On this page, you can explore the following topics (click on the topic of interest):

Adults with ASD often need different types of support compared to those needed during their school years. After leaving high school and entering adulthood, individuals with ASD and their families may begin considering options for independent living, employment, and community-based services. Indiana offers a number of supports and resources for individuals with ASD to ensure they continue to receive the services they need throughout their lifespan and are able to lead happy, successful lives.

More videos available at http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/education/virtual-tour-housing-options/

What residential options are available for adults with ASD?

Many adults with ASD are able to live independently, either on their own, with a roommate, or with a significant other. Adults with ASD have the same rights as other adults to buy or rent a house, apartment, room, or other type of home. However, their ability to do so depends on their particular abilities and desires. Families may consider a number of other community-based residential service options if an individual is unable to live entirely independently:

  • Supported living: An option in which personalized supports offered to individuals in their own home by a caregiver working under the direction of the individual.
  • Supervised living: An option in which more intensive, structured services and supports are available to an individual in his or her own home 24 hours a day.
  • Group home living: A common residential option in which individuals live together with several other (unrelated) individuals and receive support from onsite staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A provider agency generally owns these types of facilities and supervises the support staff serving the individuals who live there.
  • Group living/ownership: A cooperative option in which individuals live with others in a home owned by a cooperative of individuals or families who employ caregivers to provide supports to the residents as needed.
  • Assisted living facilities: A facility-based option in which individuals live in a designated community with professional staff to provide assistance with personal care and daily living activities such as bathing, eating, and sometimes medication.
  • Institutional residency: An option generally utilized by individuals with more intensive needs or challenges in which facility staff provide continuous supports related to all aspects of an individual’s life.

After determining the most appropriate residential option, families and individuals should also consider how it will be funded. Some families may be able to afford self-funded housing, while others may benefit from funding assistance from provider agencies. Government agencies, such as the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) provide assistance and information related to Medicaid waiver-based funding for a variety of supported and independent living options.

In addition, Autism Speaks offers a number of resources related to housing and community living, including a tool kit designed to assist families with identifying and obtaining residential supports and services and a catalog of residential services across the country. Similarly, the Autism Resource Network of Indiana (ARNI) maintains a valuable database of available supports in Indiana.

Back to Top

What is supported living?

Supported living is a term used to describe supports and services provided in an individual’s own home. These supports are based on the individual’s specific needs and preferences, helping the individual to thrive within his or her own community rather than living in a residential facility or institution. For more information about available support living services across the state, including funding options to access these services, contact the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS).

Back to Top

Issues of Homelessness

Available Resources

References