Adults with ASD — Your opinion is important!
by Patricia
Where to live can be a huge life choice for many of us. I have lived in eight different states as an adult, and I can assure you that I preferred some locations over others. I have a strong preference for living in urban walkable environments so I don’t have to rely on a car, and I have many other preferences, too. I feel fortunate that I am able to choose my home and neighborhood to suit my lifestyle, and it goes without saying that I think adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need to be able to make these same life choices as well.
The need for residential supports for adults with ASD has been gaining traction in the media. A story on Fox News highlighted the need for “residential supports” rather than mere “housing.” Residential supports include staff, which is sometimes needed to give people with ASD a higher quality of life by developing independent living skills. An NBC piece reported a shortage of housing for adults with autism.
The National Housing and Residential Supports Survey was recently launched by Autism Speaks to increase the support of both the public and private sectors to expand housing and residential supports opportunities for individuals with ASD. The survey needs to be completed by Friday, August 9 so that Autism Speaks can gather hard data about these needs and leverage that information into advocacy and awareness. The results from this survey will be used to support recommendations on a national strategic plan for housing policy and development.
If you are age 14 or older with ASD, or if you are a caregiver for an adult with ASD, please take 15 minutes to complete the survey before August 9th. Your opinion is important!