For autistic adults and parents of autistic adults, it’s important to know what rights are guaranteed to you by state and federal laws.
Autistic individuals sometimes need special accommodations to fulfill their potential in a world designed for neurotypical people. Understanding the legal rights of autistic adults can help you advocate for yourself and your loved ones.
These legal precedents can also help parents with power of attorney for autistic adults understand what services, accommodations, and considerations are available for their child.
Guaranteed Legal Rights for Autistic Adults
Thanks in part to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), autistic adults are guaranteed the right to equal treatment in all areas of public and private life.
Housing, healthcare, education, employment, and more important services can all be made more accessible for adults with disabilities.
Fair Housing
Adults with disabilities are guaranteed the right to affordable, accessible housing, whether buying or renting property.
These rights also apply to autistic adults living with parents and family. Not only can housing companies not discriminate in offering housing, but they must make certain accommodations and exceptions.
A “no pets” policy may be adjusted to allow service animals, or reasonable modifications may be made to the property to improve accessibility.
Individuals enrolled in California’s Self-Determination Program can also receive rental assistance under certain conditions.
Healthcare
Autistic individuals have the right to access healthcare services that suit their unique needs.
The healthcare system can be tricky for anyone to navigate, and those with disabilities are entitled to certain accessibility and treatment options. Insurance companies are often required to cover some autism-specific therapies as well.
Healthcare accommodations for autistic adults can include communication aids, the option for telehealth appointments, and access to specialized services.
Education
Autistic adults have the right to pursue an education just like anybody else, but they might need some special considerations in the classroom.
Educational institutions cannot discriminate against those with disabilities, and they are obligated to provide modifications so a student can receive the support they need.
Employment
Autistic adults have the right to fair treatment in their workplace. This means employers are legally required to provide accommodations for employees with special needs to help them do their jobs.
A quieter work environment, modified scheduling, access to assistive devices, and job coaching are all examples of accommodations that can help an autistic adult be more comfortable and successful in their work environment.
Government & Social Services
Autistic adults have the right to access state and local government services to help them live a better life. There are agencies and organizations across the United States that are dedicated to providing resources for autistic people.
Social Security benefits for autistic adults, for example, can help you cover the cost of basic needs like food and shelter. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two federal programs that can offer support to autistic adults, especially those with limited income.
If you are on the autism spectrum, you may also be eligible for services covered by your state’s Medicaid program. Medicaid helps many adults access services funded by Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, such as:
- Adult day healthcare services
- Home health aides
- Residential and day habilitation (“daycare”)
For Californians, the Self-Determination Program (SDP) can help autistic adults and other disabilities make decisions about the services and supports they receive.
NeroNav Can Help Advocate for You
The Self-Determination Program is a statewide assistance initiative for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal of the program is to give participants more control over the support and services they get from the state so that they can achieve their own goals.
At NeuroNav, we understand the ins and outs of California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP). Our independent facilitation services are designed to help you navigate the SDP system and make decisions about what matters to you.
Whether you are already enrolled or thinking about enrolling in the SDP, sign up for a free consultation and see how NeuroNav can help you along your self-determination journey.
