Darren du Nord on Nostr: What does it take for an #autistic adult to live successfully on his/her own? It's ...

What does it take for an #autistic adult to live successfully on his/her own? It's hard to say since each autistic person is different. In my son's case, it took a small townhouse, and building a safe space where he can be himself. The basement houses his model train layout. The small backyard has the vegetable gardens he loves to tend. The bright kitchen light needed to be subdued. The bedroom has blackout shades to tame the morning sun. The small garage has his tool collection which empowers him to create. He has a small outdoor space where he can use his medical #cannabis prescription. The doorbell needed to be changed. The gaming studio is in the living room. 3d printer is also down stairs. The expenses are managed and on auto pilot to a credit card.
It was hard to find a suitable space. Not just any apartment would have met his needs.

Yes, we are privileged to be able to help like this, but what what choice was there. Everyone needs a little help to get started, especially autistic adults entering a complicated, nuanced world filled with dates, deadlines, contracts, half truths and unstated expectations and pitfalls.

The world is needlessly complicated for all of us, but for my son it can be overwhelming. I wish there were resources available to all #actuallyautistic people just getting started, who would be more successful, productive and less stressed out, if only there was a little bit of help with navigating the complexities of adult life.