As a parent, you have dreams for your child. This is natural and even beneficial, but those dreams may change when your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The diagnosis means you’ll need to change how you and your child approach social situations, education, and daily life, but does that mean it will keep them from living an independent life? Not necessarily. It is possible for adults with autism to live independently, but it all depends on a few unique factors.
Consider How Much Support They Need
As your child grows, they’ll need different types and different levels of support from you as a caregiver. This is true whether they’re on the or not, but as they grow, you’ll get a sense for what they need to thrive. For many adults with autism, it’s possible to live on their own without the help of a full-time caregiver as long as they have a solid support system in place. This can be anything from having caring roommates who understand their “quirks” to a relative or close friend who checks in on them every day or so.
Group Homes Offer a Solution
For people on the spectrum who need extra care but can’t or don’t want to live at home, group homes are a great option. These homes provide quality care and give adults with autism the help they need to maintain a more independent lifestyle. The staff will help with daily routines like cleaning up, bathing, cooking, and anything in between.
Can They Work?
The best way to judge whether adults with autism can live independently is to look at their ability to earn a living. This doesn’t have to mean working an office job. It just means they need to have a way to support themselves, even if that job is part-time.
Start Building Independence Early On
The best way to help your loved one with autism become more independent is to help them develop the necessary habits early on. If they’re high-functioning, help them build social skills and network with others by volunteering with an organization that’s in line with their interests. Enroll them in early intervention sessions to help your child develop new skills and healthy ways to cope with triggers.
Make an Appointment Today
The key to helping adults with autism live an independent life lies in getting treatment early on. If your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with our team as soon as possible.