If you’re the parent of an Autistic child, you probably worry about their future from time to time: What happens when they grow up? For many families, the question about when/if a child will move out on their own can be a complex one. In this article, we want to walk you through available modalities of Long Term Care for Autistic Adults. We will advise you on what considerations you will want to take into account when making your decision.
Additionally, we will review the types of long term care afforded to individuals on the spectrum. Ranging from independent living to Specialized Care Facilities. As ABA-LLC is a Kentucky based company, we may make reference to Kentucky-based programs, waivers, and facilities.
Do Autistic Adults Live Alone?
Autism is a spectrum disorder; meaning that it affects each individual in a unique way. Many autistic adults live alone, many have higher support needs and live with their family or in a supported living facility.
Considering Support Needs
In 2013, the DSM-V revamped the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to include three “levels” of Autism. These levels are based on the level of support necessary for each individual, and are understood to be something that is in flux over the course of a person’s life.
People with Autism do not “grow out” of Autism. However, they can learn new skills and thrive with the right supports. When planning your child’s future, consider what their current support needs are. What things do they struggle doing on their own? What daily supports do they need to succeed while living at home? What environments do they thrive in? As your child gets older, they may also be able to start voicing some of their preferred supports on their own.
Building Life Skills
As a parent, one of the best things you can do for a child is to help them learn as many of the tasks necessary to adult living as possible. Think of things like:
- Preparing meals
- Laundry
- Personal hygiene
- Home maintenance
- Budgeting and Financial Responsibility
- Social Skills
- Self regulation
Individuals with any level of support needs are able to learn skills to achieve the highest degree of independence possible. However, not everyone will be able to learn every skill. Working with a clinician, such as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, can help a family identify skill deficiencies and develop a plan to build skills that increase autonomy.
Housing Key Considerations
Beyond support needs, every individual will also have their own preferences about where they would like to live. It is important to consider what kind of environment will contribute to your loved one’s long term happiness. Some key aspects to consider when considering housing for your Autistic loved one are:
- Location (Urban, suburban, rural, etc)
- Type of Housing (House, apartment, share home, facility, etc)
- Accessibility
- Proximity to services and supports
- Safety
- Community Acceptance
- Support Needs
Exploring Long-Term Care Options
Independent Living
Many, but not all adults with Autism are able to live fully on their own. Often, this option is accessible to individuals with low, or Level 1, support needs. For individuals to be able to live on their own, they must have a strong grasp of self care & personal hygiene, meal preparation & nutrition, transportation, household upkeep, and financial responsibility. Additionally, having a strong social support system will help individuals manage stress.
Individuals who live independently may need unique accommodations. People with Autism may struggle with sensory sensitivities, executive function, handling emergencies, and making and maintaining friendship.
In addition to “fully” independent living, many in-between options exist for individuals on the spectrum. For instance, an individual might live alone but receive services during the day to help with transportation, budgeting, meal prep, and transportation.
Supported Living
Supported Living developed as an alternative to institutional care that prioritizes independence. Individuals living in Supported Living environments have their own independent space in a group home or private apartment. There, they receive personalized daily assistance from staff. These homes are integrated within the community, and support enables individuals to engage inside and outside of their residence.
Supported Living Group Homes
A popular form of Supported Living occurs in the Group Home setting. Residents live in small groups with 24-hour support from Staff, mimicking a single-family home. Typically each resident will have their own personal bedroom, but share common spaces like the living room, kitchen, and backyard with other residents. This model offers guidance, mentorship, and support for daily living while also promoting the continued development independent living skills.
Supported Living Apartments
In an Apartment-Style Supported Living facility, individuals live in their own apartment; featuring their own bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. This gives residents a high-level of independence and privacy- while also having access to daily assistance with meals, laundry, and other daily living expectations. Individuals living in Supported Living apartments can opt to have support staff available anywhere from a few hours a week to 24-hrs a day.
Developmental Centers
While becoming less common, Developmental Centers are large residential facilities set on secluded campuses where residents receive intensive support. Residents at Developmental facilities receive 24-hour support. This option is often beneficial for people with complex medical needs, as it ensures they are always close to medical faciltities.
Living with Family
Many Autistic Adults live with their family well into Adulthood. However, just because your loved one lives at home does not mean you need to support them alone. Services that help provide additional support exist, including compensation for family caregivers in the home.
How Waiver Services in Kentucky Support Long Term Care for Autistic Adults
The State of Kentucky offers several waiver programs that can offer financial assistance with care for Autistic Adults. The a 1915(c) HCBS Medicaid waiver program seeks to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible. However, families should be aware that there are long waitlists for these services. While they can provide life-affirming support, applying and receiving services can be a years long journey.
Click the title of each of the waivers below to learn more about how to apply for a 1915 (c) HCBS medicaid waiver in Kentucky.
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC works with around 190 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC.
ABA-LLC is set apart from its competitors by its uniquely person-centered approach. The agency strives to provide services from a place of deep love for the population they serve. Their work exemplifies the belief that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and independent life integrated within their communities. There is no objective to change a person, but rather to give them the tools they need to succeed. B.F. Skinner summarizes this vision in his quote: “I’m not trying to change people. All I want is to change the world in which they live.” Learn more about us at https://aba-llc.com/