Forum: What long-term housing options are there for adults with autism?

My son was born in 1998 and is on the autism spectrum. He has very limited speech and cannot be left alone, but physically he is able to manage some activities of daily living with supervision.

Like many adults with autism, he does not require institutional care, yet he cannot live fully independently without structure, familiarity and timely support.

While Singapore promotes ageing-in-place and an inclusive society, living in a regular Housing Board environment can be challenging for adults with autism.

My son has significant sensory sensitivities, particularly to high-pitched sounds such as baby cries. When exposed to such triggers, he becomes distressed and has difficulty regulating his behaviour.

Out of consideration for our neighbours, we keep our doors and windows closed and limit his activities within the flat. As a result, he spends most of his time indoors, socially isolated – not because he chooses to be, but because the environment is not suited to his needs.

Many families in similar situations try hard to be responsible neighbours, yet standard housing environments are often not designed with neurodiversity in mind.

As parents age, the question of long-term housing becomes increasingly urgent.

Under current HDB rules, a single person may buy a flat only from age 35.

For those with autism, this timeline may be too late. Adapting to a new environment often requires many years of gradual exposure, training and familiarisation. A sudden transition later in life can be distressing and difficult to sustain.

One possible way forward would be to explore a housing model for adults with special needs similar in concept to the Community Care Apartments for seniors.

Such housing could consist of small, purpose-built apartments purchased by families, with access to support and environments designed to reduce sensory overload.

This would not only support independent living, but also help build a more inclusive society where adults with special needs can live with dignity, safety and community acceptance.

Raye Wambri