Supporting young adults on the autism spectrum towards independent living

Background and objectives / introduction Appropriate housing for adults on the autism spectrum is acknowledged as an area of growing need (for example, Harker and King, 2004; Ahrentsen and Steele, 2009; Brand, 2010). This... [ view full abstract ]

Background and objectives / introduction

Appropriate housing for adults on the autism spectrum is acknowledged as an area of growing need (for example, Harker and King, 2004; Ahrentsen and Steele, 2009; Brand, 2010). This research investigated the housing needs and preferences of young adults with an autism spectrum diagnosis.


Methodology

Semi-structured interviews with six participants living in two facilities run by a service provider were elicited information across topics related to housing and independent living. One research participant acted as a co-researcher; drafts were also critiqued by members of a Disabled People’s Organisation for adults with autism.


Results

Research participants did not wish to live in specialist congregate housing. They prioritised having the ability to adapt existing housing to meet individual needs, and personal choice regarding how, where and with whom they lived. They highlighted the importance of relationships between residents and support staff, and the development of personal support networks outside of disability services, in their trajectory towards independence.

Tensions were identified regarding the ‘fit’ between their current residential independent living programme and the way they wanted to live as independent adults. Areas for service improvement were identified.


Conclusions/Perspectives

Participatory research design broadened the range of questions asked and informed data interpretation data, thereby improving the accuracy of results. This experience, along with the content of responses received, supports involving adults with autism directly in policymaking and planning. Service providers should consider whether their policies and practices may inadvertently limit adult choice and self-determination.