Planning for housing can feel overwhelming. But think of it as a process that you prepare for step by step to find the right place for you and your loved one. It starts by assessing and building skills and setting goals, getting help from professionals, family and close friends. Then measuring progress periodically.

The more life skills you gradually develop the more comfortable you will feel. You can’t do everything at once. People learn best a little at a time. Some skills may be harder and need more time. If you’re struggling, it’s okay to put aside something difficult for a while, and come back to it later. You can work on other things in the meanwhile.

Milestones Independent Living Skills Checklist for Adults

The Milestones Autism Planning (MAP) Tool features an Adult Independent Living Skills Checklist to help you work on skills and assess your progress. Read the handy downloadable checklist, and tips for learning.

Each person’s strengths, challenges and sensory issues are different. These are goals to gradually work on, using the life skill tips and information for different ages and stages throughout the MAP.

The free Milestones free autism Helpdesk is here for you to support you and connect you with resources. We also offer more in-depth individual and family consultations.

An Overview of Housing Choices - Independent Living, Supported Living or Residential

The following is an overview of the different types of housing with brief highlights of what to expect in each. Finding the right housing for yourself or your loved one that meets your needs and wishes takes time. It is unique, just as each person’s strengths, needs and challenges are.

Independent Living

• Own or rent own properties with the same rights and responsibilities as neurotypical people.
• Individual and family are largely in charge of supports.

Supported Living

• Typically minimal supports, based on individual needs.
• Individual must reside in the community.

Group Homes

• Multiple individuals live together with shared services.
• Staff present 24 hours, owned and maintained by agency.

Foster Home/Shared Living

• Mimics a family environment.
• Not “natural supports,” but can be similar.
• Preferred by many, hard to find.

Farmstead Communities

• Reside and work on a “working farm.”
• Staff present 24 hours, therapeutic goals, can be time limited.

Consortium or Co-op

• Owned by the individual residents’ families with cooperative agreement.
• Shared services, family-directed staff and services.

Living with Friend/Partner

• Often determined solely by consumer/self-advocate.
• Friend or partner may provide majority of supports.

Living with Family

• Natural supports and family-directed services.
• Family member dependent (location, rules, etc.).

ICF-MRs

• Institutional care, staff 24 hours, heavy restrictions.
• Owned by private agencies, oversee personal care, daily living activities and medical care.