Support for adults with autism

Residential care and supported living for adults with autism

At Lifeways, we are proud to be one of the UK’s leading providers of support for autistic adults. For more than 30 years, we have specialised in creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments where people can live more independently and achieve their goals.

Whether you’re looking for residential care homes for autistic adults, supported living for adults with autism, or simply need guidance on the right type of help for adults with autism, our expert teams are here to support you every step of the way.

All our services are staffed by skilled support workers and overseen by experienced managers. Each service is regularly inspected and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
 

How can Lifeways support people with Autism?

At Lifeways, we offer practical and emotional autism support services to create positive outcomes, whatever the situation. Whether it's offering guidance to help support the transition into adulthood, making the first move out of the family home, or seeking a step to further independence, we support every ambition and are here for every step of the journey.

Our teams have the knowledge and experience to understand the functions behind behavioural communication, and we aim to help people with autism develop independent life skills, improve communication and resolve environmental issues. Where individuals may have been previously described as exhibiting “behaviours that challenge” in certain situations, we believe in taking a proactive approach and turning the focus onto understanding what the individual is trying to communicate.

With our wealth of experience in supporting people living with autism, we know that factors such as noise, lighting and change can increase anxiety. We also know that patience, being generous with praise and keeping the language clear and concise can have positive effects. We incorporate the TEACCH approach in our support, which relates to structuring and organising schedules to encourage focus and routine, and also use the SPELL framework, which emphasises the importance of creating calm and ordered environments, often described as low arousal.

How do we care for people with Autism?

We take lots of time to get to know each person and understand what does and doesn't contribute to positive outcomes. We also spend time with family members and care professionals close to the individual, to gain an understanding of the challenges the person may have already overcome and their hopes for the short and long term.

Once we've done this, all of that information is put together to create a bespoke support plan. Each person will have a unique set of development objectives relating to their autism, which we focus on when providing support. Our aim is for people to self-direct their support as much as possible, helping them to exercise choice in all aspects of their daily lives. We also encourage each person to be part of their local community in whatever way suits them, whether that's getting out and about to do shopping, meeting new friends or taking up a volunteering opportunity.

Working alongside each person's family and circle of support, we continually review progress and celebrate achievements to ensure we’re recognising steps forward, adapting to changes and planning for the different stages of their life.

Real stories: Supporting adults with autism

Across the UK, thousands of people supported by Lifeways are living more independent and fulfilling lives. 

 

Supported living for people with autism

Finding the right home is one of the most important steps towards independence. Lifeways offers a wide range of autism housing options in the UK, including:

• Independent living for autistic adults who need minimal support.
• Shared supported living homes where people live with others and share support.
• Residential care homes offering 24/7 assistance for more complex needs.

Every individual is unique, which is why we take time to understand preferences, goals, and support requirements before recommending the best option.

We work closely with housing associations, private landlords and local agencies to offer community-based support, which could include a flat scheme or shared property.

Our supported living autism services offer a range of different support, whether it's just a few hours a week or 24/7, we adapt our plan for each person.

What does the support at Lifeways include for people with autism?

1. Focus on safety and quality of life - At Lifeways, we prioritise safety and quality of life in every aspect of our support services to ensure individuals feel secure and valued.
2. Individualised support - We dedicate time to understanding each individual, their family, and care professionals, recognising that this collaborative approach helps us identify their unique challenges and celebrate their noteworthy achievements.
3. Developmental objectives - We set out to establish clear developmental goals related to autism, and these goals are thoughtfully incorporated into personalised care and support plans designed to meet each individual's specific needs.
4. Self-direction in support - Our primary aim is to empower individuals to self-direct their support, promoting their choices in daily life activities and fostering independence.
5. Trained teams - Our staff are thoroughly trained in Positive Behaviour Support, equipping them with the skills to adopt a proactive approach to care that prioritises the well-being of those we serve.
6. Understanding behaviours - We focus on understanding what individuals are trying to communicate, particularly those who have previously been labelled as exhibiting “behaviours that challenge,” as we believe in recognising the underlying messages behind their actions.

Residential care for people with Autism

We understand that some people with autism benefit from residential care. Our residential homes allow people to live together and receive 24/7 support from our highly trained and dedicated teams. Many of our homes have been adapted to provide specialist equipment, including sensory rooms, to support those living with autism.

All of our homes are located in the heart of local communities with excellent transport links, and so provide the perfect setting to enjoy exploring new places, meeting up with family and friends and getting involved in new hobbies and interests. We have a range of different residential care facilities all over the UK, use our location finder to find autism support near you.

If you are not sure if supported living or residential care is the best option for your loved one, then read our blog on the differences between supported living and residential care.