Colliding Public Health Priorities: A Call to Improve the Understanding of Autistic Individuals Utilizing Housing Assistance
2024

Understanding Autistic Individuals Using Housing Assistance

Sample size: 846350 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Shea Lindsay, Roux Anne, Wilson Amy Blank, Ventimiglia Jonas, Carlton Conner, Lee Wei-Lin, Cooper Dylan, Frisbie Shelby

Primary Institution: A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University

Hypothesis

The study aims to identify the utilization of housing support among autistic individuals in the U.S.

Conclusion

The number of autistic individuals receiving HUD assistance has increased significantly, highlighting the need for better understanding and support.

Supporting Evidence

  • Autistic Medicaid enrollees enrolled in HUD increased by 70% between 2008 and 2016.
  • 10.4% of autistic Medicaid enrollees in 2016 were HUD-assisted.
  • Most HUD-assisted autistic individuals lived in urban areas and were enrolled in the Housing Choice Voucher program.
  • Approximately 3% of HUD-assisted autistic individuals were homeless at entry.

Takeaway

This study shows that many autistic people need help with housing, and more support is needed to keep them safe and healthy.

Methodology

The study linked Medicaid data from 2008 and 2016 with national HUD data to analyze demographics and housing assistance utilization among autistic individuals.

Potential Biases

The data may not fully capture the experiences of autistic individuals not enrolled in Medicaid.

Limitations

The study relied on linked claims data, which may not represent all autistic individuals receiving HUD assistance.

Participant Demographics

The majority of HUD-assisted autistic individuals were Black/African American and children under 18.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0315008

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication