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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.
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