Just like the rest of the population, people suffering from autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) require access to housing that will enable them to lead as normal a life as possible. The difference lies in the fact that the vast majority of these people require special support mechanisms in order to do so and to remain in the community throughout their lives. This aspect is one of the most pressing concerns for their families, who want to feel secure about the future. In order to respond to these needs, GAUTENA has developed its community housing service.

¿HOW CAN YOU ACCESS THIS SERVICE?

Community housing is arranged in collaboration with social services. Anyone who believes that a member of their family requires, or will require in the short or medium term, a service of this type, should first contact GAUTENA in order to inform us of their needs, and subsequently, with our guidance and reports, should contact the Gipuzkoa Provincial Government’s Programs´ Service. The Provincial Government team will, in collaboration with us, decide on the support resources required by each person and authorise the agreed alternative.

¿WHAT DO WE AIM TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS SERVICE?

We aim to ensure that all adults with autistic spectrum disorders in Gipuzkoa can live, like the rest of us, in their own home. Housing is a key aspect of life and the majority of people with ASD are not capable of living alone without supervision. However, we know how to help them and have been doing so for years; ensuring that they enjoy a high quality of life thanks to the special support provided: professionals specially trained in the field of autism, and a customised support plan that is annually agreed upon with the person’s legal guardians, a process and in which the client him or herself is involved as much as possible.

¿HOW DOES THE SERVICE WORK?

The people to whom those of us at GAUTENA provide support are very diverse, with widely different life aspirations, circumstances and needs. For this reason, we strive to customise our support as much as possible. Over the years, we have managed to establish a number of different community groups. Some homes are reserved for older persons while others tend to attract younger people. The size of the group can vary and while some homes or flats are located in the quieter parts of the town, others are situated in more central, lively areas. Having a wide range of resources enables us to improve, day by day, our ability to customise the solutions we offer, thus enabling each individual to develop their own personal life-style.

In all our homes, residents go out in the morning to their respective activity or work centres and then return at the end of the day. With the support of our staff and many other people in the community, they are actively encouraged to engage in the normal activities of home life: going shopping, looking after their clothes and the house, cooking, establishing relations, making decisions, having a certain degree of privacy, pursuing hobbies and enjoying their leisure time. Their house, their community home, becomes a very important part of their lives and having good resources in this area is vital for everyone.

If you would like to find out more about us, please write to the following e-mail address oriamendietxea@gautena.org or call 943 215344. To find out more about autism and our services, visit http://www.gautena.org/