Housing Through an Autism Lens
Housing through an Autism lens (HAL) was a project that explored how housing systems, supports, and services can better meet the needs of Autistic adults, especially during major life transitions such as early adulthood and older adulthood.
The goal of the project was to develop practical and relevant pathways to secure housing options for Autistic and other neurodivergent adults that include supports, services, and resources.
The project was active from October 2020 to May 2022.
The Project Team
This project was funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) National Housing Strategy.
The HAL team brought together people from across the housing ecosystem. This included Autistic and other neurodivergent adults, family members, service providers, housing providers, researchers, professionals, and subject matter experts.
What is a Solutions Lab?
A Solutions Lab brings together diverse groups of people to develop solutions to complex problems that cannot be solved by one person or organization alone.
A Solutions Lab:
- explores a challenge from the start to finish
- proposes ideas or solutions
- experiments with those ideas or solutions to see what works
- works on community challenges that require collaboration over time
What were the results?
The HAL project produced several resources and reports. Many of these continue to inform current work and support ongoing efforts to improve housing for Autistic and other neurodivergent Canadians.
Resources
Explore these resources to learn more:
The Double Cliff of Housing
This infographic highlights 2 important housing transition periods experienced by Autistic adults across the lifespan: early adulthood and older adulthood.
HAL Elements — Definitions
This 1-page resource defines 8 elements of neuroinclusivity in housing. These elements can guide planning and support more positive housing outcomes.
Challenge Brief
This document summarizes the Housing Through an Autism Lens project and shares key patterns, insights, and findings from the work.
