Episode Details

For families supporting an autistic child with significant support needs, planning for adulthood can bring difficult questions: Where will they live? What services will they need? How will those services be funded? And what happens when the school system ends?

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr speaks with Ann Hart, a longtime autism advocate, past president of the Autism Society of Texas and mother of a 40-year-old son with severe autism.

Ann brings decades of experience volunteering with the Autism Society and navigating adult disability services, including Medicaid waivers. Together, Mike and Ann discuss housing and support options for autistic adults who need moderate to high levels of daily support.

They explain why families may want to begin researching Medicaid waivers early, particularly when states have long waiting lists. The conversation also explores HCS, SSI, Medicaid, group homes, host homes, private-pay residential communities and other possible sources of support.

A major theme throughout the episode is preparation. Ann discusses the importance of developing independence and daily living skills while also addressing challenging behaviors and communication needs. Mike explains how communication difficulties can sometimes contribute to anxiety and behaviors when an autistic person doesn't understand what's happening or can't communicate what they need.

The conversation also highlights an important reality: residential programs aren't necessarily one-size-fits-all. Families need to ask questions, understand their family member's support needs, and determine whether a particular program is an appropriate fit.

This episode is especially relevant for parents of autistic children and teens, parents of profoundly or severely autistic adults, caregivers and professionals working in autism and developmental disability services.

In This Episode

• Planning for adult housing and services
• Medicaid waivers and waiting lists
• HCS and SSI
• Group homes and host homes
• Private-pay residential options
• Communication and challenging behavior
• Building independence and daily living skills
• Transition planning before the end of school
• Evaluating residential programs
• Thinking broadly about possible housing options

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation about housing and adult services for autistic people with higher support needs.

Resources: http://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1dqdXZPO5RJw55XEAZcgwlTmA1RP01K8x