Moderate Support • First Decisions • Goal 1:
Learn Daily Life Skills for Your Living Situation
Action step 1.
Assess your living situation and needs.
If you thrive best with some support for regular tasks, you may be looking for supportive housing. As a first step, evaluate what supports you typically require in daily living.
Because every person is different, so are the supports that help them thrive. Develop a list of necessary supports you already know you need, a list of supports you don’t have but would need in a new living situation, and a list of daily living domains where you seek greater independence.
Consider developing your support profile with a trusted person. Using this information, you’ll be able to assess how a variety of housing environments may or may not fit your needs.
Resources
Words to know
Action step 2.
Research supported housing options.
Once you have an updated list of your needs and wants, you may decide you wish to move.
You can explore various housing options along with the supports these options provide using key resources listed below. Our Resource Guide also can assist your search.
Wherever you choose to live, you are entitled to have a home that meets your needs. Federal nondiscrimination laws require housing providers to make reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications for individuals with disabilities.
If you need modifications to your housing or other accommodations, discuss with your support network how to address this with your housing provider.
Resources
Words to know
Action step 3.
Get services and supports ready.
As soon as you know your support profile, learn about and consider applying for HCBS services that you need.
The term Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) refers to in-home and community assistance for people with autism, provided by state and local government and connected organizations. The federal HCBS waiver is a Medicaid program that helps states to provide assistance with services like day-to-day health and personal care, transportation, skill development, and other means to help support the individual and their caregiver.
You should expect applications to take time to process. Eligibility for HCBS usually starts at 18, and may include housing provision if you are on a low income.
Your support network, including your medical doctors, any caregivers and even a specialized needs planner can advise and support you in this decision.
Resources
Words to know
Action step 4.
Select the housing option that best meets your needs now.
Choosing your first place to live can be a rich learning experience. It can build independence and confidence. Having the supports you need in your new home will bring you peace of mind and open doors to learn and grow.
And no decision is final: Don’t be shy to change or adapt your living situation as you get older, as your support needs change, or as you want to become more independent. Reevaluating your living situation and supports you need at home when you feel you need to can be empowering, and you can turn to a trusted person or your support network any time to do this.
