Some Support • Ages 18-22 • Goal:

Select a Housing Option

Action step 1.

Review your wants and needs related to housing.

Look again at what you're planning for adult housing:

  • Will you live in your parents', caregivers' or family's house?
  • Will you live on your own or with roommates?
  • Do you need to be close to public transportation?

Answering questions like these can help you know what’s important in making decisions about housing. Think about what works for you now and what you need in your new space to feel comfortable and supported.

Resources

  • From the Autism Speaks Housing and Residential Supports Tool Kit
  • Independent Living Research Utilization program for resources by state
  • From the Urban Land Institute on residential options for people with autism

Action step 2.

Make a budget.

Moving into a new place can be expensive. There are lots of costs, like:

  • Furniture
  • Moving fees
  • Rent
  • Security deposits
  • Utilities like electricity, water and heat

Make a budget to help you plan for a move and other living expenses. A good guideline is that rent should cost less than one-third of your monthly income.

Resources

  • From Autism Speaks about being safe with money
  • From the Autism Speaks Special Needs Financial Planner app
  • From the Federal Trade Commission about various financial topics

Action step 3.

Continue to work on setting up services and supports.

Make sure you apply for home and community-based services (HCBS) as early as possible. Check in with your local housing authority on your status on the waiting list for rental assistance. Once you turn 18, you are eligible for low-income housing supports based on your own income. Continue to work with a special needs planner to be sure you are saving as much as possible for your future housing needs.

Resources

  • From Medicaid.gov on Home and Community-based Services

Words to know

home and community-based services (HCBS)

Action step 4.

Continue to assess your new living situation.

Once you move to independent living, it doesn’t have to be forever. If you need to, you can make a change. Your choice of housing may change as you get older. This is OK. Continuing to evaluate your living situation and what is or isn’t working can help you plan for the future.

  • From the Autism Speaks Housing and Residential Supports Tool Kit
  • Independent Living Research Utilization program for resources by state

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.
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