Adult Autism Services
Adult Autism Services
Specialized Services and supports are provided in a variety of ways to help meet the needs of the participant.
An estimated 228,572 Pennsylvanian adults are on the autism spectrum. Navigating daily life when you’re autistic is challenging, but it can also be very rewarding with the right support. While society once focused on children with autism, times have changed.
Autism services are available for all ages today. Adult autism services move beyond school-based accommodations to address the challenges adults face every day in their community, at work, and at home.
They help adults secure safe, stable housing, build social connections, manage daily challenges, navigate transportation options, and function well within the workplace, despite challenges with sensory and executive functioning.
Skills of Central PA specializes in person-centered adult autism services. Our guide helps you understand the services we offer and what to expect as you navigate adult autism.
Understanding Adult Autism and How It’s Diagnosed
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) characterizes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using these criteria.
Persistent problems engaging in social interactions.
Restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior.
Symptoms were present in early development.
Symptoms cause impairment in occupational and social functions.
Intellectual disabilities or developmental delays do not explain the troubles.
Because many autistic adults have hidden their symptoms for much of their lives, they often went undiagnosed. It can lead to autistic burnout, a form of exhaustion that causes emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. Others were diagnosed as children and continue needing help as they leave school.
The DSM-5 classifies ASD into three severity levels and support requirements:
Level 1: Speaks well, but struggles with continuous conversations and needs help with executive functioning (multitasking, organizing, planning, and regulating emotions).
Level 2: Issues with verbal and nonverbal communication and needs help handling distress from changes or disruptions to the usual routine.
Level 3: Non-speaking with severe limits on independence.
Adult autism services bridge the gap between an adult’s level of autism and their goals and daily needs. These services are personalized to their needs to ensure they engage with others and become active in the community.
When you’re diagnosed as an adult, you often go through three evaluations.
Initial Screening: Discussion to determine if additional screening is necessary. It often involves a self-assessment like the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) or Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS-R). The medical provider discusses it with you and learns more about why you’re seeking a diagnosis now.
History: Next, the provider looks at your life history and developmental milestones. For example, learning that you didn’t start talking until well after your third birthday is important to your diagnosis.
Standardized Testing: After looking at your history, you’ll participate in a series of assessments where you complete problem-solving tasks, engage in activities, or have to engage in a conversation.
The results of those evaluations are analyzed by the provider and compared against other conditions like ADHD or panic disorder. A comprehensive report is written to give you a plan for adult autism support and workplace accommodations.
Adult Autism Services With Skills of Central PA
Skills of Central PA specializes in person-centered plans that focus on each specific client. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all autism care. Explore our services below.
Behavior Specialist Support (BSS)
Behavioral support builds effective strategies to manage distress and prevent sensory overload by finding specific triggers. Skills of Central PA’s behavior specialists work directly with adults aged 21 and older.
They help clients:
Identify their environmental and sensory triggers and develop coping mechanisms.
Establish behavior plans that are specific to that client.
Help caregivers, coworkers, family members, and friends learn how to maintain a calm, supportive environment.
Help caregivers, coworkers, family members, and friends learn how to maintain a calm, supportive environment.
Teach the client stress management techniques.
Community Inclusion Services
To live independently, adults with autism need to learn how to manage daily life routines. Skills of Central PA pairs clients with team members who help clients learn valuable skills used in the community, at home, and at work.
Daily Living: Assistance with nutritional planning, meal planning, and grocery shopping. Guidance completing housekeeping and laundry tasks. Reminders to schedule appointments and arrive on time.
Finances: Learning to budget money and using banking apps to deposit funds and pay bills online.
Transportation: Reading bus schedules, scheduling rides, and using public transit.
Vocational & Employment Services
Getting a job is more about making money. It provides adults with autism a chance to feel valued and part of the community. The employment services at Skills start by helping adults assess their abilities and interests to find suitable jobs, get hired, and succeed in their chosen career.
Career Exploration: Assessments help narrow down the adult’s core skills, interests, and cognitive strengths. This is important when narrowing down the job search.
Interviewing and Resumes: Before applying for a job, the client builds a resume that showcases strengths and interests relevant to the role. The Skills team also conducts practice interviews to help the client gain confidence and be well prepared.
Job Development: Job shadowing and training programs build skills and help adults feel comfortable and ready to take on a new job or a new role within their current job.
Job Coaching: After starting a job, support doesn’t end. Employment services also pair the client with regular check-ins and retraining opportunities. This ensures success in the months and years to come.
Residential Living Options
Sometimes, autistic adults cannot handle living entirely on their own. Aging family members no longer feel capable of offering the required level of care. Community-based residential living options allow these adults to enjoy independence while ensuring safety.
Community Homes: These licensed group homes are located in local residential neighborhoods. A small group of adults is matched and lives together with staff on hand to assist with transportation, medical appointments, and daily living tasks.
Lifesharing: People in the community share their homes with an autistic adult after undergoing training and background checks. This model fosters long-term relationships in which the client can integrate into the community and family. Skills’ experienced team provides 24-hour support.
Funding Options: The Pennsylvania Waiver System
Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs offers waivers to help cover the cost of adult autism services. The Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) is specifically designed for adults 21 or older with autism in need of daily support, but do not have an intellectual disability at the same time.
The Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP) is a specialized, managed-care program that blends community support with behavioral and physical health care. It’s only available in Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, and Lancaster counties.
Talk to Skills About Adult Services
With person-centric adult autism services, you take the first step towards being part of the community and gaining self-worth. If you or a loved one is looking into adult autism services, Skills of Central PA is here to support you every step of the way. Contact your local office to learn more.
Learn More
The Bureau of Autism Services handles all applications and referrals. For more information about this program, eligibility requirements and/or to request an application, please contact the Bureau of Autism Services:
Bureau of Autism Services
Office of Developmental Programs, Department of Public Welfare
Third Floor, Bertolino Building
1401 North Seventh Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102
Questions regarding eligibility requirements for the Adult Autism Waiver should be directed to 1-866-539-7689.