Autism Housing Pathways has now completed three workbooks designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities shape a housing vision. The first two workbooks are written at an 8th grade reading level and a 1st-2nd grade reading level, respectively. The third workbook is comprised of a social story/workbook, visuals to create posters with stickers, and a set of directions and a questionnaire for helpers. The workbooks touch on preferred activities, lifestyle and location, living skills, and being a good neighbor.

The workbooks were funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Development Disabilities Council, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Federal Award Number 93.630.

Ideally, individuals should complete the workbooks in conjunction with participation by themselves and/or their families, as appropriate, in Autism Housing Pathways’ day-long workshop, “Learning about housing”. The workshop focuses on assessing and applying for services and supports, and combining them with individual and family resources to develop a housing strategy. The workshop and the workbook make an excellent prelude to person-centered planning.

Links to the workbooks are below:

• Housing workbook — 8th grade level
• Housing workbook — easy reader
• Housing workbook — social story and picture stickers
  1. A note to helpers (including directions to create 5 additional posters that touch on skills and on preferred people, videos, music, and objects)
  2. Where do people live? (social story/workbook)
  3. What is special (stickers)
  4. What I like to do (stickers)
  5. What I like to eat (stickers)
  6. Where I like to go (stickers)
  7. Chores I do (stickers)
  8. A questionnaire for helpers