Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) releases new study on housing options for adults with ASD

A March 1, 2010 news story  describes the widely recognized needs of those with autism or related disabilities who are either adults or about to age out of school-aged programs, and the concerns of families -  however this article strikes a more positive tone in describing the possibilities offered by the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), a Phoenix-area program which emphasizes evidence-based services, including clinical, educational, vocational/life skills program, and opportunities to participate in clinical research studies and family support services.

"With SARRC's vocational programs, Matt [Resnik, son of founder Denise Resnick] has learned to push himself and work in the community.

"He loves working at the library," Resnik said. "There is order at the library, there are numbers and letters. He likes filing those books and checking people in and out."

Dr. Daniel Openden [Ph.D., BCBA-D, SARRC Clinical Services Director] oversees programs for children at SARRC and he said Resnik is not alone in her fears about what the future holds for those affected by autism.

"When parents are first told about their child having autism, one of the first things that goes through their mind is, what's going to happen to them next and what's their future going to be like. What are they going to do, are they going to learn to talk, are they going to have friends, are they going to get a job, get married? They go right from having all these wonderful hopes and dreams for their kids' future to suddenly feeling like maybe those hopes and dreams may be crushed." 

With early treatment and intervention programs, those affected with autism can enjoy a great life, Openden said."

With an eye to these future adult needs, SARRC has recently released a collaborative research study which examines housing design and options for those living with ASDs,

• Opening Doors: A Discussion of Residential Options for Adults Living with Autism and Related Disorders, 

This is an companion to a related publication also co-sponsored by SARRC,

• Advancing Full Spectrum Housing: Designing for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Both studies were conducted by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Arizona, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), the Arizona State University (ASU) Stardust Center for Affordable Homes and the Family and the ASU Herberger Institute School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.and funded by grants from SARRC, the Urban Land Foundation,  and the Pivotal Foundation


For more information & related stories

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)

Autism challenges last a lifetime
by Colton Shone/KTAR (March 1st, 2010 @ 5:29am)

Housing an issue for autistic adults
by Catherine Reagor - Feb. 17, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Related posts:
Friday, February 26, 2010
Organization for Autism Research (OAR) publishes new resource for U.S. Military Families

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
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