Date of Award
5-2026
Culminating Project Type
Starred Paper
Styleguide
apa
Degree Name
Special Education: M.S.
Department
Special Education
College
School of Education
First Advisor
Brian Valentini
Second Advisor
Bradley Kaffar
Third Advisor
Martin Lo
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
Quality of life (QoL), autism, living arrangements
Abstract
Planning future living arrangements for individuals with autism can be challenging without an understanding of the available options. Poor planning can lead to a lower quality of life, causing stress for both families and caregivers, especially when health issues or aging limit their ability to provide care. This study addresses the question: What living arrangements are available for individuals with autism? The research gathered from peer-reviewed articles focuses on individuals with autism aged 18 and older, with surveys completed by either the individual, their family members, or care providers. The findings categorize living arrangement options into five groups: living with a roommate, living alone, residing in a supported living facility, living on campus, and living with family being the most common. Considering these arrangements is important for enhancing the overall quality of life (QoL) for individuals with autism. An individual's living arrangement significantly impacts their quality of life, affecting various aspects of their well-being. This leads to the importance of making informed decisions regarding living arrangements. In conclusion, families and caregivers should start planning earlier in a child's life to prepare for the future. Schools need to inform families about the available options, the necessary skills, and the support services available to them. Having a proactive approach can lead to better outcomes for individuals with autism.
Recommended Citation
Oswald, Thomas, "Understanding Living Arrangements for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2026). Culminating Projects in Special Education. 248.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/sped_etds/248
