ASSISTED LIVING FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

In the approach to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, among the main areas that need further study, inclusive education, mental health, accessibility, employability, and autonomy stand out. In view of this, the present study aims to map and reflect on the state of the art on assisted living as a viable alternative for people with ASD, based on their particularities of each level of support and the best practices for the implementation of this housing model. To this end, it was considered pertinent to carry out a scoping review in the PubMed®, Elsevier Science®, and Scientific and Technical Literature of Latin America and the Caribbean (LILACS) databases. The state of the art of the scoping review shows that assisted living consists of a mode of housing that provides support to individuals with special needs, including those with ASD, who need continuous care. This housing model aims to promote independence and well-being, while providing the necessary assistance to meet the needs imposed by the disorder, whose manifestations are varied, which justifies the three levels of care: support 1 (mild), support 2 (moderate) and support 3 (severe). Therefore, in the context of ASD, assisted living, with its infrastructure, fundamentals and dynamics of care, represents a trend in the intervention of adults who aim to achieve autonomy, in view of its benefits. Therefore, the objective of this review is to point out the contribution of this type of housing to the repertoire of life skills of adults on the autism spectrum, providing the necessary tools to socially improve issues of coexistence, contact, adjusting social life strategies and encouraging the achievement of new achievements.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.011-078