Young autistic adults transitioning into independent living need a set of skills to lead the successful and fulfilling lives they’ve imagined for themselves. Independent living skills programs play a crucial role in this process, as well as figuring out where and with whom that independent living will occur. Many facets hinge on one another, and families often find it beneficial to have an expert walk them through each step while addressing any roadblocks.
In decades of work in the world of benefits and housing for those with disabilities, I have learned to presume competence. I am encouraged by the growing wave of organizations doing the same. Imagine how much more independence can be grasped by those with autism when those of us in support positions listen to their dreams while setting the stage for skill-building, allowing them to take risks and live full, authentic lives.
Fears about independent living should not be discounted; there’s often a history behind those fears, and the world can seem unforgiving. Developing life skills and practicing resilience creates a buffer, however slight, against these natural parts of life. Independent living programs provide young adults with the essential tools and skills to live out their potential. The skills often include household management, budgeting, shopping, cooking, cleaning, sexual health, community transportation, and personal hygiene. These programs offer many benefits that can help them transition into independent living and obtain additional independence.
The diverse activities available in the local chapters of The Arc, recreation programs, faith organizations, special interest clubs, and other social programs provide valuable opportunities for young autistic adults to enhance their social skills. These social and relational skills are instrumental in helping people, autistic adults included, form relationships and establish a support system, a key component of success in independent living. Local transition programs have lists of places that are known for their positive work with the autism community, and some people choose programs with professionally set curriculums to meet their needs. Sometimes, people choose a mix of home-based and community-based programs to build and practice skill sets. Whatever the young adult chooses and however things change over the years, it is important that they surround themselves with a network of both experts and others with autism. They will learn from one another and have people to lean on in difficult times and celebrate the wins.
Beyond social skills around community living, other details need sorting through: funding basic living and outside activities, choosing a housing type and location, deciding whether to have roommates, identifying the type of supports needed, and other details specific to each person’s situation.
At Partners4Housing, solutions coordinators help autistic adults identify their dreams and what they imagine their future life to be. Then they guide them in aligning with that vision.
Our person-centered process starts with a benefits and housing review, in which the client answers an online questionnaire that helps clarify their housing vision and articulate what will define “home” for them. This may include: support needs, benefits and services they may be eligible for, where they will live, and how their new home will support their lifestyle preferences and social activities. The review is also used to identify gaps in benefits and services, so we can help clients navigate confusing and complicated benefits silos.
Once they complete the review, we schedule a one-hour consultation to discuss their vision of the future. Clients can use our roommate matching pool, where they can search for compatible roommates and partnering families to create a shared living solution.
Following the frustration of years spent spinning in social service circles, many find that having an expert who will provide the most beneficial connections for them is extremely valuable. They benefit from a life they enjoy in a housing situation they can count on.
I have visited with young adults excited for the freedom of their own kitchen, listened to roommates laugh over a cherished memory, sat at tables with young adults making plans for the coming weeks with their support team, and celebrated with families who were taking regular vacations with peaceful minds knowing their loved one was thriving. These success stories shared two commonalities: diligence in preparing to move out of the family home and careful planning for the future.
Pam Blanton, founder and CEO, created Partners4Housing to provide a better way for families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find roommates and set up shared housing solutions. Her career has spanned 31 years in special needs housing, and she is an acknowledged expert in her field and a Friends of Housing Award honoree. She has an in-depth working knowledge of how to help people navigate supplemental security income, Social Security disability insurance, state residential support, Medicaid-funded personal care services, supported employment income, and Section 8 housing subsidies. Partners4Housing has helped create 65 shared living homes serving 141 people with disabilities.
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