A common option for many families is for their adult child on the autism spectrum to continue living in the family home, with the support of their elderly parents or, in some cases, siblings or other trusted family members.
However, this may not be possible for some individuals or their families, who may then seek out housing alternatives tailored for those on the autism spectrum or other disabilities.
Activity: Suitability of Our Current Home
In looking for the place where your Child will live in the future, look at your current housing first. Will it be suitable for your child to continue living where he is today? If yes, what are the reasons? If not, what are the reasons?
Housing alternatives tailored for those on the autism spectrum are quite rare in Singapore. For long-term residence, the only available option for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) is an Adult Disability Home (see section on “Residential Care” in the Enabling Guide).
However, such homes may not be suitable for PWDs who are able to exercise a significant degree of independence and autonomy in daily life.
Furthermore, they are typically reserved for PWDs who have exhausted all other options of community support and often have very limited vacancies.
Given the limited housing options for PWDs, you may wish to consider creating a housing solution that uniquely meets the future needs of your child. For example:
- Your child could live in a hostel-type housing where there is a supervisor to take care of his meals, laundry, housekeeping, etc.
- Your child could inherit the family home, which affords him a level of familiarity and comfort in his surroundings, with neighbours around to keep an eye on him.
- Your child could live with several other people with special needs by finding other like-minded parents who are willing to pool together to share a small HDB flat or apartment.
- Parents may also form special-interest groups and express their needs to the authorities to undertake pilot housing projects to address this issue.
