Beginning the housing search: Questions to consider

When planning for the housing and residential support needs for an individual with autism, it is often best to begin by asking some basic questions about the specific types of supports and services the individual may need, and by considering his or her abilities, interests and preferences.

Questions to consider when searching for housing

Supports and services needed

• Can I live alone safely?
• Can I take care of my personal hygiene needs?
• Can I organize and pay my own bills?
• Can I go grocery shopping?
• Can I cook?
• Do I need behavioral supports?
• Can I manage my own medication?

Location

• Do I need public transportation?
• Do I want to be able to walk to recreation areas, shopping and other community activities?
• Do I want to live near a hospital, movie theatre or family members?
• Do I need to be near my job or volunteer site?
• How close do I want my neighbors to be?
• Do I want a back yard?

Interests and preferences

• Do I want to live alone or with a housemate? Does it matter?
• Do I want a dog, cat or other pet?
• Do I want my own bathroom?
• Do I want to be able to cook my own meals?
• Do I want the freedom to come and go as I please?
• Do I want to live with people of the same sex, opposite sex or both?

Financial considerations

• What are the sources of my monthly income? How will this change over time?
• What are my monthly expenses?
• Do I have a special needs trust? How can those funds be used?

Read more in the Autism Speaks Housing and Residential Supports Tool Kit.