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The Importance of Outdoor Recreation: A Pathway to Wellness and Skill Development
Hippocrates said, “Nature itself is the best physician.” In our work with young adults on the autism spectrum to help them develop the skills to live independently, we follow the ancient Greek physician's advice and ensure that nature plays a crucial role in their growth and...
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The Cost of Literacy for Autistic Adults
Today, more than ever, literacy agencies nationwide are being called upon to assist adults with low literacy. Literacy Statistics “48 million adults lack basic reading, writing, and math skills beyond a third-grade level” (Literacy Facts, 2023). If every adult in the US functioned at...
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Aging with Autism: Innovations for Independent Living to Address the Housing Crisis
At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, a friend came down with a particularly bad case of the virus which required emergency transport to the hospital. Laying on the gurney in the back of the ambulance she panicked as they placed the oxygen mask over her face. The EMS workers were frustrated with...
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Living and Aging Independently on the Autism Spectrum: An Inside View
Having been diagnosed late in life at the age of 44, I lived for the better part of my life on the autism spectrum without myself or anyone else being aware of it. During the time in which I finally knew about this, I was already an older adult and, most recently, a senior citizen. Unlike so many...
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Helping Autistic Individuals Navigate Barriers to Adulthood
An adult on the spectrum can accomplish or achieve everything his/her/their cohort who is not on the spectrum has accomplished or achieved, and yet not be rewarded with that same level of independence and autonomy for his/her/their efforts (Cheak-Zamora, Tait & Coleman, 2022). Although young...
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Perspectives From Two Adults Living Independently in the Chapel Haven Community
Brave, Bold Kimber By Kimber Marchesi Kimber Marchesi came to Chapel Haven Schleifer Center from her hometown of Darien, CT in 2013. She learned how to live independently while enrolled residentially in Chapel Haven’s REACH program, graduated and now lives in her own apartment in the community,...
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Finding Home: Creating a Home that Supports the Individual
Many young adults dread being asked, “What are you going to do after high school?” And this is especially true for those with autism and other disabilities. For many individuals with autism or other disabilities, it can be a big step to leave their family home. Some choose to attend a...
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A Scaffolded Approach to Supporting Individuals with Autism in the Community
The outcomes for young adults with ASDs are well-known and well-documented. Without intervention young adults with ASD fail to reach basic young adult milestones in terms of independent living, employment, and social and romantic relationships. “Research suggests 70% of individuals with ASD will...
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The Care and Keeping of Home: How Executive Function Skills Aid in Daily Living
Navigating independent living requires balancing responsibilities and monitoring oneself. All individuals must strike that balance that makes the most sense for them and their lifestyle regardless of neurodiversity. To execute daily living tasks, one must self-start and sustain motivation...
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Housing and Supports: Parents are Vital to Positive Post-Secondary Outcomes
Keeley is a 23-year-old college graduate who was diagnosed with autism at age 8. To all those acquainted with her, Keeley appears to navigate the community and manage her life independently. Despite her independence, Keeley experiences much of her day with communication breakdowns between herself...
