In brief
If independent living is not possible, according to the 2021 S3 guideline an everyday-specific care service (outpatient or inpatient) should be provided for adults without intellectual disability. The person's needs and wishes should be taken into account as far as possible. [1, Rec. 117] For supported housing and residential homes, the guideline named requirements for the environment, everyday life and staff. [1, Rec. 117] The guideline expired on 23.03.2026. [2]
This English translation was produced with AI assistance and has not yet been independently reviewed.
Status of the guideline: This article uses the S3 guideline on therapy (2021). It expired on 23.03.2026. [2] The statements are not automatically wrong, but they are not backed by a valid guideline.
Care if independent living is not possible
For children and adolescents, the guideline recommended: if living together in the family is not possible, forms of supported housing should be used that meet the needs of the child or adolescent and enable individually coordinated schooling. [1, Rec. 117] For adults, the everyday-specific care named above applies. [1, Rec. 117]
Requirements for environment and everyday life
In outpatient supported housing and in residential homes, according to the guideline the following, among other things, should be ensured: a daily structure and continuity of staff, where appropriate guidance through structured programmes with individual choices conveyed in visualised form, where needed reduction of stimuli, places to withdraw and integration into the local community. [1, Rec. 117] The guideline reproduced these points following a British guideline for adults. [1, Rec. 117]
Requirements for staff
Named were good knowledge of dealing with adults with autism, an appropriate approach to challenging behaviour and de-escalation management, the ability to assess the need for support correctly, and reliable and predictable behaviour. [1, Rec. 117]
Involving carers and relatives
Legal carers (court-appointed guardians) and, at the request of the person concerned, relatives too are to be involved in the planning and implementation of outpatient or inpatient housing care. [1, Rec. 117] On legal guardianship: Coming of age at 18.
What else you should know
- Self-determination counts. The guideline stressed that the person’s wishes are taken into account as far as possible. [1, Rec. 117]
- Benefits and costs (for example integration assistance, forms of housing, assistance) are not covered in this article. Responsibilities: Understanding the support system; advice: Finding advice.
- The guideline points are benchmarks against which services can be measured, not legal entitlements.
Note: This article offers general information. It does not replace personal advice or treatment by professionals.
Sources and literature
- DGKJP, DGPPN et al. Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter. Teil 2: Therapie. S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Stand Text 02.05.2021 (Empf. 117). – Guideline (in German); expired on 23 March 2026 (see no. 2)
- DGKJP. Aktuelle Leitlinien (Eintrag 028-047: „Gültig bis 23.03.2026“). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/ – Professional society (website in German)
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