Supported housing and autism.

[Steel Maiden]

I can't remember if I already asked here, but I'm going to be moving into lower supported housing within the next few months as living with other people is stressing me out. My question: what kind of support should I ask for and should I request any modifications be made for my access requirements?

My current health problems that affect me are:
Autism (not an illness, but it has hugely impacted my life) and associated sensory difficulties
Schizophrenia
OCD
Visual processing disorder
Dyspraxia
Selective mutism / social anxiety

I am going to ask for a quiet place and for the fire alarm in my flat to be replaced with a deaf one (ie one that vibrates or flashes, but makes no noise) due to my sensory difficulties - last time the fire alarm went off here, I was screaming and banging my head due to the pain of the sound, and it didn't serve its purpose as I was freaking out so much that I couldn't move properly to get out.

NB: my visual processing disorder and dyspraxia make it hard for me to do things like descend stairs and navigate in low lighting.

[Steel Maiden]

^ thanks for those suggestions. I will experiment to see what helps. LEDs and nightlights sound especially good.

Because I have a severe phobia of elevators, I have to use stairs, so I requested I be on the ground floor, or only require a few steps, due to my problem with stairs.

I have problems with noise, how would I minimise outside noise coming into my flat? More is needed than keeping windows closed.

Also I am not entirely sure how much support I'd need. Obviously less than here, but I'd still need some level. I have communication problems, how could that be dealt with?

Is it too much to ask that any support staff be basically trained or educated about autism?

Thanks.

[startingagain]

I think it would be essential that staff were aware of your autism and had the appropriate training. I think that the NAS would be really helpful and there are some residential placements for people with autism that you could talk to about what they have on offer.

[cough cough]

I live in a shared house which is supported living primarily for people with learning disabilities but the company has properties for people on the spectrum and they tend to be staffed by the same staff and have a more structured routine.

[Steel Maiden]

Thanks, I will inquire about more specialist services for autism.

[Steel Maiden]

Asperger's syndrome is a form of autism, and I couldn't be bothered to write Asperger's over and over again, so I put autism.

Well I live in daily fear of the fire alarm going off here; in fact if someone irons in the living room and lets off steam, I panic.

I do try to "get used to things". In fact yesterday I called a stranger and conversed, it was a start.

But at the same time, this house causes me great anxiety.

As for my schizophrenia, I can stay at home for several days, or weeks at a time, because I'm too paranoid to leave the house. I have hurt myself in the past due to the voices. I find it hard to go out. I even get paranoia about the people living here.

-

Additional: I am building up my self-confidence, but if I build it up too fast, I go a bit manic and start thinking I'm immortal etc. I understand when you say that I need to try and be more confident. But with a fire alarm, it is a safety feature: if the fire alarm goes off and I freak out (which nowadays is an automatic reaction), then I won't be able to get out of the flat. I have considered desensitisation but I'm not sure how to go about it. I'm sorry if I p*ssed anyone off.

[startingagain]

Autism is on a spectrum. It may be that for some that they are able to 'get over things' but for others that is impossible. Sensory issues can cause immense physical pain and people can be hyper or hypo sensitive. I believe that the DSM V will refer just to autism in the future.

[raspberry_swirl]

To be honest I think if the deaf fire alarm helps then go for it. I mean why not use something that will make your life easier? Then you won't have to worry about it.

Good luck.