Barriers in Inclusive Housing

Locked Out: The Barriers Facing Neurodivergent Adults in their Search for Housing in Pennsylvania

Chapter I: The Definition of Neurodivergence and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities

Neurodivergence refers to the idea that there is a wide range of brain types and that individuals who think or process information differently are valuable and should be celebrated. This term is often used to describe individuals with conditions classified as neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, Down syndrome, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction. It is characterized by challenges with social communication, difficulty with social interaction, and repetitive behaviors or interests. Autism can vary significantly in severity and can present itself differently in everyone.

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. It is the most common chromosomal disorder and is characterized by intellectual disability, physical differences, and a range of medical conditions. Down syndrome can also affect an individual’s physical and cognitive development, and the severity of the condition can vary from person to person.

Intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) are a group of conditions that affect an individual’s cognitive development and ability to learn and process information. These conditions can include Down syndrome, autism, and other conditions that affect cognitive development. IDD can cause challenges with communication, social interaction, and learning and can vary in severity.

It is important to note that neurodivergence and IDD are not medical conditions to be cured but rather a natural part of human diversity. It is also important to recognize that individuals with neurodivergence and IDD have unique strengths and abilities and should be treated with respect and inclusion.

Chapter 2: Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Adults in Finding and Securing Housing in Pennsylvania and Across the U.S.

Neurodivergent adults, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome, often face significant challenges in finding and securing housing. These challenges can include the limited availability of specialized housing options, the high cost of housing and difficulty affording rent, the lack of accessibility in traditional housing options, and discrimination and stigma faced by neurodivergent individuals in the housing market.

One challenge faced by neurodivergent adults in finding housing is the limited availability of specialized housing options. These types of housing options, such as supportive living arrangements and assisted living facilities, are specifically designed to meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals and can provide a sense of safety, security, and independence. However, these options are often in short supply and can be difficult to access, especially in rural areas. This lack of availability can make it difficult for neurodivergent adults to find suitable housing that meets their needs.

Another challenge is the high cost of housing and difficulty affording rent. Rent and housing prices can be unaffordable for many individuals, including those with disabilities, and this can make it difficult for neurodivergent adults to secure suitable housing. The high cost of housing can be especially challenging for neurodivergent adults who may have limited income due to disability.

A third challenge is the lack of accessibility in traditional housing options for neurodivergent adults. Many traditional housing options may not be fully accessible for those with physical or cognitive disabilities, making it difficult for neurodivergent adults to find suitable housing. This can be due to the physical layout of the housing, the lack of sensory accommodations, or the lack of support services or resources.

Finally, neurodivergent adults may also face discrimination and stigma in the housing market. This can include discrimination based on disability and negative attitudes and biases towards neurodivergent individuals. Discrimination in the housing market can take many forms, including denying housing to neurodivergent individuals, charging higher rent or fees, or imposing stricter requirements on neurodivergent applicants. This type of discrimination is illegal under the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on disability. However, discrimination still occurs, making it difficult for neurodivergent adults to find suitable housing.

Overall, these are just a few of the challenges faced by neurodivergent adults in finding and securing housing in Pennsylvania. It is important to address these challenges and find solutions that can improve housing accessibility and affordability for these individuals. This can include increasing funding for specialized housing options, implementing inclusionary zoning policies, providing financial assistance and rental subsidies, and promoting education and awareness about neurodivergence and the importance of accessible neuro-inclusive cohousing. By addressing these challenges and working towards more inclusive and supportive housing options, we can improve the lives of neurodivergent adults and their families in Pennsylvania.

Chapter 3: The Impact of Housing Insecurity on Neurodivergent Adults and Their Families

Housing insecurity, or the lack of access to stable, suitable, and affordable housing, can have significant impacts on neurodivergent adults and their families. These impacts can include negative impacts on physical and mental health, difficulty accessing healthcare and other essential services, increased burden on caregivers and family members, and negative impacts on social connections and community involvement.

One of the major impacts of housing insecurity on neurodivergent adults is the negative impact on physical and mental health. A lack of suitable and stable housing can lead to stress, anxiety, other mental health issues, and physical health problems such as poor nutrition and inadequate access to healthcare. This can be especially challenging for neurodivergent adults with specific healthcare needs requiring regular access to local healthcare providers and medications.

Another impact of housing insecurity is difficulty accessing healthcare and other essential services. A lack of suitable housing can make it difficult for neurodivergent adults to access the care they need, which can lead to delays in treatment and worsening health outcomes. It can also be more difficult for neurodivergent adults to access other essential services, such as transportation, education, and employment if they do not have a stable living situation.

Housing insecurity can also increase the burden on caregivers and family members, who may need to take on additional responsibilities to support neurodivergent adults. This can include providing transportation to appointments, helping with daily tasks, and providing emotional support. This can be especially challenging for caregivers who may also be balancing work and other responsibilities.

Finally, housing insecurity can have negative impacts on social connections and community involvement. Neurodivergent adults who are struggling with housing insecurity may have difficulty accessing community resources or participating in social activities, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can be especially challenging for neurodivergent adults who may struggle with social interaction or rely on structured activities to connect with others.

Overall, the impacts of housing insecurity on neurodivergent adults and their families can be significant and far-reaching. It is important to address this issue and find solutions to improve housing accessibility and affordability for neurodivergent adults in order to promote their health, well-being, and inclusion in society. This can include increasing funding for specialized housing options, implementing inclusionary zoning policies, providing financial assistance and rental subsidies, and promoting education and awareness about neurodivergence and the importance of accessible neuro-inclusive cohousing. By addressing these challenges and working towards more inclusive and supportive housing options, we can improve the lives of neurodivergent adults and their families.

Chapter 4: Possible Solutions for Addressing the Housing Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Adults in Pennsylvania

Several potential solutions can help to address the housing challenges faced by neurodivergent adults in Pennsylvania. These solutions include increasing funding for specialized housing options, implementing inclusionary zoning policies, providing financial assistance and rental subsidies, and promoting education and awareness about neurodivergence and the importance of accessible, inclusive housing.

One solution is to increase funding for specialized housing options like neuro-inclusive cohousing. Neuro-inclusive cohousing is a type of housing that is specifically designed to meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals and can provide a sense of safety, security, and independence. Increasing funding for neuro-inclusive cohousing can help increase the availability of these housing options and make them more accessible to neurodivergent adults.

Another solution is to implement inclusionary zoning policies. Inclusionary zoning is a type of zoning policy that requires developers to set aside a certain percentage of new housing units for affordable housing. This can help to increase the availability of affordable housing options for neurodivergent adults and make it easier for them to find suitable housing.

A third solution is to provide financial assistance and rental subsidies to neurodivergent adults. This can include programs like Section 8 vouchers, which aid with rent payments for low-income individuals. Rental subsidies can help to make housing more affordable for neurodivergent adults and make it easier for them to secure suitable housing.

Finally, promoting education and awareness about neurodivergence and the importance of accessible, inclusive housing can also help to address the housing challenges faced by neurodivergent adults. This can include educating landlords and property managers about neurodivergence and the needs of neurodivergent individuals, as well as promoting the benefits of neuro-inclusive cohousing to the wider community. By increasing understanding and awareness about neurodivergence and the importance of accessible, inclusive housing, we can work towards creating more supportive and welcoming communities for neurodivergent adults.

Overall, these are just a few of the possible solutions for addressing the housing challenges faced by neurodivergent adults in Pennsylvania. By implementing these solutions and working towards more inclusive and supportive housing options, we can improve the lives of neurodivergent adults and their families and promote their health, well-being, and inclusion in society.

Conclusion and Call to Action: The Importance of Addressing the Housing Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Adults in Pennsylvania

Neurodivergent adults, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome, often face significant challenges in finding and securing housing. These challenges can include the limited availability of specialized housing options, the high cost of housing and difficulty affording rent, the lack of accessibility to traditional housing options, and discrimination and stigma faced by neurodivergent individuals in the housing market. These challenges can negatively impact physical and mental health, the ability to access healthcare and other essential services, the burden on caregivers and family members, and social connections and community involvement of neurodivergent adults and their families.

It is important to address these challenges and find solutions that can improve housing accessibility and affordability for neurodivergent adults in Pennsylvania. Potential solutions include increasing funding for specialized housing options like neuro-inclusive cohousing, implementing inclusionary zoning policies, providing financial assistance and rental subsidies, and promoting education and awareness about neurodivergence and the importance of accessible, inclusive housing. These solutions have the potential to benefit both neurodivergent individuals and their families by improving their health, well-being, and inclusion in society.

We need the support and advocacy of individuals and organizations to address these challenges. There are a number of ways you can take action to support neurodivergent adults in finding and securing housing in Pennsylvania. These include:

● Contacting local and state representatives to advocate for changes to policies and practices that can improve the housing situation for neurodivergent adults in Pennsylvania.

● Supporting nonprofit organizations such as Front Porch Cohousing that advocate for neurodivergent individuals and work to create accessible and inclusive housing options.

● Spreading awareness about the housing challenges faced by neurodivergent adults in Pennsylvania and the importance of addressing these challenges.

By acting and advocating for change, we can work towards creating more inclusive and supportive housing options for neurodivergent adults in Pennsylvania and promote their health and well-being while providing their first opportunity at independent living.

Jim Richardson

Co-Founder
Front Porch Cohousing by NDL