As parents, we often dream of the day when our son or daughter will be able to move out of our home and begin to create a home of their own. But what happens when your child has autism? Will they be able to live on their own or will they need support? If so, how much support? And who pays for all this?
In Washington State there are several housing options depending on the needs of the person. Supports can vary from a few hours a month to 24-hour supervision. Obtaining these housing options can depend on many variables, such as how much support the person needs and what kind of benefits they are eligible for. Examples of some housing options are outlined below, but keep in mind that the individual you are supporting may or may not be eligible for each of these options. We recommend you talk with your service providers and case manager to determine your eligibility and discuss what options might be most appropriate.
Supported Living
Supported Living Services offer instruction and support to persons who live in their own homes in the community. Supports may vary from a few hours per month up to 24 hours per day of one-to-one support. Clients pay for their own rent, food, and other personal expenses. The Division of Developmental Disabilities(DDD) contracts with private agencies to provide Supported Living services.
State Operated Living Alternatives (SOLA)
SOLA programs offer Supported Living services. SOLA programs are operated by DDD with state employees providing instruction and support to clients.
Groups Homes
Group Homes are community-based residences serving 2 or more adult clients and are licensed as either a boarding home or an adult family home. Group Homes contract with DDD to provide 24-hour instruction and support.
Alternative Living Services
Alternative Living Services are instructional services provided by an individual contractor. The service focuses on community-based individualized training to enable a client to live as independently as possible with minimal residential services.
Residential Habilitation Centers (RHC)
RHCs are state-operated residential settings that provide habilitation training, 24-hour supervision, and medical/nursing services for clients who meet Medicaid eligibility and need active treatment services.
Due to budget cuts there is limited availability of state-provided housing and residential supports for adults with developmental disabilities. Many individuals and families have found ways to create unique housing options that fits the needs of their son or daughter. This may involve connecting and networking with other individuals and families and combining resources. Some families have found ways to partner with government agencies, property owners, and communities to create new supportive living situations. Sherry McNary is the Project Manager of the ‘My Home, My Life’ Family Network Groups. Her group works with individuals and families who come together to discuss ideas on creative housing solutions in King County.
The ARC of King County recommends the following resources for those who are looking into housing options for their son or daughter.
- –Residential and In-home Support Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
- –Questions to Ask Providers when Making Decisions About Residential Supports for Family Members With Disabilities
- –Seattle/King County Contracted Residential Support Providers
Two additional resources that families may find helpful when looking into housing:
I would like to see some blogs about older children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum or Aspergers (i.e. 8-12 years old) and are high functioning. Some topics could include processing issues, behavior, anxiety, sensory issues, etc.
Thanks for the blog – I subscribe and find it very interesting!
Sometimes there is a need for residential services for our children while they are in their teen years. During this time period the options are extremely limited and due to changes in recent laws, they are actually discriminating against our youth by prohibiting them from residing in the Residential Habilitation Centers if under 16 and then limiting the 16-21 year olds to crisis only.
Below is an essay which I wrote which outlines this very issue:
With the passage of a new law which our Governor, DSHS Secretary and some prominent groups which masquerade as disability advocates celebrate as “historic,” they are certainly correct. The reason that this law is “historic” is because it discriminates against our most vulnerable citizens and in particular our youth with complex needs.
I must admit that I am still stunned by the passage of SSB 5459. The process with which this bill was passed, the rhetoric which was continually pushed and the total dismissal of facts derived from data from the Department of Social and Health Services and The Developmental Disabilities Division’s own reports all pointed to a pre-planned action to dismantle the service system which supports a continuum of care for our citizens with disabilities.
There are so many issues relating to this bill which are questionable from a legal standpoint in addition to total violation of Federal Statutes as determined by The Olmstead Decision. Yet, for some reason, Governor Gregoire and DSHS Secretary Susan Dreyfus are celebrating what many of us consider one of the darkest days in disability advocacy.
SSB 5459 prohibits admission of children under age 16 to a Residential Habilitation Center (RHC) for people with developmental disabilities and limits RHC admissions of youth, age 16-21, to short-term respite or crisis care. Both of these two age groups are greatly discriminated against in this bill. The civil rights of these groups are being singled out and denied. This is a travesty – not only for these children but for their families and our communities as a whole.
What we need to focus on are the needed supports for our citizens. Prohibiting one group, based solely on age, even though they may require the needed supports that are provided in the RHC is denying these citizens their legal and civil rights. DSHS states that the children should be living with their families and in their communities. Yes, that is ideal but what DSHS and DDD are failing to realize is that there is a continuum of needs and this continuum goes across all age ranges. For some, living in a community home or family home is not safe due to the limited supports available.
Ms. Dreyfus and many others, speak about the residents in the RHCs as if most are elderly, have lived there most of their lives and that the families and guardians are fearful and unaware of the services in the community. Ms. Dreyfus is very misguided in her understanding of this.
In fact, there are many newer and younger residents who have been admitted to the RHCs in the past years. These families have chosen the RHC community as the better option for their children mostly because the services and community supports were not adequate or safe for their children. The RHC has saved the lives of many of these youth and strengthened their families by providing comprehensive, safe and healthy care to their loved ones.
I recently asked Ms. Dreyfus what would happen to these children under 16 who could not be safely cared for in a community residential home or family home. Her response to me was that the families will always have the choice of an RHC but they will have to go out of state. I ask, is that really a CHOICE? From my experience and others, the other choice that DDD would offer is to have the police take our loved one with a developmental disability to jail. Why are Washington State, DSHS and DDD refusing to allow our eligible youth full access to the needed supports and services which they are legally, by Federal Statutes, entitled to?
You makes several important points. We need a range of services for our children and young adults with disabilities. What works for one family may not be the best choice for another. The fact is, that funding for all services is being cut. In order to preserve the funding we do have and help our government leaders understand the current gaps in services and supports, we as parents and professionals need to be aware of what the legislature is doing and continue to advocate for individuals with disabilities, including autism.
When will you post again ? Been looking forward to this !
I did not see that this article addressed children. Specifically a 9 year old whose behaviors are becoming unmanageable.
Hi Judith,
You’re correct, this blog post was geared more towards families with older children moving into adulthood. In Washington there are no placement options for a 9 year old. We recommend contacting your state’s agency for developmental disabilities. In Washington state it would be: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda.
I have an 18YR SON who has emotional disturbance, asbergers, bipolar and add. I need help with searching for an independent living facility or group home. Some place he can learn to mature, get along with peers his age, finding a job he can handle. I am single and have been since I brought him home 18yrs ago. I have done all I can now that he is 18 he thinks he can do what he wants. I stress every time he walks out the door, others don’t get him, they don’t understand him. He acts more like 14. A few weeks ago he was punched in the face and fell threw a plate glass window. You would have thought he would be scared to go back outside, no he left just after getting stitched up. My son doesn’t understand, he is not a fighter, he is not street smart, no gang stuff. It is so hard trying to find help am so tired, stressed and feel alone. Any ideas, places I can contact would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless Kerry
Hi Kerry,
My goodness, you and your son are dealing with a lot. What state do you live in? In you’re in WA state, we can point you to some resources.
Lynn
My 17 year old daughter is also dealing with these same issues. Would you mind sharing with me the resources you have?
Hi Desiree,
We’ll happily share, here in our blog,any progress toward our dream of this type of community.
The Autism Blog
we would like to relocate to Arizona and need to find a group home and also apply for Medicaid for my son who is 23 years old and autistic. Please send me the information. he is now in a school in Woodbury, N.Y.
Hi Gloria,
Every state is different when it comes to supports and services for people with disabilities and Seattle Children’s Hospital is in Washington State. We encourage you to contact the AZ state department responsible for serving those with developmental disabilities, the equivalent of our Department of Social and Health Services.
The Autism Blog
Came across your blog while looking for help with my live-in 32 yr old son, who has mild developmental delays – not autism, but low-average IQ, ADD, poor language skills,& shyness/social immaturity.He doesn’t qualify for any govt aid except DVR. He works at a low-paying job, drives his own car, & functions quite well (actually, brilliantly, given his special needs) but 4 yrs ago started hanging out with poor influences from work (he has no other friends) & occasionally abusing drugs & alcohol,leading to development of a seizure disorder. I can’t get him to stop this self-abuse(which occurs once- 3 times a yr now & always culminates in 1 or more seizures.) I am elderly with no other relatives & worry about his future – afraid he will kill himself via substance abuse if living on his own. Would he qualify for any type of housing supervision & if so what & where? (I’m in Seattle.) Many thanks.
Hi Anna,
It sounds as if your son is one whom some would say is “high functioning” yet struggles with being an independently-functioning adult. And as his mom, you never stop worrying and wanting to help. Have you looked into the DD services at Sound Mental Health in Seattle? With developmental, mental health, and substance issues, they may have something to offer. Wishing you well, Lynn
I was wondering why Washington State does not have caregivers for autistic children? Why do they only provide caregivers to adults. I’m a single mother of a 16 year old boy with ASD and the only thing I can do is have DDA pay a friend or family member to help me with him. I don’t have anyone that can do that so I do it alone and I’m exhausted.
Hi Jennifer,
In WA State, DDA does include respite and “personal care” on their home and community-based waivers. They do not provide the caregivers as you know but you can use an agency or an individual provider (family member or friend). Respite can be in your home or in a designated respite home or for camps that have contracted with DDA. If you’re thinking about out-of-home placement, DDA does have a Voluntary Placement Program for clients under the age of 18. Your son’s case manager can help you with the details of these services.
Lynn