Autistic communities

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Is there such a thing as a place where only autistic people live together?

I'm curious.

Does anyone here know or have heard of any such thing?

https://www.fastcompany.com/1681106/the-first-housing-community-for-autistic-adults-has-an-organic-garden-a-greenhouse-and-hot-t

I think that article said there were 4 or 5 subsidized units at lower prices.

The problem with your dream facility is your cooking smells would drive some autistics nuts and others would hate your use of the stereo - one man's meat is another man's poison, as they say.

A more reasonable solution might be cooperative housing with people with a range of disabilities; your functioning level might fit that better than across-the-board spectrumites. Very low functioning autistics may need considerable staffing, hence the hefty price tag.

I've heard of whole villages that do nothing but house and support people with autism and other brain-related disabilities. They collect a fee from the government, which makes it possible for residents to have this as the main source of income. I want to say it's in Denmark, but could be wrong; maybe it's in one of the islands off the coast of Britain.

This place in Phoenix, AZ, like the one above in Sonoma, CA, also costs an arm and a leg. I already called them and they said that the rents are paid by the tenants' parents.

https://www.firstplaceaz.org/

Probably only 1% of autistic folks have parents rich enough to pay $3,800/month for a one bedroom for them.

Oh, gosh, I've always gotten along better with people far older than myself (I'm close to 50 now so I'm no longer a spring chicken) and they, me.

The more I think about it, that autistic community in Sonoma is similar in design and structure to many regular retirement communities I've heard about where people live in their own home or condo and there are community spaces, a community center, garden, library, visiting areas, routine optional activities both on and off premises, etc.

Your point is a good one Bea, that just because people with autism might live together doesn't mean they'd all get along anymore than anyone else getting along with anyone else.

With that in mind, I would envision having the same amount of satisfaction if I wanted to live in a community setting to just live in a regular retirement community among NTs. In either case I can guarantee I'd be doing my own thing and in either case I'd steer clear of or ignore people that irritated me.

What would the dramatic benefits be, if any of living in an autistic community vs. a "regular" community?

If an autistic community was mandatorily fragrance free and silence was observed in areas like a library/reading room, those would definitely be benefits over a "regular" community for me. Otherwise I don't know what the benefits would be really.

I live in a senior community and, for all I know, there could be other aspies here, too. As a matter of fact, I'm sure of it since some people, I've noticed, exhibit unusual quirks and there are about four-five tenants who associate with no one at all.

It would help me if apartments we're more soundproofed. Or, if I had a cabin in the woods. I like nature sounds.

Now to win the lottery, or somehow get a lot of money, or have a miracle gift bestowed to my son and I.

I like it here. There are 55 tenants; most live in one-bedroom units and they're all subsidized. This building is right on a bus route so hopping on a bus is not a problem. Plus, some of the more crippled residents use Dial-A-Ride so they enjoy door to door service.

We have a community room which has a kitchen, library and 55" flat screen TV. People are usually in there all day playing a variation of Scrabble called Upwords, while others are busy assembling crossword puzzles, etc.

Other amenities include a community washer/dryer, a garden, Books On Wheels, etc. Thankfully, we don't have to pay for water or electricity. WiFi is available in the community room, but I bought a $19 repeater so I could have it in my apartment.

They have activities for us here, like holiday luncheons, theme parties, etc. Lately, though, I've been isolating, but if I wanted to get in on those things, I'm free to do it.