1. Explore Arizona's Developmental Disability Services

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) operates the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). It provides services and support to eligible people with developmental disabilities, including some autistic adults.

Depending on eligibility and individual circumstances, services may help with daily living, employment, community participation, and other support needs.

Who may qualify?

Eligibility is not automatic for everyone with an autism diagnosis. Arizona's requirements include a qualifying developmental disability that began before age 18, is expected to continue, and results in significant limitations in at least three specified areas of daily life.

Applicants must also meet other requirements, including Arizona residency.

To learn more, visit the Arizona DES Division of Developmental Disabilities or review its DDD eligibility information.

You can contact the DDD Customer Service Center at 1-844-770-9500 for information about the application process.

If you're unsure whether you qualify, ask about the eligibility requirements and what documentation you may need before beginning an application.

2. Find Programs That Build Independent Living Skills

Independent living involves more than having a place to live. It can include learning to manage money, prepare meals, organize appointments, use transportation, maintain a home, and make decisions about everyday life.

Some organizations offer programs designed to help autistic adults practice these skills at their own pace.

First Place–Phoenix

First Place AZ offers housing and programs focused on independent living for adults with autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Its First Place Transition Academy helps adults with autism develop daily living and career-readiness skills. The organization also offers supportive apartment living for eligible residents.

This may be a useful option for people exploring greater independence in the Phoenix area.

Contact the organization directly to ask about program eligibility, availability, costs, and the level of support offered. Its housing model is not designed for people who require the assistance of a medical home.

Other community programs

You can also explore programs that focus on practical life skills, social participation, vocational preparation, and community involvement.

For example, VALLEYLIFE offers adult programs in the greater Phoenix area, including vocational services and programs that support independent living and community participation.

Available services, eligibility, and support levels vary by organization. Ask whether a program can accommodate the person's communication style, sensory needs, preferences, and personal goals.

3. Explore Employment and Job Training

Having the right employment support can help autistic adults explore career options, prepare for interviews, develop workplace skills, and find jobs that align with their interests and strengths.

If you're looking for work, consider these starting points.

Arizona vocational rehabilitation

Arizona DES offers vocational rehabilitation services to help eligible people with disabilities address barriers to employment.

Depending on eligibility and individual needs, services may include vocational guidance, employment preparation, and assistance with identifying appropriate job opportunities.

Start with the Arizona DES Disability Services page to explore available programs.

SEEDs for Autism

SEEDs for Autism is a Phoenix-based organization that provides education, vocational training, and job-development support for autistic adults.

Its programs focus on helping participants develop skills and explore employment opportunities.

Understand workplace accommodations

Some autistic employees may benefit from workplace adjustments that make it easier to perform their jobs.

Depending on the person's needs and the job, possible accommodations might include written instructions, a quieter workspace, predictable schedules, or adjustments to how workplace information is communicated.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), covered employers may be required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, unless doing so would create an undue hardship.

For information about disability-related employment rights, visit Disability Rights Arizona.

If you need guidance about a specific workplace situation, consider contacting a qualified disability-rights organization or employment attorney.

4. Look Into Housing Options

Finding a living arrangement that fits your budget, preferences, and support needs can be an important part of planning for adulthood.

There is no one housing arrangement that works for every autistic adult. Options may include living with family, renting an apartment, sharing a home with roommates, or exploring supportive housing programs.

Here are a few places to begin.

• First Place–Phoenix: Explore supportive apartment living for adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.
• Arizona DES: Ask about DDD-related resources, including housing information for eligible members.
• Arizona 2-1-1: Visit 211 Arizona to search for community services and ask about housing assistance.
• Disability Rights Arizona: Explore information about disability rights, housing discrimination, and other legal concerns through its resource library.

When comparing housing options, ask about monthly costs, deposits, transportation, accessibility, available support, and any eligibility requirements.

If you receive disability benefits or other assistance, consider asking a qualified benefits counselor how income, employment, or changes in living arrangements could affect your benefits.

5. Find Transportation and Community Resources

Transportation can affect access to employment, education, healthcare, shopping, and social activities.

Depending on where you live and your individual circumstances, you may be able to use public transportation, accessible transportation services, community transportation programs, or support from family and friends.

The Arizona DES Member and Family Resources page includes information about transportation options for eligible members, including Valley Metro passes and ADA paratransit.

If you live outside the Phoenix metropolitan area, check with your local transit provider or contact 2-1-1 Arizona to ask about transportation services near you.

It may also help to practice a transportation route in advance, save important contact information, and identify backup options in case plans change.

6. Understand Your Rights and Where to Get Help

Autistic adults have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Depending on the circumstances, federal and state disability laws may provide protections in areas such as employment, housing, and access to public services.

For example, the ADA may protect qualified people with disabilities from certain forms of discrimination and require reasonable accommodations in covered situations.

If you believe you've experienced disability discrimination, need help understanding your rights, or have questions about requesting an accommodation, consider these resources:

• Disability Rights Arizona: Information and advocacy related to disability rights.
• ADA.gov: Federal information about disability rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Arizona DES: Information about disability services and state programs.

Legal protections depend on the setting and circumstances. If you have a specific concern, contact a qualified organization to learn about your options.

7. Make a Plan That Fits Your Goals

You do not have to figure out every aspect of independent living at once. Start by identifying what matters most to you or the person you're supporting.

For one person, the first goal might be finding a job. For someone else, it might be learning to use public transportation, managing a budget, or exploring housing options.

Consider these steps:

1. Identify your priorities. Choose one or two areas where support would make the biggest difference.
2. Contact relevant organizations. Ask about services, eligibility, costs, and application requirements.
3. Write down questions. Keep a list of information you need before making decisions.
4. Explore available supports. Ask about skill-building programs, accommodations, benefits counseling, or community services.
5. Review your goals over time. Your needs and preferences may change, and your plan can change with them.

Whenever possible, autistic adults should be included in decisions about their own lives, preferences, and goals. Support should help people exercise choice and build on their strengths rather than assume what they can or cannot do.

You Deserve Support That Respects Your Goals

Being autistic does not mean that adulthood must follow a particular path. Independence can look different from one person to another, and receiving support can be part of building a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

Arizona has programs and organizations that may help autistic adults explore employment, housing, daily living skills, and community participation. Finding the right resource can take time, but asking questions is a good place to begin. At Call Christina Now, we believe access to helpful information matters. While we do not determine program eligibility or provide individualized legal advice, we hope this guide helps you identify resources and take the next step toward your goals.

Start exploring today: Visit the Arizona DES Division of Developmental Disabilities to learn about services and eligibility,

or contact 2-1-1 Arizona to ask about community resources near you.