The process of finding housing as or for an adult on the autism spectrum can be a challenge. Finding housing may involve going for an apartment, community, house, or other living arrangement. It may also involve finding a supportive group of people to help with structure, care, friendship, and more. This articles presents ways to go about finding the right place and making the transition easier.

What's Important?

It can be hard to find what you're looking for when making such a big transition to independent or semi-independent living, and this can get even more tricky when you're on the spectrum.

It's important to know that housing is not just about the physical place where you live, but also your surroundings and how they will help you function properly. A place that fits you well will make it easier adapt to life in your own apartment, house, unit, etc. It's also important to find your people, relationships, community and opportunities for growth and independence. In short, in order for housing to be truly meaningful it must meet a person's needs both physically and mentally.

Sensory Considerations

Everyone reacts differently to the variety of sensory inputs the world has to offer. When thinking about a place to live for you or your loved one, breaking the house or community down by room can make it easier. Moving from room to room and listing the possible sensory triggers is an organized way to make sure it's the right place for you or your loved one. For example, you might want dining options that don't trigger sensory overload because they have certain smells, or serve foods that have unbearable textures.

You might see a community room and ask yourself if it's too bright, loud or claustrophobic. Is there a place outside? Is there a quiet space inside?

Does This Living Arrangement Foster or Hinder Independence?

It can be incredibly disempowering and frustrating to have to rely on others for most things in life that neurotypical folks often don't–particularly as you get older. That's why at Stephen's Place, fostering growth and independence is at the center of all we do. Everyone has the right to live their life the way they want to.

• So, does the place you're looking at foster or hinder independence? Look around the home or community and see if the necessary tools are provided to support independence:
• Do they have laundry carts that are ergonomically comfortable and easy to push?
• Are the beds too high or too low?
• Is it easy to get in and out of the back yard from the building but still protected by adequate fencing, etc?
• Are there games that you can play as a group but also independently?
• If there's a particular game you or your loved one likes to play, do they have it? If not, are they willing to get it?
• Do they help tenants with employment and volunteer opportunities?
• Do they help their tenants to get out into nature if they want to?
• How about help handling finances?
• Can tenants have their own phones?
• Is there assistance with food shopping and general shopping that isn't oppressive?
• Do they separate genders?
• Do they assist with matters of hygiene? How do they address this?

Safety

The main concern when transitioning from a parent's or caregivers house to your own house is safety. There are standards that registered homes for adults with special needs must follow. Even so, it's good to print out a list and check.

• What about extra technology and safety features?
• What are their emergency protocols for fire, flood, or any other major disaster?
• Is there a certified nurse on staff?
• How do they handle prescriptions?
• If a tenant has to be rushed to hospital, how do they go about this?
• What happens if a fight breaks loose?
• What is their policy on strangers and/or people who are trying to take advantage?
• How did they handle COVID-19?
• Do they have in-room safety alarms?
• Are the showers properly non-slip? And will the railings work for you or your loved one?
• How well is the property maintained?
• How well are the units and buildings designed?
• Do they offer cooked meals?
• Are there multiple exits in case of fire or other emergency?
• If you or your resident is meeting someone for the first time, do they have a safe space where they can speak to them or must they just sit in their living space?

These are some thought starters for you. Safety equipment, technology, procedures and care are paramount when looking for a place to live for an adult with autism.

What Does the Living Community do for Fun?

As mentioned earlier, finding a place that keeps a person with autism physically safe and happy is part of a whole. Feeling safe, cared for, respected, and happy in the community is the other part. As well as this, doing things for fun is just that–they can help people grow and balance their mood. So, here are a few questions you might consider asking a potential housing spot about what they do for fun:

• Do they have set programs?
• Do they offer alternative therapies like gardening and petting llamas?
• What do their art programs look like?
• How often do they take groups on outings and where do they go?
• When there's a chance to volunteer, do they facilitate that?
• Do they help residents to participate in fundraising events for causes dear to their heart?
• Do they have a movie room? How about a popcorn maker (we do)?!
• Is there a gym and/or trainer onsite?
• What specialized programs do they have?
• Got all the classic board games for a rainy day (or any day)?
• Do they help set up opportunities to meet new friends in the community?
• Do they celebrate prom?

In the end, finding housing should be about the needs of the person. It's not just about what will make them feel comfortable but also what will help them feel alive. There are a lot of different options out there, some good and some not-so-good. If you have time to take time, research is the key to finding a place that fits the individual.

About Stephen’s Place

Stephen’s Place is an independent apartment community for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, located in Vancouver, WA (7 minutes from Portland, OR).

If you have a loved one with developmental or intellectual disabilities who is looking for a community to live in, please contact us for more information. 

Stephen’s Place is a private-pay apartment community due to our state-of-the-art amenities and programs. We are a nonprofit and do not profit from our community. We are private pay because we spend more than some housing communities to ensure that our residents are comfortable and can safely live their lives with independence and dignity.