The Skyrocketing Cost of Housing in PA and its Impact on Autistic Adults

Insights on a serious & complex issue with no easy solutions.

Skyrocketing housing prices are a growing problem in Pennsylvania. It is having a devastating impact on autistic adults and their families. This issue has become so severe that it is now difficult or impossible for many autistic adults to find affordable, safe, and inclusionary housing. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of this problem and discuss some potential solutions.

The root cause of the problem is a lack of affordable housing. This is an issue that affects the general population, but it disproportionately impacts autistic adults. While the general population is struggling to keep up with rising rents and home prices, autistic adults often face even greater challenges. As a result, they often find themselves forced to live with aging parents or caregivers. This prevents those that can or want to live independently from ever doing so, or leaving them no alternative but to live in substandard housing.

Exclusion Cycle

This problem is compounded by discrimination and exclusion from the mainstream housing market. Many landlords and property managers are unwilling to rent to autistic adults. Because of that, it is difficult or impossible for them to find inclusionary housing. This exclusion creates a vicious cycle – as autistic adults are forced to live in substandard housing, they become more isolated and their condition worsens. Thus, making them even less likely to be able to find inclusionary housing.

There is no easy solution to this problem. There are some steps that can be taken to mitigate its impact. Increasing funding for affordable housing initiatives is one way to make progress. Another is to educate landlords and property managers about the needs of autistic adults and encourage them to be more inclusive in their rental practices. Finally, we need to do more to support families who are caring for autistic adults. This includes providing respite care so that caregivers can take a break, as well as increasing access to services and supports that can help both autistic adults and their families thrive.

Focus On Neuro-Inclusion

To address this problem, we need to focus on inclusion. Autistic adults should have the same opportunities as everyone else to live in safe and affordable housing. This means working with developers to create inclusive housing options and providing financial assistance to those that need it. Only by working together can we hope to solve the problem of rising housing costs for all. Check out our plans for addressing this issue.

This will require a concerted effort on the part of the local, state, and federal government, community businesses, and the non-profit sector. Only by working together can we hope to create a more inclusive society. One that provides everyone with the opportunity to reach their full potential. Check out this article recently published in the Patch.

With the number of people diagnosed with autism expected to increase almost tenfold over the next 25 years, it is crucial that we take steps to ensure that autistic adults have access to affordable housing in the communities where they live.

The Autistic Housing Situation In Pennsylvania

Sadly, the situation for autistic adults who live in Pennsylvania is increasingly dire. According to a recent report, one in every 30 children in this country is diagnosed with autism.

This high prevalence of autism means that there is a high demand for services and support. Unfortunately, as more resources are devoted to helping autistic adults live independently, many of them are being left behind. One reason for that is that housing costs in most communities remain high.

It is also important to note that the demand for services and support is not evenly distributed across the population. For example, the demand for services is much higher than the supply in the rural areas of our state and in areas with a large African American population. If we want to make sure that all autistic adults have access to affordable housing, then it is important that we take a closer look at the geographic trends of where people with autism live in Pennsylvania.

What do you think is the most important step that needs to be taken to address this problem?