predicted to increase by 15% over the next ten years. The discrepancy between availability and need is an ever-expanding chasm .

Mandy H. Breslow, LCSW, MS Ed.

Michael H. is a 51-year-old man who lives with his aging parents. He is my brother and he has Autism. His housing options are limited by availability and appropriateness. It is likely that he, along with 69% of adults with Autism, will continue to live with parents or other family members indefinitely, unless dramatic changes take place.

Jesse Ventura

About the Author

Mandy H. Breslow, LCSW, MS Ed., is Founder and President of Indie Living, Inc. She is also an Independent Special Education Consultant and Counselor.

References

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Assisted And Independent Living For Young Adults With Disabilities

Here are some questions for your young adult to think about during this huge transition. You can also use these questions to begin a conversation.

• Do I want to live entirely alone, and can I do that?
• What kinds of support do I need to be able to live alone?
• Do I want to live in a place that is very social with roommates and shared meals?
• Would I like to live some place with supervised activities and more than 50 roommates living in groups in individual cottages?
• Do I want to live in a situation where different parents buy or rent a group of apartments and their adult children live together?
• Do I want to live with another family and be treated like a member of their family? Or do I just want to have a room there and be on my own?
• Do I want to live with someone who does not have a disability or special health care needs or with someone who does?
• Do I have a friend that I would like to live with?

Once you have discussed some of the choices, you can begin searching for a place.

Discovery Ranch For Boys In Utah

Discovery Ranch may be a suitable placement for some male children ages 13-18 with high-functioning autism and behavioral challenges.

At the Discovery Ranch treatment program for troubled teens, boys enjoy the benefits of intensive therapy combined with powerfully effective experiential learning activities. Young men acquire the tools they need to recognize and regulate their emotions so that they can control their actions.

Contact Discovery Ranch through their website or by calling 855-662-9318.

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Other Issues To Consider

• Health services coordination and medication administration
• Behavioral and mental health support
• Respite for caregivers
• Support at home

Funding your physical home and paying for the supports you need are usually separate parts of this process. You’ll need to decide how you will pay for the residence, who will manage the property, who will pay the utilities, and who will contact the service providers for help.

For the actual physical house, you will need to consider the public and private funding options available in your state.

For service supports, you will need to consider applying for public funding – through Social Security and Medicaid – and/or private pay options. Find the service providers in your state.

Housing And Residential Support Options For Adults

All parents worry about their childrens future, but for the 19% of people with disabilities, that parental concern is even greater – especially when it comes to financial planning and the transition to adulthood. More than 300 people traveled from five different states to attend the first Special Needs Conference at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.

The morning was dedicated to special needs financial planning and was funded through a partnership with the SunTrust Foundation as part of a regional series of workshops dedicated to Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being through education and resources.

See the session below about housing and residential support options, delivered by Angela Lello, Senior Director of Public Policy for Autism Speaks:

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Eden Adult Residential Program

Eden offers year-round, community-based residential services that promote the personal growth and independence of our participants. Eden operates more than 25 group homes and apartments in central New Jersey. These residences generally serve two to six adults and employ staff who work rotating shifts 24/7, 365 days of the year.

Edens curriculum and philosophy of community integration allow the adults we support to experience opportunities for learning and engaging with peers on a daily basis. We encourage parents, guardians, and siblings to participate in the continued growth and development of their loved ones. Their support is vital to the success of the residential program.

Through our residential program, participants learn basic life skills such as cooking, laundry, cleaning and personal hygiene and are supported by highly-trained staff both in group home setting and in the community. Direct support professionals assist with daily activities including driving participants to and from the day and employment program, shopping, recreational and leisure activities, and doctor appointments.

Residential staffing is based on a 2:1 participant to staff ratio and provides 24-hour supervision.

Community And Recreation Activities

Adults with autism can be active participants in all areas of community life including social and recreational activities. Easterseals programs may include weekends away, evenings out, and other opportunities to participate in recreational activities throughout the year. With more than 100 camping, recreation, and respite programs, Easterseals offers thousands of individuals with autism the chance to develop lasting friendships and develop independence, regardless of their age. Participants enjoy adventures and conquer new physical challenges. Camping programs also offer sessions exclusively for campers with autism.

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Questions To Ask Your Loved One Before They Move To Autism Living Facilities

Also, be sure to consider the unique needs, interests, and preferences of your loved one. For example:

• Do you want a dog or cat where you live?
• Is having your own bathroom important to you?
• Are you comfortable living in a home with the opposite sex?
• Do you want an area where you can cook?

These considerations are one of the most important aspects of an individuals autism accommodation plan, as they experience and journey towards independence, they should be as individualized and unique as they are.

Consider Living With Relatives

Theres nothing wrong with living with your family. For adults with autism, it can even be a better choice than getting a house or apartment of your own. With family, you have a support system in place to make sure daily tasks get taken care of. And youll get help handling situations that make you feel uncomfortable or anxious. If you dont have relatives nearby, think about your friends.Are there any that you would enjoy living with? And would they be willing to be your housemate? For high-functioning adults with autism, roommates are a great option. They provide a social network and can help you stay on track with your responsibilities. Just make sure they understand what you need before deciding to move in together.

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Charterhouse School In Virginia

Charterhouse School is a place where Virginias kids with special needs can get out of their comfort zone and start to get out into the world. Charterhouse provides care for children with Autism and Other Neurological Differences, Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and Other Health Impairments.

They serve both day students and students who live at the Child & Family Healing Center and attend year-round.

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A Place In The World: Fueling Housing And Community Options For Adults With Autism And Other Neurodiversities

A Place in the Worldsister study to 2009s groundbreaking Opening Doors reportprovides the foundational nomenclature for housing and service delivery models with the goal to further define market segments, establish best practices and guiding principles, and helps drive crucial partnerships that address pressing needs resulting from the current housing crisis.

The study serves as the definitive resource for the housing industry, scholars, direct service providers, policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders, driving the following actions:

• Establish the universal language indispensable for innovation and the expansion of and investment in supportive housing developments throughout the U.S. and beyond.

• Make it possible for housing developers and technology providers to better grasp the needs and nuances of this market and respond with innovative solutions and a range of price points that includes public and private funding sources.

• Enable the collection, tracking and sharing of baseline and outcome data.

• Facilitate major policy advances based on dataa key criteriaversus solely on ideology.

The study is informed through data collection, research, think tanks and collaboration with various industry thought leaders, culminating in a report, collateral materials and videos.

Pooja Paode

As with any complex issue, valid, nuanced data is needed to effectively respond to the housing demand of adults with neurodiversitiesand there is still so much to learn.

Chrissie Bausch

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Planning Your House Hunting

• You can get ready to find the right housing by doing some homework on your childs finances and the funding changes that will happen at age 18 on our Funding and Services page. Be sure to factor in any money from state and federal sources, especially the waiver programs that give financial help for housing.
• Take advantage of transition help offered by your childs teacher while your child is still in school.
• Connecting with other parents who have children a few years older than your child can help you see what tips they have to offer and what lessons theyve learned on existing challenges.
• Talk to your childs case manager, if they have one. The case manager can keep you current on any benefits you might not be aware of. If your child does not have a case manager, you can ask your childs health insurance provider or call Medicaid about case management services.
• Call Texas HHSC, and they will usually call back within 24 hours and give you information on group homes and what kind of services or supports your young adult can use to be more independent.