The Best Places to Live with Autism

Finding the right city to live in is a lofty task for everyone, especially autistic individuals. When considering where to plant roots, Autistic adults may want to consider things like extensive public transportation, inclusive communities, sensory-friendly environments and robust support networks. They should also think about proximity to family and friends, as well as consider any potential difficulties in coping with change before making a big move.

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Thanks to inclusivity, public transportation, and advocacy groups, here are our picks for the best places for adults with autism spectrum disorder to call home.

Portland, Oregon, is often celebrated for its inclusive community and comprehensive support systems benefitting autistic adults. The city’s progressive policies and commitment to accessibility are reflected in its well-developed public transportation network, thoughtfully designed public spaces and community programs emphasizing sensory-friendly environments.

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Public transportation

Studies suggest that autistic individuals may have driving difficulties, and neurodiverse individuals are less likely than neurotypical individuals to have a driver’s license. They may also require more driving lessons and report difficulties with the multi-tasking involved with driving. 

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While many U.S. cities are car-dependent, Portland residents drive less often than residents of other metropolitan cities. Portland has a robust public transportation system, including a bus system, a light rail system, streetcars and trams, making it easier for autistic adults to independently move around the city, even if they don’t drive. 

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Advocacy 

Local organizations, including the Autism Society of Oregon (ASO) and The Autism Self-Advocacy Network of Portland, work to provide autism resources, social opportunities and advocacy initiatives that help ensure autistic residents feel understood and supported. These autism resources include:

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• Financial support: The ASO helps autistic students explore their financial aid options and offers financial support programs that help autistic adults afford supportive items, such as communication devices. 
• Support groups: The ASO offers in-person and online support groups for autistic adults. The in-person support groups are held across Portland.
• Resource libraries: The ASO has compiled a list of resources encompassing everything from affirming medical providers to organizations providing service dogs in the area.
• Employment resources: Autistic Americans experience vast underemployment and unemployment. The Autistic Self-advocacy Network of Portland maintains a list of agencies that offer employment opportunities to autistic adults and offer workplace accommodations for employed autistic individuals. 

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Sensory-friendly activities

Portland offers a variety of sensory-friendly activities, including accessible hiking trails, sensory-sensitive movie showings, and museums with sensory-friendly hours and goodie bags with items to help with overstimulation. 

Austin, Texas, is recognized for its supportive environment for autistic individuals. It offers a variety of resources and programs that cater to their unique needs. Key factors contributing to Austin's autism-friendly atmosphere include local support programs, autism-friendly businesses and specialized recreational activities.

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The Autism Society of Texas

Austin is home to the Autism Society of Texas, which connects families and individuals to community resources, support groups and educational programs throughout the state. Autistic adults and their families can access employment resources and information on sensory-friendly healthcare through the group, too. 

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Autism-friendly businesses

Various establishments in Austin have committed to creating inclusive environments through initiatives like the Autism Friendly Business (AFB) program. Some examples of recognized businesses include the Thinkery Children's Museum, One World Karate, the Southwest Family YMCA, and more.

Specialized recreational activities

Austin offers numerous autism-friendly recreational options. For instance, the Alamo Drafthouse offers sensory-friendly showings on Tuesdays, offering lower-volume and adaptability devices. Further, landmarks like the Texas State Capitol building are accessible to people of all abilities. For live theater lovers, The ZACH Theater offers sensory-friendly showings that feature dimmer lights and less intense sound effects. For those with kids, or an adventurous spirit, the Urban Air adventure park offers weekly sensory hours for those who prefer all of the fun with none of the loud music or flashing lights.

Madison, Wisconsin, is a mid-sized city with lots to offer the autistic community. From social groups to accommodating businesses to accessible housing solutions, Madison is among the best places for autistic adults to call home.

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Socialization opportunities

Madison is home to the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin, a nonprofit that seeks to improve the lives of autistic individuals in the region. Their Madison location offers both social groups and support groups for autistic adults. There are online and in-person hangouts for people on the autism spectrum over the age of eighteen. Further, the group hosts online video game nights and in-person board game nights each month. These events allow autistic individuals to relax and socialize with other autistic folks in a structured, low-stakes environment.

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Housing access

Research suggests that autistic people are at higher risk of becoming and staying homeless when compared to their neurotypical peers. Movin’ Out is a Madison-based organization that aims to address the housing crisis facing autistic and otherwise disabled adults. Movin’ Out recognizes that access to safe, accessible and stable housing is vital for autistic individuals and their families to thrive. They aim to create safe and affordable housing options that are embedded in neighborhoods with friendly communities. To date, they’ve helped over 2,000 families either become homeowners or modify their homes to be accessible, and they’ve created over 1,500 units of affordable housing for disabled folks. 350 of those units are supportive housing.

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Autism-friendly business

Madison has designated some of its business as autism-friendly. To be considered autism-friendly, a business must:

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• Train staff and volunteers to understand autism and how to support autistic patrons and their families
• Modify their environment, policies or programs to be more inclusive and accessible
• Provided visual aids or supports as needed
• Be committed to making improvements when necessary
• Have inclusive hiring practices

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Seattle is often celebrated as an autism-friendly place due to its advocacy groups and inclusive environment. Numerous local organizations work to provide resources that cater to the unique needs of the city’s autistic residents. Further, Seattle has plenty of autism-friendly recreation opportunities, and an accommodating public school system.

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Local organizations

Seattle is home to several advocacy groups, such as:

• The University of Washington Autism Center: The UW Autism Center is a diagnostic and treatment center for folks with autism. Not only do they offer diagnosis and therapy, they also offer support groups for family members and conduct cutting-edge research.
• The Autism Society of Washington: The Autism Society provides resources to Seattle’s autistic residents, including workshops, community events and legal information.
• The Northwest Autism Center: The NW Autism Center offers occupational therapy, support services for family members and social groups. 

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Recreation

The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department offers recreational activities for autistic individuals including accessible sports and arts programs, including specialized camps and outings. There are also other sensory-friendly offerings across the city tailored to different interests and activity levels.

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Schooling

Seattle Public Schools have a robust special education program designed to support autistic students and their families. They also train teachers and faculties on how to best accommodate and support autistic students.

Boulder, Colorado, is a mountain town with lots to offer the autistic community, such as a wide network of local organizations and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.

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Community resources and local organizations

The Autism Society of Boulder County is dedicated to supporting autistic Boulder residents. It offers an extensive resource library, including information about local therapists, affirming medical offices, and accommodating local businesses. The society also provides information about autism concierge services, which provide autistic adults with a personal case worker to serve as a mentor and advocate. 

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The city of Boulder’s local government also works diligently to improve the lives of autistic and disabled residents. They have several programs designed to prevent discrimination and ensure accessible public spaces for adults of all neurotypes and ability levels.

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The great outdoors

Research studies have shown that spending time in nature can be beneficial to autistic individuals and their mental health. Spending time outdoors has been linked to:

• Better mood
• Stress reduction
• Improved cognitive functioning
• Sense of purpose or fulfillment 

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Boulder, Colorado, is a hotspot for those seeking a connection with nature. With extensive hiking trails, cycling trails and camping spots, there’s plenty to do. For those who enjoy experiencing the outdoors without exertion, Boulder has ample opportunities for bird watching, stargazing and sledding, too. 

Rochester, New York, lies on the shore of Lake Ontario, about seven hours away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. However, its distance from the big city hasn’t hampered its ability to support its autistic residents. In fact, Rochester is home to a robust network of support systems for autistic adults and their families. 

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Several organizations throughout the city are dedicated to supporting autistic individuals and improving their quality of life, including:

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• The Autism Center of Rochester: The Autism Center of Rochester helps autistic individuals bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood, providing workshops on building resumes and finding employment, as well as spearheading efforts to build houses for autistic adults. They also provide community education and training, so that professionals in Rochester learn how to sensitively and inclusively cater to autistic adults.
• AutismUp: AutismUp aims to support autistic individuals and their families at every age. It has developed a series of courses designed to help young autistic adults navigate independent life and all of its challenges. AutismUp also provides educational seminars and groups for those with autistic loved ones.
• The Golisano Autism Center: The Golisano Autism Center provides resources to help autistic individuals access occupational and speech therapy. They also provide help to those seeking employment and access to quality healthcare.

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San Diego offers a supportive and resource-rich environment, making it an appealing place for autistic individuals. The city is home to renowned institutions that provide specialized autism care––plus, the city’s climate and accessibility offer residents a high quality of life. 

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Autism services

There are several organizations, both in the healthcare field and advocacy field, that offer services to autistic residents, including:

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• The Autism Society of San Diego: The Autism Society of San Diego aims to improve the lives of autistic individuals and their families by promoting independence and self-advocacy. It offers resources such as support groups, scholarships and social events. 
• The Rady Children’s Hospital: Though technically a children's hospital, The Rady Children’s Hospital has a state-of-the-art facility called the Autism Discovery Institute, which provides aid to autistic children, teenagers and their families. Therefore, one doesn’t need to be an autistic child to benefit from its services.
• The SDSU Center for Autism: The Center for Autism at San Diego State University conducts cutting-edge autism research. It also hosts workshops and educational events for autistic adults to help them thrive in a world built for neurotypical people.

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Quality of life

In general, San Diego offers residents a great quality of life. Quality of life considers different factors, including:

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• Climate: San Diego has some of the best weather in the United States. The temperature is mild throughout the year, without the extreme fluctuations that can occur as the seasons change. There will be fewer unexpected weather changes throughout the year compared to places with more volatile climates. 
• Public Spaces: San Diego has 36 public libraries and over 34,000 acres of public outdoor spaces, such as parks and shorelines. Spending time outdoors greatly benefits autistic adults, and libraries can serve as great sensory-friendly outings.
• Attractions: It’s hard to be bored in San Diego. With theme parks, zoos and museums, there are plenty of opportunities for autistic residents to socialize or engage with a special interest.

For autistic individuals who don’t mind a colder climate, Minneapolis has lots to offer. The city is home to outreach organizations committed to providing services and resources to autistic adults, and the city has prioritized accessibility and inclusion for its disabled and neurodivergent residents.

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Outreach organizations

There are outreach organizations based in Minneapolis that exist to serve autistic adults and provide solutions to the struggles they face, including: 

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• The Minnesota Autism Portal: The Minnesota Autism Portal is a hub for all of the resources available to autistic residents of Minneapolis. Their resources library includes education opportunities, healthcare information and ways to engage with the community. 
• Autism Society of Minnesota: The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) provides resources to autistic individuals and their families. People can access information about autism, virtual toolkits about socialization and tips for managing some of the difficulties that occur during an autistic person’s lifetime, like executive functioning issues and distress when facing changes to routines. 

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Inclusivity and Accessibility

Minneapolis is a fairly accessible and inclusive city, meaning autistic adults can not only survive but thrive there. Some accessible facets include: 

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• Public Transportation: Minneapolis offers buses, light rails and commuter trains as low-cost options for those who want to travel independently around the city without driving.
• Sensory-Friendly Outings: Minneapolis offers plenty of sensory-friendly outings, from suites at sporting events to museums to expansive outdoor spaces. 
• Housing Access: Minneapolis has safeguards in place to help autistic and disabled people access safe and affordable housing suited to their needs.

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How Prosper Health can support autistic adults

 If you’re autistic or think you might be, Prosper Health can help. Even living in the most ideal location, life can be tricky for autistic adults. Sensory differences, co-occurring conditions and living in a neurotypical world are challenges that autistic individuals may be facing. Neurodiversity-affirming therapy can provide a safe space for autistic adults to process their unique challenges and develop necessary coping skills. We offer fully virtual autism assessments and neurodiversity-affirming therapy. Our clinicians specialize in adult autism and 80% of our practitioners either identify as neurodivergent or have a close connection with neurodivergence. If you’re looking for an assessment or evidence-based and affirming therapy, contact us today!