Adults with autism and their families received an early holiday gift from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation who is helping to underwrite the nation’s only online network connecting adults with special needs and their families with stakeholders and growing an urgently needed shared knowledge base. The Autism Housing Network (AHN) is developed and operated by Madison House Autism Foundation, one of the few organizations in the country devoted to serving adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Only 13% of citizens with IDD have supports to live outside of their family home and more than one million adults live at home with aging caregivers who are over the age of 60. The Autism Housing Network helps explore emerging housing options, shares best practices in supportive housing, and helps launch locally based housing projects nationally.
“When children with autism turn 21 and age out of schools and services, they most likely will spend the majority of their adult life at home, isolated despite a desire for inclusion, unemployed despite often unique and valued talents, and very possibly homeless when parents die,” said Jalynn Prince, MHAF president. “Through the AHN, we’ve helped more than 200 caring and emerging communities serving thousands of adults and their families. The Marriott Foundation has been instrumental in making this possible and we are excited about plans to continue to expand this unique online platform.”
The AHN was developed in response to a national study that cited lack of a shared database as a major barrier to addressing the lack of housing for this growing population. It is one of several national initiatives undertaken by MHAF to bring hope, help, and solutions to adults with autism and other special needs.
A special thank you to the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation from all of us on the Autism Housing Network team. Your support will help us expand our efforts to meet the demand we see growing everyday. Thank you.
ABOUT MADISON HOUSE AUTISM FOUNDATION
MHAF, a leading voice in housing for adults with autism, is working to address lifespan issues for those on the autism spectrum. Originally chartered as a private foundation in 2008, Madison House Autism Foundation is now in the five-year transition period required by the IRS to become a public charity. Visit www.madisonhouseautism.org and www.madisonfields.org for more information.
Our organization, Stomp Out the Silence of Autism & Disabilities Inc, DBA: Help Autism, is in the process of fine tuning the business plan for the ranch. Will be a living facility for adults with autism & ranch for special needs. Will include multiple therapies: OT, PT, ST, music therapy, arts & crafts, farming, animals, etc, in Colorado.
We want to thank the Marriot Foundation in helping AHN, which Help Autism is a part of. Need more foundations willing to help support the cause & needs for adults with autism.
Looking for help for my grandson. They live in Colorado. Please let me know about the ranch.
This webpage can help guide you how to use the AHN to explore options: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/education/explore-housing-options/
If you would like to schedule a direct consultation to discuss options for your son, please fill out this form: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/schedule-30-minute-consultation/
My son is 18yrs old and is on the spectrum. My husband and myself are trying to find a residential home for him so he can start a life as an adult. He is very good at doing outdoor types of work, He enjoys gardening and being around animals. At the present time he lives in Utah in a residential care facility . We really need help finding a home for him. He is one of 7 adopted children and he is not our only child with special needs , Thank you
Wendy
This webpage can help guide you how to use the AHN to explore options: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/education/explore-housing-options/
If you would like to schedule a direct consultation to discuss options for your son, please fill out this form: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/schedule-30-minute-consultation/
My son has devropmetal disabilities, but is very articulate, is highly rated in Chess, competent in math, etc. Looking for ideas to find appropriate social venues for him. Or residential placement.
If you would like to schedule a direct consultation to discuss options for your son, please fill out this form: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/schedule-30-minute-consultation/
You can also ask the question on our discussion board for others to respond to and learn from as well: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/discussion/
My son is 28 years old on the Spectrum, high functioning and wants to move back to Florida. He has lived with me (a single parent) since birth and we were living in Ft. Lauderdale/Pompano Beach until 3 years ago when I had to move back to NJ to help care for my mother. Can you help me to find housing for him as I feel helpless in trying to do this on my own. He works, drives and functions pretty independently. Thank you so much.
Suzanne
Is he searching for simply affordable housing or also built-in supports?There are several new supportive housing communities in FL: Promise in Brevard (West Melbourne), Loveland Village (Lakeland), Arc Jacksonville Village (Jacksonville), Casa Familia (Miami), Quest Village (Orlando).
My son is 37 years old, has Rubenstein-Taybi’s syndrome, non-verbal, uses sign language and a communication book to communicate. He primarily uses sign language. He demonstrates autistic tendencies, does not like change and behaviors can arise when not understood or he is in a big crowds of strangers. He is wary of new people but once he knows a person, they are Ryan’s friends forever. He can become very anxious and likes to be prepared when he visits a new place. He understands everything people are talking about which surprises many. Once he develops a relationship, he is very loving and communicative. Ryan is in a State run developmental center working in the Horticulture program. Our hope is to find a place which can help Ryan with his communication skills in his everyday activities. He really needs someone who understands sign language so he can communicate all of his rich thoughts. Any advice on housing for someone like Ryan. We live in the Chicago area now.
I’m interested in learning how state benefits are transferred for adults with Autism. I am searching for a residential living environment that offers supervision, group activities, socialization, apartment-style accommodations for the residents and transportation to and from work and school with cameras throughout for security for the residents and staff. My son is 25 years old, high functioning and very artistic. Looking for both Arizona and Nevada. Please help me if you have any information.
1) It’s important to explore what type of housing and support arrangements may fit your loved one best. I suggest watching our Virtual Tour of Housing options video series to get an idea of options: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/education/virtual-tour-housing-options/
2) Here are our suggestions on how to use the resources on the Autism Housing Network to start moving foward with a plan: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/education/explore-housing-options/
3) You can ask a specific question on the AHN Discussion Board, and we will respond promptly. This will also help others in similar situations: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/discussion/
4) I do offer direct consultations for a $100 fee which helps us continue to run our free programming. I would try to understand your family needs and preferences which would lead to a list of steps, links to options and resources specifically for your situation. Simply fill out this form if you would like to schedule a consultation: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/schedule-30-minute-consultation/
Mi esposo y yo hemos buscado pero no encontramos un lugar apropiado para recibir su tratamiento, vivimos en Florida necesitamos de su ayuda mí hijo tiene 18 años y es autista.
This webpage can help guide you how to use the AHN to explore options: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/education/explore-housing-options/
If you would like to schedule a direct consultation to discuss options for your son, please fill out this form: http://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/schedule-30-minute-consultation/