Episode Details

What happens when parents can no longer care for their profoundly autistic adult child?

For families supporting autistic adults with significant support needs, planning for residential care can be one of the most difficult parts of the transition to adulthood. In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares his family's firsthand experience searching for long-term residential options for his 35-year-old son, who has severe autism, is nonverbal and has multiple complex support needs.

Mike examines five emerging residential communities in the United States and explains what families should consider when evaluating autism residential programs.

The discussion covers 24/7 staffing, sensory-friendly housing, private bathrooms, safety technology, life-skills training, vocational opportunities, community integration, university partnerships and opportunities for autistic adults to age in place.

Mike also shares an important lesson from his family's own experience: major changes in living environments can be difficult for autistic adults who rely heavily on familiarity and routine. Preparing for a transition gradually may help make a future move less disruptive.

This episode is especially relevant for parents of profoundly autistic adults, parents of autistic teens approaching adulthood, caregivers and professionals working in autism and disability services.

In This Episode

• How to evaluate residential programs for autistic adults
• Why staffing and 24/7 support matter
• What sensory-friendly residential design can include
• The importance of community integration
• Life-skills and vocational opportunities
• How university partnerships may support residential programs
• Safety technology and monitoring
• Planning for aging in place
• Why families should consider residential planning before a crisis

Mike's goal isn't to identify one perfect residential model. His family is still searching. Instead, he shares what they've learned so other families can ask better questions and begin planning for the future.

Resources:

- Thrive Red Bank (NJ): https://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/community/thrive-red-bank/
- Melmark Community (MA): https://www.melmark.org/planned-tewksbury-adult-community/
- Oak Tree Farms (SC): https://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/community/oak-tree-farm/
- Haven Jakes Place (FL): https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/03/26/increased-need-for-housing-for-those-with-disabilities-in-manatee---sarasota-
- Patuxent Commons (MD): https://autismsocietymd.org/resources/housing-initiative/

🎙️ Listen to the full episode and share it with an autism parent, caregiver or professional who may benefit from the conversation.