Home tailoring: independent living on the autism spectrum

Abstract

ABSTRACT Many autistic adults tend to live with their parents rather than independently. Few studies exist about what independent living means from their perspective and what role the built environment plays therein. Our study reports on the lived experience of two autistic men living in two different residential settings. Data were collected through conducting in-depth interviews, photographing, drawing and following social media sites during one year, and were analyzed thematically. Findings suggest that independent living involves negotiating for autonomy, (seeking) company of other people, needing guidance, and home tailoring. While existing guidelines on residential design for autism tend to focus on sensory and perceptual aspects, our study draws attention to other facets of how spaces are experienced, namely what spaces afford and mean. Further research is needed to understand how residential design can leave room for autistic adults to tailor their homes to their own needs, and through that support their independent living.