FAQautism

Graduation for the class of 2009 is just around the corner, marking a milestone in life. This is a time when many graduates leave home, moving into a college dorm or into a home or apartment in another city or across town. Some individuals with autism will require some level of assistance with their daily lives. What options for semi-independent living are available for individuals with autism?

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Some communities offer supported living homes and apartments for individuals who qualify for programs for people with special needs, including autism. A number of my friends have moved into apartments or homes sponsored by private and by public agencies, and have thrived in the situations. Others required an adjustment period, but have finally found a suitable semi-independent living situation.

Sometimes the option of moving into a supported living program is not available for a variety of reasons. The waiting list for supported living may be very long in some cases. In other cases, a person may not qualify for services because they do not meet guidelines related to family income, diagnosis, aggressive behavior issues, or other issues. Participation in a supported living program may require an individual to move to a different community, so the family decides the person would fare better living closer to home. Some individuals with autism are not able to make the move because they simply cannot tolerate the transition into a new home. Even people who do qualify for services and who can tolerate the transition may chose to stick closer to home for the time being.

If, for whatever reason, a person with autism lives at home as a young adult, the family can help carve out a space for the person with autism. This new apartment may just be a bedroom and bath, but it is their very own space, a place that encourages independence and celebrates their entry into adulthood.

Some families transform a den, a family room, a garage space, or a basement game room into an “apartment” for the graduate. Others build an apartment space onto their existing home or build a cottage on their property. And some families rent an apartment or garage apartment close to their home so they can provide support and supervision as needed.

TIP FOR THE DAY. These are just a few ideas that have worked over the years for some of my friends with autism. We welcome other ideas that have worked for your family. And…CONGRATULATIONS to the graduates of 2009!

NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certifiedbmusic 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 a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. 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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