This article on the benefits of supported housing for autistic people is offered by Jackie Edwards.
Autistic people who are supported in their daily lives are more likely to have an improved quality of life, according to research. Multiple studies over the years have shown that people with autism tend not to live alone, with just one in five young autistic adults having done so since leaving school. If you or a loved one has autism and want more independence, supported housing can provide the best of both worlds. Here are some of the biggest benefits associated with living in supported housing.
More independence
One benefit of supported housing for autistic people is more independence. Despite so few autistic people living alone, there’s no reason why the majority can’t do so. When you move into supported housing, you automatically gain more independence. Some people with autism have problems with self-care due to depression or other mental health problems. Others have a limited and somewhat unhealthy diet because of sensory issues connected to autism. When you live in supported housing, you have access to people that can help provide care and support for you. This could be someone to help you get washed and dressed in the morning, an advisor to help you manage your finances, or an individual that can work with you to prepare healthy, nutritious meals.
A cost-effective way of living
Another benefit of supported housing is cost. Just 22% of people with autism are employed, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). As a result, many have a reduced income to neurotypical people. Studies have also identified that autistic individuals are more likely to spend money on their special interest and to buy personal items they want, such as game consoles, clothing, and books, which further impacts their finances. Moving into supported accommodation is beneficial as it is cost-effective. The accommodation is run by local councils or charities, so they can be affordable than private accommodation. Supported accommodation is very similar to a Homeowner’s Association (HOA). As part of the deal, they’ll take care of general maintenance and repairs and you’ll have access to onsite amenities. These may include a pool, communal garden, and laundrette. This reduces the need to spend cash away from your community, so more savings are made.
Improved social engagement
79% of autistic people say they experience loneliness. You might think that moving into supported housing would make these feelings worse, but this isn’t the case. One study found that the majority of tenants in supported housing did not report loneliness and those that did said it was easily overcome. In fact, supportive housing is typically a type of community. The people living in them usually look out for one another and everyone becomes part of each other’s support network. You’ll constantly have access to people with help on hand, so the chances of feeling lonely or isolated are slimmer.
Supported housing provides great opportunities for people with autism to become more independent. Not only is this type of accommodation affordable, but it also provides everyday help that autistic people can utilise in all aspects of their lives.
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If you need help looking for services for an autistic adult in the United Kingdom, we will do our best to help. Click below for our Autism Placement Support Service.
