What makes home environments favorable to independence: perspectives of autistic people and their parents.

Researchers interviewed 10 autistic people and their parents about what makes homes better for independence. They found six important things: support from parents, help from family and friends, a home that fits the person's needs, clear ways to show time, chances to practice skills outside home, and help from professionals. Both autistic people and parents should be involved in making home changes. Every person is different, so changes need to be personalized.

This qualitative study from Québec, Canada explored environmental factors that support independence at home for autistic people through walking interviews with 10 autistic individuals and their parents. Six key factors were identified: parental support, extended social network support, physical environments meeting individual needs, clear time indicators, opportunities to practice life skills in other settings, and professional support. Participants provided concrete implementation examples and emphasized the importance of involving both autistic people and their parents in evaluating and implementing home modifications. The research highlights the potential of residential environment modifications to foster independence, while recognizing the need for individualized approaches based on varying needs and preferences.

Home environment modifications show promise for fostering independence in autistic individuals. Clinicians should assess all six environmental factors and involve both autistic individuals and families in planning. Person-centered approaches are essential given individual variation in needs and preferences.

Small sample size of 10 dyads limits generalizability. Study conducted in one Canadian province may not reflect experiences across different cultural or healthcare contexts. Methodology details and participant characteristics not fully described in abstract.

Few autistic adolescents and adults manage to integrate a home that enables them to fully exercise their independence, even if that is a desire shared by many of them. Creating residential environments that are favorable to their independence at home is a promising, yet poorly explored, avenue. The aim of this study conducted in Québec (Canada) is to identify the main environmental factors influencing their independence at home from the perspectives of autistic people and their parents. The walking interview method was used to collect the perspectives of 10 dyads composed of an autistic person and at least one of their parents.

Participants identified several factors, including: (a) support from parents, (b) support from extended social network, (c) a physical environment that meets one's needs, (d) clear time indicators, (e) opportunities to perform life habits in other settings, and (f) support from professionals. They also gave many examples of concrete ways to implement these factors at home and suggested elements to consider when modifying the home environment. The results emphasize the need to involve both autistic people and their parents during the evaluation and implementation of these factors to optimize their benefits. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONModifying the residential environments of autistic people is a promising way to foster their independence at home.The environmental factors of supportive home environments identified in this study can be used as a starting point when designing home environments for autistic people.As the needs and preferences of autistic people vary, they must be involved in the selection and the implementation of modifications in their home environments.Parents have a key role to play to support the development of their youth's independence at home.