1. Executive Summary<br />While there is an expansive range of disabilities services in the US in need of reform, this report will focus on adults with moderate to severe Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) rates are ten times greater than they were fifteen years ago. Statistics released by the CDC, for 2009, state that 1 in every 110 children has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Along with that, 70% of the US population with ASD is under the age of 14.<br />The combination of those factors indicate that there will be a substantial increase in the adult population with ASD needing services such as housing, medical, employment, ect. Ages 3-7 and 23-27 are by far the most costly periods for services. Vocational rehabilitations services, employment training and opportunities for the disabled, have reported a 121 percent increase from 2002 to 2006 in Autism cases. This indicates that there is already an impact caused by the increased rates of ASD. Unemployment/underemployment rates for individuals with ASD have been reported to be over 90%.<br />I have proposed a specific group home model along with the continued support of Intermediate Care Facilities – Mental Retardation (ICF-MR). The proposed group home model will limit resident size in homes to four residents. This will help the residents receive the specialized services they need and giving them a more natural living environment. Also, I am advocating to pull away from the models that allow one or two people to live independently due to lack of cost effectiveness and safety. With stakeholders support, the living services could shift towards this model and away from less cots effective and less supportive models mentioned above. There will be a need for increased funding from Medicaid/Medical and Social Security towards this model to encourage the opening of many more group homes to facilitate the already growing demand. <br />Overall, this model would provide an increased amount of places and more consistent living options/services for adults with moderate to severe ASD. As always, the primary goal is to help them achieve as much independence as possible and that is done through supportive living, jobs, and the community.<br />