Challenges of Neuro-Inclusive Housing in Utah

In the U.S., over 50,000 people with autism enter adulthood every year, according to Cross River Therapy. This transition brings various challenges, especially regarding the resources available to adults diagnosed with autism. One critical area of concern is neuro-inclusive housing, which aims to provide safe and accessible living environments for individuals with autism and other intellectual developmental disabilities. So, what resources does Utah offer in this regard?

Dr. Sumiko Martinez, Director of the Autism After 21 Utah Project, has highlighted a pressing issue regarding the aging population of caregivers in Utah. She recently spoke to KSL NewsRadio, emphasizing that more than 32,000 people with autism and other intellectual developmental disabilities in Utah currently live with caregivers who are over the age of 60.

“So, we have a situation where caregivers are aging,” Martinez said. “What is going to happen when their caregiver is no longer able to care for people or if they suddenly pass away?” This is a legitimate concern, as it raises questions about the future living arrangements and care for these individuals.

Martinez elaborates on the national context, noting that there is a significant shortage of supportive housing for people with autism and other intellectual developmental disabilities. The waitlists for available supportive housing options are often years long, leaving many families uncertain about what lies ahead. “At the family level, we can prepare for this by doing person-centered planning to ensure that (an) individual’s housing needs will be met even after their caregivers pass away,” she explained. “Then also, at a societal level, we need to make sure that the infrastructures in place to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their entire lives.”

Understanding what neuro-inclusive housing entails is crucial in addressing these challenges. According to Martinez, neuro-inclusive housing is a relatively new concept designed to create “residential opportunities that are created to be financially, physically, and cognitively accessible.”

“Those three elements are really important,” she said. “A lot of folks who have autism and other IDDs ( intellectual or developmental disabilities) are often economically disenfranchised.” This situation makes financial accessibility vital in the design of neuro-inclusive housing. Many individuals with autism may be unable to work due to various factors, including discrimination in the job market.

In addition to financial considerations, both physical and cognitive accessibility are essential components of neuro-inclusive housing. Cognitive accessibility, a newer concept, addresses how the built environment and long-term support services intersect to meet the needs of individuals with autism. Martinez identifies three main components that contribute to cognitive accessibility:

1. The actual built environment: This includes the structure and design of the home, ensuring it caters to the sensory needs of individuals with autism.
2. Long-term support services: These are provided through the Department of Services for People with Disabilities, offering ongoing assistance tailored to each individual’s requirements.
3. Supportive amenities: These features promote community engagement, such as community navigators and organized group events that encourage inclusion.

Martinez’s work has culminated in a neuro-inclusive housing report for the state of Utah, which includes crucial data on the current living situations of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the state. “The thing I want people to know the most about is how do we how do we address this problem,” Martinez stated. “Please read the report. Learn about the hard data behind it. People have … their needs and preferences expressed here and now it’s up to us to take this ball and run with it. And, make sure that we are taking care of everyone in our society.”