The Best States for Adults with Autism

What Makes a State Autism-Friendly?

When it comes to finding the right state for adults with autism, there are several factors to consider. These include:

• Access to healthcare
• Availability of autism services and support
• Employment opportunities
• Cost of living
• Community resources

The Best States for Adults with Autism

Based on these factors and others, here are some of the best states for adults with autism:

1. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a great state for adults with autism, thanks to its strong healthcare system and abundance of autism services. Boston, in particular, is home to several programs and initiatives designed to support people with autism, including the Asperger/Autism Network and the Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts.

2. California

California is another excellent choice for adults with autism. The state has a high number of autism service providers and a strong network of community resources. Additionally, California has some of the best weather in the country, making it an attractive place to live for many people.

3. Texas

Texas is an affordable state with a low cost of living, making it an excellent choice for adults with autism who are on a budget. The state also has a growing number of autism services and support programs, particularly in cities like Austin and Houston.

4. Minnesota

Minnesota is a state that is known for its strong healthcare system and commitment to social services. The state also has a thriving economy with many employment opportunities. Additionally, Minnesota has a large number of autism support groups and resources.

5. New Jersey

New Jersey is a state that is home to some of the best healthcare providers in the country, making it an attractive choice for adults with autism. The state also has a high number of autism support groups and advocacy organizations.

6. Oregon

Oregon is known for its progressive healthcare policies and strong support for disability services. The state's Department of Human Services offers a range of programs and resources for individuals with autism, including employment assistance and community living supports.

7. Illinois

Illinois is home to several top-ranked hospitals and healthcare systems, making it a great choice for adults with autism who require medical care. The state also has a variety of social service programs that can help individuals with autism live independently and achieve their goals.

8. Colorado

Colorado is a state that is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, making it an ideal place to live for individuals who enjoy nature. The state also has a growing number of autism support programs and organizations, including the Autism Society of Colorado.

9. North Carolina

North Carolina has a strong network of autism support services and resources, including the TEACCH Autism Program, which provides clinical services, training, and research on autism spectrum disorders. The state also has a relatively low cost of living and affordable housing options.

10. Washington

Washington is another state that offers a range of services and resources for individuals with autism, including employment training programs and community living supports. The state is also home to several top-ranked hospitals and healthcare systems.

Tips for Adults with Autism When Moving to a New State

Moving to a new state can be challenging, especially for adults with autism who may struggle with changes in routine and environment. Here are some tips that can help make the transition smoother:

• Research the state's autism services and resources before you move. This will give you an idea of what support is available and how accessible it is.
• Consider visiting the state before you move. This will give you a chance to explore the area, meet people, and get a feel for the community.
• Create a plan for your move. This should include details such as how you will transport your belongings, where you will stay when you arrive, and what steps you need to take to set up your new home.
• Make sure your healthcare needs are taken care of before you move. This includes finding new doctors and therapists if necessary and transferring medical records.
• Build a support network in your new state. This can include joining local autism support groups or attending events where you can meet others in the community.
• Be patient with yourself during the transition period. It can take time to adjust to a new environment, but with patience and perseverance, it is possible to build a happy life in a new state.

By following these tips, adults with autism can make their move to a new state as smooth and stress-free as possible.

The Best Colleges and Universities for Students with Autism in Each of the Top States

In addition to considering the general factors that make a state autism-friendly, students with autism and their families may also want to consider the availability of resources and support at colleges and universities in each state. Here are some of the best colleges and universities for students with autism in each of the top states:

Massachusetts - Boston University

Boston University has an excellent program for students with autism called BU4U. The program provides individualized support to help students navigate campus life, including assistance with academics, social skills, and independent living.

California - Cal State Northridge

Cal State Northridge is home to the Center on Disabilities' National Center on Deafness, which has a dedicated program for students with autism called the Learning Resource Center. The center offers individualized coaching, peer mentoring, and other services to help students succeed.

Texas - University of Houston

The University of Houston's Disability Support Services office offers a variety of accommodations for students with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. Additionally, the university has several student organizations focused on disability advocacy and support.

Minnesota - Augsburg University

Augsburg University has a comprehensive program for students with disabilities called CLASS (Center for Learning and Accessible Student Services). The program provides academic coaching, assistive technology support, and other resources to help students achieve their goals.

New Jersey - Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers University-New Brunswick has an Autism Program that offers a range of services to support students with autism. These include academic coaching, social skills training, and sensory accommodations.

Oregon - Portland State University

Portland State University's Disability Resource Center provides individualized support to students with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. The center offers academic coaching, assistive technology support, and other services to help students succeed.

Illinois - Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University's Autism Support Program provides a range of services to students with autism, including academic coaching, social skills training, and sensory accommodations. The program also offers a peer mentoring program for students.

Colorado - University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder's Disability Services office provides a variety of accommodations for students with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. Additionally, the university has several student organizations focused on disability advocacy and support.

North Carolina - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has an Autism Support Program that provides individualized support to help students with autism succeed academically and socially. The program offers academic coaching, social skills training, and other resources.

Washington - University of Washington

The University of Washington's Disability Resources for Students office provides comprehensive support to students with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. The office offers academic coaching, assistive technology support, and other services to help students achieve their goals.

Autism-Friendly Employers in Each of the Top States

Finding employment is an important consideration for many adults with autism. Fortunately, there are several companies that prioritize creating a welcoming and supportive workplace for individuals on the autism spectrum. Here are some autism-friendly employers in each of the top states:

Massachusetts

• Microsoft New England: This tech giant has a dedicated program called Autism Hiring Program aimed at hiring people with autism.
• Boston Children's Hospital: This hospital system seeks to hire individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum.

California

• SAP: This technology company has a program called Autism at Work that focuses on hiring and supporting employees with autism.
• HP Inc.: The company offers a Neurodiversity Program, which provides support and accommodations to employees with autism.

Texas

• AT&T: The telecommunications company offers internships to students on the autism spectrum through its AT&T Internship Program.
• H-E-B Grocery Company: This grocery chain partners with local disability organizations to offer job training and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

Minnesota

• Best Buy: This electronics retailer offers an internship program for individuals on the autism spectrum called Disability Bridge.
• 3M: The company partners with local organizations to provide job training and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

New Jersey

• TD Bank: The bank has an Autism@Work program aimed at hiring people on the autism spectrum.
• Johnson & Johnson: The healthcare company partners with local organizations to provide job training and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

Oregon

• Daimler Trucks North America: This truck manufacturing company has a partnership program called Project SEARCH, which provides internships and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities.
• Intel Corporation: The technology company offers internships and full-time positions through its Intel Custom Foundry division for candidates on the autism spectrum.

Illinois

• Walgreens: The pharmacy chain has a program called Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative (REDI), which offers job training and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
• Zurich North America: The insurance company partners with local organizations to provide job training and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

Colorado

• DaVita Inc.: This healthcare company has a program called Bridge to your Dreams, which provides job training and employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum.
• FirstBank: The bank has an internship program aimed at hiring people on the autism spectrum.

North Carolina

• Duke University Health System: The healthcare system partners with local organizations to provide job training and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
• IBM Corporation: The technology company offers internships and full-time positions through its Autism at Work program.

Washington

• Microsoft Corporation: This tech giant is committed to hiring people on the autism spectrum through its Autism Hiring Program.
• Boeing Company: The aerospace company partners with local organizations to provide job training and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

State-Specific Medicaid Waivers for Individuals with Autism

Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that provides healthcare coverage to individuals with low income or disabilities, including those with autism. Many states offer Medicaid waivers that provide additional services and supports specifically for individuals with autism. These waivers can vary by state, but some examples of services that may be covered include:

• Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy
• Speech and language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Respite care
• Home modifications

It's important to note that eligibility requirements for these waivers can vary by state, and there may be waiting lists for certain services. Families and individuals who are interested in applying for a Medicaid waiver should contact their local Department of Health and Human Services or Medicaid office to learn more about the available options in their state.

Some examples of states that offer specific Medicaid waivers for individuals with autism include:

Texas

The Texas Medicaid program offers the Autism Program waiver, which provides ABA therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, respite care, and other services to eligible individuals with autism.

Minnesota

Minnesota offers several different Medicaid waivers that may be available to individuals with autism depending on their needs. These waivers include the Brain Injury (BI) waiver, Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waiver, Developmental Disabilities (DD) waiver, and Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program.

California

California's Medi-Cal program offers an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) benefit that covers behavioral health treatment, such as ABA therapy, as well as speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological services, and other supports.

Illinois

Illinois' Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver provides a range of services to eligible individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. These services may include behavioral health treatment like ABA therapy, specialized medical equipment or supplies, home modifications, and more.

Washington

Washington's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) offers a range of services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. These services may include ABA therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, respite care, and more.

By taking advantage of these state-specific Medicaid waivers, individuals with autism can access the services and supports they need to live happy, healthy lives.

FAQs

What are the best states for adults with autism?

The best states for adults with autism are those that have a variety of resources and services available to support individuals on the spectrum. This can include access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and disability-specific programs and services.

How can I find out if a state is autism-friendly?

There are several ways to determine if a state is autism-friendly. One way is to research the availability of resources and services in the state, such as Medicaid waivers for individuals with autism or employment opportunities at autism-friendly companies. It can also be helpful to connect with local autism support groups or advocacy organizations in the state to get an idea of what the community is like.

What should I consider when moving to a new state as an adult with autism?

When moving to a new state as an adult with autism, it's important to consider factors such as access to healthcare, disability-specific resources and programs, and employment opportunities. Building a support network in your new community can also be helpful in making the transition smoother.

Are there colleges and universities that are particularly supportive of students with autism?

Yes, there are several colleges and universities that offer specific programs and services for students with autism. These may include academic coaching, social skills training, and other supports designed to help students succeed.

What kinds of services may be covered under state-specific Medicaid waivers for individuals with autism?

State-specific Medicaid waivers for individuals with autism may cover a range of services, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, respite care, home modifications, and more. Eligibility requirements and available services may vary by state.

Conclusion

Finding the right state for adults with autism can be a challenge, but with a little research, it's possible to find a place that meets your needs. Whether you're looking for affordable living, top-notch healthcare, or a strong network of support, these five states are a great place to start.

Sources

• https://www.abtaba.com/blog/best-states-for-autism
• https://worldpopulationreview.com/autistic-adult-friendly-states
• https://listwithclever.com/real-estate-blog/places-to-live-for-adults-with-autism/
• https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/supportive-states-raising-autism-child/