Disability Scoop article, November 13, 2013
As students with autism enter adulthood, issues such as housing create a dilemma for families and transition teams. How do we prepare our families for working with their student towards independent living?
Families are facing limited housing options as an increasing number of individuals with autism enter adulthood, a new survey suggests.
The vast majority of adults and transition-age individuals with autism are currently living at home and less than one-quarter said they are on waiting lists for housing services so that they could live more independently.
The findings “underscore the overwhelming need for more housing and residential support options and services,” said Lisa Goring, vice president of family services at Autism Speaks, which conducted the online survey of more than 8,600 caregivers and nearly 400 individuals with autism across the country.
The results are being released Wednesday at the advocacy group’s policy summit in Washington, D.C.