Intensive Support • Ages 16-18 • Goal:
Think About Your Housing Options
Action step 1.
Identify your housing needs.
Your housing choice should be a good fit for your:
- Support needs
- Financial needs
- Personal preferences
If you’re not happy with an option, keep looking. Housing can have long waiting lists, so when you find something that meets your needs, put your name on the waiting list. You may need to get an evaluation to be accepted for housing or to get funding. You may also consider a residential transition program, where you can continue to learn and strengthen your independent living skills while living in a supported environment for a short period of time.
Resources
Action step 2.
Visit housing options.
Going in person to check out different housing choices can help you decide which is right for you. You can:
- Ask a parent or guardian to schedule a visit
- Meet in person with the landlord or housing director
- Talk to autistic adults who live there to find out what it's like
Words to know
Action step 3.
Get services and supports ready.
Most housing doesn’t include services and supports. This is why applying for home and community-based services (HCBS) as early as possible is so important. You want to have services ready. These can include
- Health and mental care
- Employment services
- Money management
- Transportation services
Continue to seek out low-income housing supports and saving for adult housing. Make sure you are on the waiting list for rental assistance, if needed.
Resources
Words to know
Action step 4.
Discover and communicate new responsibilities with your family and support system.
Even if you decide to keep living at home with your family or caregivers, you’re still transitioning to adulthood. This transition may require changes in expectations and support. For example, when living at home as an adult, you may take on more responsibility for your own:
- Belongings
- Living space
- Time
You’ve reached the end of the action steps for this support level and age group.
- To find services and providers in your area, visit our Resource Guide.
- For direct contact with a member of our Autism Response Team, call 1-888-AUTISM2 (1-888-288-4762).
- Send an email to: help@autismspeaks.org.
