Choosing the Right Residential Care Facility for Autistic Adults: Questions to Ask

“What will happen to our children in the future when we are not around?”

This is a profound and pressing question for most parents and caregivers of autistic individuals. Families often carry the weight of finding the right environment—one that provides safety, learning, and a sense of belonging—without always knowing where to begin.

To ease this journey, we at IAC have built an inclusive society for autistic individuals to study, learn, live, and thrive in. This supportive environment offers families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones will have a place to grow, build connections, and lead fulfilling lives.

When should you start thinking about choosing a residential care facility for autistic adults?

There are two crucial points in an autistic individual’s life when housing becomes an issue. 

• The first is between 18 and 30, when finding affordable housing becomes difficult. This could be due to limited services for autistic individuals. Additionally, young adults with autism have lower rates of post-secondary education and income than the general population.
• The second is between 50-55, when maintaining housing becomes a challenge, as their primary caregivers will have reached an age where they are now unable to support and care for the autistic individual in the same manner as during earlier years. This could mean financially, physically and emotionally. In many cases, parents or caregivers may now be in need of medical care themselves, due to old age. 

Some autistic adults will have high support needs, which means that they require full-time support and care. At IAC, we have a tailored residential facility for such individuals, offering every facility and support that such autistic individuals require.

Some autistic individuals have low support needs and can live independently, requiring minimal support for day-to-day activities.

At IAC, we recognise that every autistic individual is unique, and our residential facilities have a bespoke support system for each and every ASD impacted person.

Some key considerations and questions to ask while choosing the right residential care facility for autistic adults are

• Accessibility (layout, floor plans, etc.)
  
  Navigating spaces should feel welcoming and empowering for everyone. At IAC, our residential facility has been intentionally designed to support the needs and preferences of our autistic residents. Our layout is clear and predictable, making movement through spaces intuitive and calming. For those who need moments of retreat, personalised hideout areas provide a cosy, private sanctuary. To encourage exploration at one's own pace, we’ve created incidental spaces that invite curiosity without overwhelming.
  
  In honouring sensory preferences, we’ve minimised stimuli—using natural, soft materials and subtle lighting to keep spaces visually gentle and harmonious. Every element reflects our commitment to creating an environment where our residents can thrive in comfort and dignity.
  
  While building our campus, our goal was to ensure maximum independence for our residents and to create a barrier-free environment without safety hazards. Even individuals with limited mobility can access every space in a wheelchair/motorised buggies. 
• Health care
  
  Who provides medical care? Who will provide dental care? Are there emergency medical facilities and ambulances? Who will dispense medication?
  
  These are all important health and safety-related questions to ask while choosing residential schools for autism. At IAC, we have an expert team of on-campus healthcare professionals, who are experienced in addressing the healthcare concerns of autistic individuals.
• Happiness and well-being
  
  How does the centre provide for the emotional well-being of the ASD individual? 
• Administration(Policies, procedures, manuals)
  
  Some important questions to ask are about the institution's accreditations and licensure. Their policies and procedures. Also, it's always good to do a background check on whether any unusual incident has taken place at the institution in the last five years. It’s essential to research any history of neglect, abuse, or theft when selecting a residential care facility for autistic adults.
• Family input
  
  One of the most important things to look out for, while choosing a residential school for autism is how families are included in programme planning. According to Transitioning Together, a psychoeducation program, parental and family support is integral to successful outcomes in therapies for neurodivergent individuals. 
• Cost
  
  Expenses are a crucial factor while choosing the correct residential care facility for autistic adults. Consider the cost of housing, including other expenses such as utilities, trash collection, etc. Financial assistance such as health schemes and health insurance can be very helpful.
• Safety
  
  Safety and security should be the topmost priority when choosing a residential home for autistic adults.
• Food and nutrition
  
  Food and nutrition are crucial elements in care for autistic individuals, as they can play an essential role in well-being and daily functioning. Especially now, since modern science has established a direct link between gut microbiome and autism. 

Why is IAC the perfect fit for you?

At IAC, we kept all these considerations in mind while creating our residential care facility for autistic adults and children.

1. We are focused on the happiness and well-being of our residents-
   
   At IAC, we believe recreational activities play a crucial role in the quality of life and mental health of autistic individuals. From art and music therapy to outdoor activities and sports. We have it all!
   
   Our recreational programmes are structured to promote a sense of belonging and community. It’s an excellent way for our residents to develop emotional bonds, friendships, and fun hobbies.
2. We understand the importance of family- 
   
   At IAC, we have specialised residential facilities for families of autistic individuals to foster a supportive and comfortable living environment. We are aware and sensitive to the challenges that caregivers of autistic individuals face. Our facilities also include a Parents' Housing Block. Families of autistic individuals can make this their home, and enjoy the full support of the IAC family. 
3. We value the safety of every individual who is part of the IAC family-
   
   We have 24x7 patrolling and CCTV surveillance. Once you are a part of the IAC family, your safety is our concern. Not yours. 
4. We take nutrition therapy very seriously- 
   
   At IAC, we fully recognise the importance of nutrition therapy for autism disorder. Our kitchen services and nutrition experts take care that mealtimes are customised, nutritious and stress-free. We promise to make every effort to optimise our residents’ gut microbiota. Nutrition therapy is as much a part of our interventions as any other therapy. 

Conclusion

By carefully evaluating needs and doing proper research, one can make a well-informed decision when choosing the right residential care facility for autistic adults. After all, it’s no cavalier decision. You are choosing a home! A real home will take us in at our best, welcome us at our worst, and be a safe haven for every moment in between. 

IAC looks forward to being your home if you happen to choose us!