Living arrangements and satisfaction of current arrangement among autistic adults reported by autistic individuals or their caregivers.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Living arrangements is an essential component of the social environments for autistic adults. The need to understanding the status and experience of living arrangements has been highlighted. AIM This study examined living arrangements and satisfaction with current arrangements of autistic adults reported by autistic adults or caregivers of autistic adults. METHODS This study used data from a statewide survey of autistic adults or caregivers. RESULTS Older autistic adults and those employed and had higher financial resources were more likely to live alone or with a roommate or spouse than to live with family or in a supervised setting. Correlates of greater satisfaction included being young, either men or women (vs. non-binary adults), public insurance, fewer service needs, no or one mental health diagnosis (vs. two or more), no psychiatric emergency room or hospitalisation history, and living with a roommate or spouse (vs. living with family). CONCLUSION This cross-sectional study adds to the literature on the status of living arrangements and satisfaction with living arrangements among autistic adults. Future research is needed to investigate contributing factors to the satisfaction of living arrangements and quality of life among autistic adults.