Ontario Adult Autism Research and Support Network - OAARSN

Ontario Adult Autism Research and Support Network

OAARSN offers information and communication tools to connect adults with Autism, family members, caregivers, friends, support workers, teachers, administrators and policymakers. We can all benefit from the opportunities for mutual support and encouragement and the sharing of knowledge and experience. Our efforts to promote positive approaches and best practices in supporting adults with Autism can help all who live and work on the front lines.

Needs Surveys and Reports

The Creative Housing Options for Adults with Developmental Disabilities and High Complex Needs project.

David DeVidi, PhD, University of Waterloo
Catherine Klausen, PhD, University of Waterloo
Elizabeth Guthrie, PhD Candidate, University of Waterloo

Some feel that proposals to address the lack of homes for people with disabilities do not recognize the complications involved when developmental disabilities are combined with what they call high, complex needs. Is this an important, neglected aspect of the situation? Using surveys and interviews with individuals in this category and their primary caregivers, the project finds evidence that “high complex needs” is a description they recognize as applying to their circumstances, and identifies some of the features suitable homes must have to account for such needs. Course Correction or Crisis? is a full research report; Summary extracts key lessons.

Click here to read the document summary.

Click here to read the full document.

Funding: Waterloo Wellington Autism Services; grants to the researchers from the University of Waterloo; Mitacs Accelerate Grant.


Top of Page

Please note that OAARSN provides resources for information purposes only. We do not endorse any treatment, program, product or service. The contents of this website are not medical, legal, technical or therapeutic advice. Information should be reviewed with qualified professionals. We will not be held responsible for misuse of information or for any adverse effects of recommendations mentioned on this website or on any other websites linked to it. Views, opinions or announcements posted by subscribers to any area of this site do not necessarily reflect those of OAARSN and we do not assume responsibility for any discrepancies or errors.