The programme of community-based supported housing for the adults with autistic spectrum disorders

Within the three-year programme called “The Organization of Supported Housing in Smaller Living Communities for Adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders”, funded by the Ministry of Social Politics and Youth, Autism Association Zagreb established two residential communities – one in rural area, in a village called Mostari and another in urban area in the part of the Zagreb City called Sopnica-Jelkovec. Thanks to the financial support of Ministry of the Social Politics and Youth, we conduct programme activities and provide community-based social care services for adults with autism in three main segments of life: housing, work and leisure activities. The implementation of the programme opens the possibility of life in the community for adults with autistic spectrum disorders that currently doesn’t exists in Croatia. In this way we work towards improving the quality of life and realizing their human rights to a dignified life. The programme of community – based supported housing for the adults with autistic spectrum disorders actively contributes to the implementation of the European and Croatian national policy measures for persons with disabilities, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

For whom is the programme of community-based supported housing designed?

The programme of community – based supported housing aims towards the prevention of the institutionalization of adults with autistic spectrum disorders who live with their families and towards the deinstitutionalization of adults who live in the institutions. Persons with autism who live in the communities are over 21 years of age, have the wide range of intensity of autism spectrum disorder difficulties. Their common characteristic is that they need structured living conditions and stronger support in all activities focused on the individual and his needs, 24 hours a day during the whole week. A weekly programme of activities for each individual is created using person-centered approach. Implementation of the programme is monitored and analyzed, and challenges are approached to in a team manner.