Wei Song1, Mark S Salzer2, Stacy L Nonnemacher3, Kaitlin Koffer Miller4, Lindsay L Shea4. 1. College of Public Health, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad St., Suite 313, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. Electronic address: wei.song0001@temple.edu. 2. Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad St., Suite 304, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. 3. Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, 801 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. 4. Policy and Analytics Center, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market Street, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of autistic individuals, it is greatly needed to examine the factors impacting their community participation experiences. Where autistic adults live and how that may be related to their participation and quality of life is one environmental factor that has received little attention. AIMS: This study explored the association between living arrangements in the community and community participation for autistic adults. METHOD: This study used data from a statewide survey of autistic adults (N = 744) to investigate the relationship between living arrangements (live alone with or without support, live with roommate/spouse, or live with family) and the amount, breadth, and sufficiency of community participation. RESULTS: After controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors known to be associated with community participation, autistic adults living with family members participated less frequently in community activities over 30 days than those living with a roommate/spouse. However, they experienced similar levels of sufficiency with their participation. Autistic adults living alone with support reported the lowest levels of sufficiency with their participation, although the amount and breadth of their participation were no different from other adults. CONCLUSION: These findings have several implications for providing support to enable autistic adults to participate in the areas that are important to them and to the extent they desire. Future research is needed to gain a better understanding of how interests and expectations for participation may be influenced by living situations.
BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of autistic individuals, it is greatly needed to examine the factors impacting their community participation experiences. Where autistic adults live and how that may be related to their participation and quality of life is one environmental factor that has received little attention. AIMS: This study explored the association between living arrangements in the community and community participation for autistic adults. METHOD: This study used data from a statewide survey of autistic adults (N = 744) to investigate the relationship between living arrangements (live alone with or without support, live with roommate/spouse, or live with family) and the amount, breadth, and sufficiency of community participation. RESULTS: After controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors known to be associated with community participation, autistic adults living with family members participated less frequently in community activities over 30 days than those living with a roommate/spouse. However, they experienced similar levels of sufficiency with their participation. Autistic adults living alone with support reported the lowest levels of sufficiency with their participation, although the amount and breadth of their participation were no different from other adults. CONCLUSION: These findings have several implications for providing support to enable autistic adults to participate in the areas that are important to them and to the extent they desire. Future research is needed to gain a better understanding of how interests and expectations for participation may be influenced by living situations.