| Adults with autism have many options open to them | | | | structured life of living at home. Everything is familiar, |
| depending on how they function. Many high functioning | | | | the structure and routines continue uninterrupted and |
| autistic adults or those who have Asperger's | | | | the parents are always there to keep things running |
| syndrome are able to function well when | | | | smoothly. But, this only works until the parents become |
| mainstreamed into society. They can hold jobs, live on | | | | old or ill themselves. If this is the option chosen some |
| their own and even have peer friendships. This does | | | | alternatives must be set-up for the eventually of the |
| not mean it all runs smoothly and easily for them, just | | | | death of the parents. |
| that they are able to do it. They will still have | | | | What of those adults with autism who are not as high |
| communication and social difficulties. They will still very | | | | functioning but still strive to have some independence? |
| much need the back up of family and their health care | | | | What can they do? If living independently is not |
| providers. | | | | possible there are group homes. These homes will |
| Even those who have their own apartments will still | | | | provide basic care while continuing to teach the autistic |
| need some back up to help with some of the things | | | | adult some independence. They will teach meal |
| they cannot do themselves. They may be able to hold | | | | preparation, how to do the laundry, how to keep their |
| a job, but not pay bills. They may be able to cook | | | | rooms tidy and take care of their own personal |
| meals for themselves but not do a food shopping on | | | | hygiene issues. The autistic adult can have a separate |
| their own. They may require help accessing those | | | | living space, his or her own bedroom, but share the |
| government services that they are entitled to as a | | | | rest of a house. They may even find work in a |
| disabled adult. Family members usually do this, but | | | | sheltered workshop. |
| there are people from various government services | | | | Sometimes there are no even semi-independent |
| that may take on these tasks if here are no family | | | | alternatives based on an adult who is low functioning, |
| members who can help. | | | | with parents who are aging and unable to continue |
| There is the option for the autistic adult to continue to | | | | caring for them. Their abilities do not allow placement in |
| live at home with their parents. This will be a good | | | | a group home and so the only option left is an |
| alternative to someone is able to have some | | | | institution. This is usually the alternative of last resort. |
| independence but still is more comfortable in the | | | | |