Living independently is a big milestone and transition in every person’s life, requiring plenty of preparation and confidence.

For people on the autism spectrum and their families, the idea of living independently can be hard to imagine, but with the right support, it can be possible. By understanding the different living options and the funding and support services available, autistic individuals and their families can make informed and confident decisions.

In this post, we’ll discuss the different forms of independence for an autistic person. We’ll explore the different living options individuals and families can explore and the funding that can assist people with autism in living independently.

• Independence isn’t always moving out
• Different living options
• Funding available
• Your next steps

Independence isn't always moving out

For many young people, full independence from their family involves moving out of home, often into accommodation they rent or own themselves. However, independence can take many other forms. It may take an autistic individual more time to work towards living independently, or perhaps moving out of home completely isn’t something that would be suitable for a variety of reasons.  

However, independence does not simply refer to moving out of home. An autistic person can develop a range of skills and abilities related to independence while living with their family, helping them to live a safe, happy, and fulfilling life. Independence is different for every single one of us; consider what it looks like for you or your autistic loved one and go from there.

It's also important to remember that just because an autistic person has not moved out by the same age as their peers, that doesn’t mean it will never happen. Many people with autism benefit from having more time and practice to develop daily living skills and transition into independent living. Waiting until they can care for themselves, advocate for themselves, or find support for assistance is important for their safety and wellbeing. Don't feel pressured to rush yourself or your autistic person into moving out if there is no real need. Work to your own timeframe rather than comparing your journey to others.

Different living options

Autistic people and their families can explore several living options, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Some options will be better suited to you or your family, depending on support needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Here are some living options autistic people and their families can consider:

Living with family

Many autistic individuals live with their family or carers as adults, particularly as they transition to their new life in the years after school, whatever that might look like. During this period of enormous change, when an autistic person enters the workforce, starts further education, or explores social and community participation, keeping their living situation the same, or at least minimising changes, can be a great source of comfort.

Living with family can take various forms. Autistic people may live in the same house as their family members, or they might live in a granny flat or unit on their family’s property. The latter option allows people with autism to establish some independence while having their family close by should they require support. Some autistic people may receive support from paid carers while living in or close to their family home to assist with independence.

Autistic individuals and their families might wish to wait until they feel settled into life after school before beginning to explore independent living options. Major life changes can be stressful for people with autism, and allowing plenty of time and practice to transition to independent living can ease anxiety (often for the whole family!)

Living independently

Many autistic people live independently in accommodation they either rent or own. That might look like:

• Living alone without requiring support (e.g., from a paid carer)
• Living alone with informal support (e.g., from family members or friends)
• Living independently with others (e.g., roommates, partner/spouse, children)
• Living independently with formal support, either from a live-in carer or service provider who visits the home to assist with household management

Some autistic people may need to try different independent living options to determine which one best suits their needs. There will often be some trial and error within these living options (for example, by trialling different carers and service providers to find the right fit). Try not to be too frustrated or upset if the first independent living option you try doesn’t work for you— it often takes time.

If you or your autistic loved one will be living with other people (e.g., roommates), developing the skills to compromise, navigate conflict, and self-advocate is incredibly important. Visit this page for information for autistic adults and their loved ones about managing relationships with others.

Group care arrangements

Sometimes, autistic people who can live independently but would benefit from living with other people decide to live with other autistics in a shared house. Usually, carers visit the home regularly or semi-regularly to support residents with daily living skills. Group care arrangements can be ideal for a person with autism who can live an independent life with support but would struggle to live alone or with neurotypical roommates.

Supported shared living arrangements

This involves several people with disability living together in accommodation managed by a disability agency or a state government. Supported shared living accommodation is usually fully staffed with carers and support workers who can supervise and assist with daily living activities. Residents will often attend work or other activities that allow them to participate in the community and are expected to contribute to the costs of household management.

Residents need to apply to live in supported shared living, and their application is assessed based on their support needs alongside the needs of other residents currently living or planning to live in the same home.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is purpose-built accommodation designed to support people with disability who have significant support needs and require 24/7 assistance. It can help autistic people live independently from their families or caregivers while accessing the support they need. Usually, people living in SDA live with others; however, there are instances where someone can live in SDA alone if that suits their needs best.

Short-term accommodation

Autistic people who are NDIS participants may be eligible for short-term accommodation options, including respite. This involves a participant spending up to 14 days away from their main residence in a different accommodation, alone or with others. The NDIS will also fund any support a participant requires in their short-term accommodation, such as support workers.

Short-term accommodation allows participants to spend time away from their usual home, allowing them to try new things or live with other people. It also provides families and carers with an opportunity to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities, which can benefit their mental health. Participants and families might also use short-term accommodation if regular carers or support workers aren’t available for a period of time.

Other housing options

Autistic people who are low to moderate-income earners may be eligible for affordable, community, social or public housing. These housing options differ by state and territory, so it is best to visit your state/territory government’s website to determine available housing options.

Renters who receive payments from Services Australia may also be eligible for Rent Assistance or accommodation covered by the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

Funding to support independent living

Some autistic adults may be eligible for funding to support them in living independently or transitioning to independent living. Understanding what funding options are available to you or your child is important when deciding on an independent living option.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Many NDIS participants use their funding to access home and living support. This can range from home modifications that make accommodation more accessible to services that support participants with personal care, household management, and social and communication skills. Refer to your or your loved one’s plan or speak to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to determine which home and living options are available and how to apply.

The NDIS has two home and living options that can support autistic people with moderate to high support needs:

• ‍Supported independent living (SIL)‍
• Specialist disability housing (SDA)

Both are designed for NDIS participants who have high support needs, meaning they require some level of support at home all the time, including overnight. Both options are available to participants living alone or with others in the same accommodation.

SDA assists NDIS participants with significant and complex support needs to live in purpose-built or modified accommodation. SIL refers to support services that enable an NDIS participant to live independently, which can be delivered in the participant’s home, shared housing, or SDA property. SIL can be accessed by participants in a variety of living arrangements, while SDA is designed to provide participants with the specialised housing they require due to their significant support needs.

If you or an autistic adult in your care is a new NDIS participant, visit ‘Autism: What Next?’ to use our free, evidence-based guide to navigating the scheme.

Other funding options

Although funding to directly support independent living for people with autism is mainly limited to the NDIS, other funding options can assist autistic individuals to live independent lives that are fulfilling and safe.

The Disability Support Pension (DSP) financially supports people who cannot work due to a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition. Individuals must meet medical and non-medical requirements individuals to be eligible for this pension – visit the Services Australia website to learn more about these and whether you can apply.  

Centrelink also offers three payments to individuals over the age of 16 that can assist with independent living:

• ‍Youth Allowance: financial assistance for young people who are studying, training or looking for work‍
• Youth Disability Supplement: financial support in addition to the Youth Allowance for young people with disability‍
• JobSeeker Payment: financial support for people who are unemployed and actively looking for work

Your next steps

Living independently as an autistic adult requires skills, planning and support. Moving out of home is just one form of independent living, and understanding the options available to you or your loved one and how to work towards them can help you make the right choice. Building independence takes time, practice, and often some trial and error to discover what works, so be patient and kind with yourself as you and your family navigate this change.

For more information related to autism and independent living, you can visit the links below:

• Navigating living options
• ‍Autism and life beyond school‍
• What makes a good support service for autistic adults?