Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurological condition estimated to affect as many
as one in 88 children.1 It is now the most common neurological disorder affecting children and
one of the most common developmental disabilities.2 Many individuals living with ASD will
need some level of support over their entire lives. In cases where adolescents and adults with
severe autism are placed into long-term care or other supported housing arrangements the annual
cost of housing, which includes caregiver time, can be $400 per day, amounting to
approximately $150,000 a year.3 Few Canadian families generate sufficient income to cover
such high costs of support. Even where families with ASD dependents have income to pay for
some of the required care needed, they face challenges finding available and qualified
caregivers.4 Unfortunately, as families of ASD dependents age or become financially unable to
care, it is not obvious how their adult with ASD will be supported other than with the burden
falling on the state.