Many families wonder whether someone with Level 1 Autism — often called “high-functioning autism” — can live independently. The short answer is yes, many people with Level 1 Autism can live alone, especially with the right skills, support, and preparation. Every individual is unique, though, and independence looks different for each person.
Understanding Level 1 Autism
Level 1 Autism refers to individuals who need minimal daily support. They may:
- Have strong cognitive abilities
- Communicate verbally
- Manage many daily tasks
- Struggle with social communication or flexibility
- Need routine and structure
Independence is possible — but it often requires careful planning and skill-building.
What Helps Someone With Level 1 Autism Live Independently?
Independence is a journey. The following skills make independent living more successful:
Daily Living Skills
- Cooking simple meals
- Cleaning and laundry
- Personal hygiene and routines
Social & Communication Skills
- Asking for help when needed
- Handling conflict and misunderstandings
- Understanding boundaries and social expectations
Life Management Skills
- Paying bills and budgeting
- Time management and scheduling
- Keeping important appointments
Safety & Emotional Skills
- Managing anxiety or stress
- Knowing emergency procedures
- Recognizing unsafe situations
Executive Functioning Support
Some individuals may benefit from:
- Apps for reminders & schedules
- Visual supports & planners
- Occasional check-ins from family or providers
Independence doesn’t always mean doing everything alone — it means having support tools and knowing when to use them.
Living Alone vs. Living Independently
Living alone might mean:
✅ Managing your own home or apartment
✅ Handling daily tasks
✅ Taking care of yourself
But independence can also include:
- Living near family
- Supported housing
- Occasional help from caregivers or therapists
There’s no right or wrong version of independence — only what works best for the person.
How ABA Therapy Can Support Independence
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is highly effective in helping individuals with autism build real-life skills, such as:
- Self-care routines
- Problem-solving and flexibility
- Social and communication skills
- Safety awareness
- Daily task scheduling and organization
This support can make transitioning to independent or semi-independent living smoother and more successful.
Yes — many people with Level 1 Autism can live alone with the right preparation, life-skills training, and support systems. Independence looks different for everyone, and that’s okay. The goal is helping each person live a fulfilling, confident life in a way that feels right for them.
If you’re looking for caring, personalized support for your child, Precious Care ABA is here to help. We offer:
Serving families across:
Schedule a consultation today — let’s build a brighter, more independent future together!
FAQs
Can adults with Level 1 Autism live alone?
Yes — many adults with Level 1 Autism live independently with planning, life-skills support, and sometimes light ongoing assistance.
What age can someone with autism live independently?
There’s no set age. Independence depends on skill readiness, not age. Some may move out young; others may need more time to prepare.
Can ABA help someone learn independence skills?
Absolutely. ABA builds real-life skills like communication, self-care, organization, safety awareness, and daily living routines — all essential for independence.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6406692/
- https://childmind.org/article/what-is-high-functioning-autism/
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/high-functioning-autism
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3808966/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213158213001411
