How to help homeless autistic young adult

[Anonymous]

You're making some assumptions. He very well could have autism but you've only observed him a little bit. I work with quite a few homeless individuals and know a few with schizophrenia who would fit that description. I also know of one male with autism who is homeless pretty much by choice. He refuses any and all help and the only time he receives any is when he ends up in the hospital with an infection.
Not saying he doesn't deserve help, but it's wise to get the whole picture before jumping to things like taking him into your home.
Connect with APS and a local homeless organization. They should be able to give you resources and advice. One organization near me(not in the DC area) has volunteers who are trained to approach and provide help and resources to individuals on the streets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop the political sniping,,OP needs real answers

The real answer is that the teen is refusing service otherwise they would be receiving treatment. The powers that be will not detain someone against their will.

We don’t know if they’ve ever been offered services. There are families that do not ever pursue a diagnosis because they distrust medical and educational institutions. There are parents who refuse to accept that something is “wrong” with their child.


It’s also possible that this young person was kicked out by a parent who is their rep payee and keeping the benefits for their own use. OP said not DC. There are a lot of fundamentalist communities in Utah and AZ that kick teen boys out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could you open your home to them?

Don't do this.. call social services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop the political sniping,,OP needs real answers

The real answer is that the teen is refusing service otherwise they would be receiving treatment. The powers that be will not detain someone against their will.

We don’t know if they’ve ever been offered services. There are families that do not ever pursue a diagnosis because they distrust medical and educational institutions. There are parents who refuse to accept that something is “wrong” with their child.


It’s also possible that this young person was kicked out by a parent who is their rep payee and keeping the benefits for their own use. OP said not DC. There are a lot of fundamentalist communities in Utah and AZ that kick teen boys out.

I can guarantee that they have been offered services. The county knows about these people because they get reported quickly. Do we have a lot of UT and AZ posters?

[Anonymous]

I would not get involved. Just notify the police, who I am sure are already aware.