Transitioning to adulthood is an important juncture that often presents challenges for autistic youth and adults. Yet it is a different experience for everyone.
As is the case for many government-funded services, once a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reaches a certain age, the support available to them changes. In most Canadian provinces, children transition into the adult service program on their 18th birthday, some on their 19th birthday.
Transition planning typically begins between the ages of 12 and 16 years old. Entering adulthood can be stressful, and needing to understand a brand new set of government-funded supports and services can be overwhelming.
This page provides information about the government-funded services and supports available to adults living with ASD. It is organized by province and territory. We are hopeful that a robust understanding of what resources are available – in the transition period and beyond – is helpful to individuals and families.
Please note that the age at which a child becomes eligible for adult resources is different across the country. You will find one separate toolkit for each province and territory.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
This page outlines government-funded supports and services available to adults (18 years or older) with autism living in the province of Prince Edward Island.
AccessAbility Supports
About
Previously called the Disability Support Program, PEI’s AccessAbility Supports offer assistance to Islanders living with disabilities, which may include physical, intellectual, neurological, sensory and mental disabilities.
Type of Support
Help is available under five areas of support, as follows:
Personal Supports
Personal Supports help with personal daily living assistance such as:
● life skills training in areas like meal preparation, budgeting, grocery shopping, recreational activities;
● technical aids and assistive devices such as a wheelchair; and
● supports that enable an individual to be self-sufficient and live independently such as in-home supports or personal care workers.
Housing Supports
Housing Supports help with independent living and may include assistance such as:
● financial assistance for a caregiver to provide daily supervision and guidance in a community-based residential setting; and
● financial help for required home and vehicle modifications – $10,000 every 10 years for home modifications and $6,000 every eight years for a vehicle.
Community Supports
Community Supports help increase active participation in the community and may include:
● assistance with finding or keeping a job including coaching, skills training, and supports for youth transitioning from the education system to the workforce; and
● supports to enable active participation in the community such as day programming, personal aid or specialized transportation.
Caregiver Supports
Caregiver Supports help family members or caregivers and may include:
● respite for caregivers to allow time for breaks to recharge; and
● support to provide supervision for adults who are unable to stay home alone safely so that caregivers can go to work or school.
Financial Supports
Financial Supports help with basic living expenses, if needed, and may include:
● assistance for basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, household and personal supplies through what is called Assured Income.
How to access support
Call toll-free in Prince Edward Island: 1-877-569-0546
You will meet with a staff person who will conduct an assessment to determine how disability affects your daily life and how AccessAbility Supports can help meet your needs.
If you are a current disability support client, you will be automatically enrolled in AccessAbility Supports.
AccessAbility brochure: linked here
Photo by Alexis Mette on Unsplash
