As the need for support grows during the transition from high school to young adulthood, more options are opening up to support the neurodiverse and Autism community. We want to share a list of questions you might use or adapt when considering post high school programs, housing, and blended-support options. We've arranged these in categories to fit a broad range of situations you might encounter:
Living Space and Community
How many people share a room, common area, and kitchen?
Is there an honor code or set of rules that all residents must abide by? What system is in place when a rule is broken?
What system is in place to ensure that residents are doing their chores and keeping up with building independent house skills so they can transition out to more independent living?
Is alcohol allowed on site?
What support services are nearby in case of a crisis--physical, psychological, or interpersonal?
What is the orientation/onboarding process when a student begins in this program/living space?
What is the length of stay in this home/apartment/suite/community?
How are sensory needs met for those in this community?
Student/Member Profile and Support
What type of neurodiverse student/individual attends this program/lives here?
Is there a range of IQ that this program is designed to support?
Does this program accept non-verbal residents?
Is this program wheelchair accessible?
What are the rule-outs of this program? Does it accept individuals with a criminal history, those actively seeking illegal substances, or those actively sexually acting out? Does it accept persons with a history of suicide, cutting, self-harm, or high risk-taking behavior? Does it accept persons with past risky behavior which is now under control?
How is access to risky content monitored in the program (porn, gambling, excessive online spending/scams)?
Is there a process in place when infractions occur that would require a person to leave this program?
If my son/daughter has a boyfriend or girlfriend, can she stay in the room with him/her?
Activities
What structure is in place for students to get out in the community? Are there minimum requirements for each week to ensure my son doesn't sit and play video games all day and night?
Is there a weekday and weekend schedule of things my son can choose to do?
What are transportation options if my child doesn't drive? Can residents store a car at this apartment/program/housing?
Do residents have to have a job? Do they have to attend community college, trade school, or university?
Parent Support
How will I know my child is doing well?
Is there a weekly zoom call or group to attend so that I can be involved?
How often can I as a parent visit?
Can I mail a care-package to my son each week? Who makes sure my son received what I sent?
Can a sibling come visit and stay in my son's room?