Living at Home
After graduation from high school, some individuals with autism will choose to live at home with their families. Some will get jobs or go to college, and others will need significant daily support. What are some factors families can consider to help maximize the well-being and potential of individuals with autism who require significant support?
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The topic of making plans for adult life involves many facets, so the discussion fits better in a week-long seminar than a four-minute podcast. But we will touch on one area that requires serious consideration and advance planning: daily routine.
The emphasis in post-graduation planning usually focuses on jobs or assisted living options, so the issue of daily routine for individuals who spend most of their time at home as adults is often overlooked. It can work best for all involved if careful consideration is given to daily routine. Specific plans help everyone know how the young adult is going to spend each day.
Advance planning is often necessary for even the most mundane daily events. Families will want to make plans for meals, personal care, medications, exercise, leisure time activities, household chores, and other logistical details of each day.
Many individuals with autism are accustomed to a visual daily schedule that uses words or symbols. Even when the daily routine at home remains the same from day to day, it is helpful to develop a visual schedule and to review it every evening or early in the morning. Contentment and cooperation increase when people know what to expect.
Although many individuals with autism thrive on routine, most also enjoy special activities. Families may want to consider purposefully planning some special activities to help decrease boredom and to help individuals with autism stay connected with the outside world. For example, some adults with autism enjoy visiting a fitness center each day or going to the park for a walk (or drive in bad weather) every Tuesday afternoon. Some individuals ride along with volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels or walk along with volunteers who visit shut-ins in a nursing home. Having a daily destination gives life purpose.
Families will also want to help their young adult with autism develop and nourish friendships to prevent isolation and to keep them from being overly-dependent on one person. Most young adults are able to make new friends on their own, but our friends with autism sometimes need help finding opportunities to interact with other people.
These are just a few of the factors to consider when helping structure the daily lives of young adults with autism, especially those living at home who need significant support. We welcome your ideas. Just click on the “comment” button or send a message to talk@FAQautism.com.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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