Where Autistic People generally live
In general, autistic people have the same living options as people with other disabilities, which ideally are matched with the individual's capabilities.

Children: While there were times in the past when autistic children would likely be located at an institution, today they almost invariably reside with their parents.

Respite: Families caring of a disabled person can be tied down to a much greater extent than than other families. Autistic children are individuals and the amount of supervision autistic children require varies, but in general, there is an extra burden on the parents which in many cases is severe. Providing the care and supervision can possibly require as much effort as would an additional full time job.

Respite service is typically provided by government agencies to give such families an occasional break from the responsibilities. It may consist of providing someone to look after the child for a few hours, or it may be a group home set up to take the child for a weekend on occasion.

Adults: Autistic adults unable to cope with their own residence also were likely to live in an institution such as a state-run facility. Alternatively, they might live with relatives.

In place of institutions, now group homes and assisted living are more generally used. A group home might have 4 permanent residents, with two staff members for most of the waking hours and 1 staff member while the residents sleep.

Those families who take care of adult autistic family members might make use of respite services.