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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone had to explain to their landlord their autistic child broke something? More than 1 thing? I am fortunate enough to have neighbors who are understanding about loud crying..... Idk how the landlord will be about some breakage... Of course I will need a payment plan for the fees as well gulp... Do you tell you landlord a) as soon as your child breaks something or b) wait for them to find out?..... I am probably getting a pyschiatrist note saying it has been an unusually rough 6 months w… read more

April 29 (edited)
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A MyAutismTeam Member

Back when we used to living an apartment I made sure the landlord knew Ashley was severely autistic and violent and anytime she broke something I will call maintenance straight away. Luckily they were kind maybe only one or two times did they say something like again but usually they always just fixed it and the landlord gave us alot of grace.

May 3
A MyAutismTeam Member

Communication has been our biggest challenge. We use a mix of picture cards and simple sign language. It is amazing how much they understand even when they cannot express it back. Being patient and finding their way to communicate makes all the difference.

May 2
A MyAutismTeam Member

We struggled with this too. What helped us was consistency and making it part of the routine same time same steps every day. Small victories add up over time.

May 2
A MyAutismTeam Member

Rental insurance for individuals with autism acts as standard liability coverage, covering accidental property damage, including incidents caused by behavioral outbursts. It helps manage liability for damage to the rental unit, but it generally does not cover extra wear and tear from specialized sensory or medical equipment. Key considerations include:

Liability Coverage: Renters insurance often covers damage caused by residents, including accidental damage from sensory or behavioral outbursts, as noted by users in a Facebook group discussion.
Preventing Eviction: If a tenant with autism or their child causes damage, having renters insurance can prevent eviction by providing a mechanism to pay for repairs.
Accommodations: Landlords cannot discriminate based on disability. If specialized equipment (e.g., a trampoline) is needed as a reasonable accommodation, providing proof of liability insurance can help manage landlord liability concerns.
Alternative Support: For housing, some families may qualify for special subsidies like the DDA/MFP Bridge Subsidy.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/home-and-comm...

Handling Noise Complaints and Rights
Legal Protections: The 1991 Federal Fair Housing Act Amendment requires landlords to provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities. This means accommodating noises caused by autism, such as stimming or meltdowns, rather than immediately issuing evictions.
Documentation: If you receive a notice (e.g., 3-day notice), carefully review it and document all relevant medical information to provide to the landlord.
Proactive Communication: Informing neighbors and property managers about a child's autism, potentially explaining the noise-related stims, can foster empathy and prevent formal complaints, as discussed in this Reddit post.
Mediation: Involving council or specialized autism teams can help deal with housing suitability and noise, notes a parent on the National Autistic Society forum.
Mitigation Strategies
Sensory-Friendly Environment: Create a safe space using tools like white noise machines, blackout curtains, or weighted blankets.
Soundproofing: Use rugs, heavy curtains, or sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise transmission to neighbors.
Sensory Regulation: Utilize tools like small trampolines or weighted vests to help with energy regulation.
Routine: Implement visual schedules and maintain a consistent daily routine to reduce anxiety-driven outbursts

Facebook · Autism Awareness for Parents & Family Support Group

April 29
MyAutismTeam

What a stressful situation — navigating landlord relationships while managing the realities of raising an autistic child takes real strength. Many parents in similar situations have found that honesty upfront tends to work better than waiting for a landlord to discover damage on their own.

Here are some tips that may help:

Show Full Answer

What a stressful situation — navigating landlord relationships while managing the realities of raising an autistic child takes real strength. Many parents in similar situations have found that honesty upfront tends to work better than waiting for a landlord to discover damage on their own.

Here are some tips that may help:

- Be proactive — Letting the landlord know sooner rather than later shows good faith and builds trust
- Explain the context briefly — You don't need to overshare, but a simple explanation that your child has autism and sometimes has meltdowns can humanize the situation
- Propose a payment plan in writing — Putting it in writing shows responsibility and gives both parties something to refer back to
- Document everything — Take photos of damage and keep records of all communications with your landlord
- Know your rights — In many places, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for disabilities, which may include flexible arrangements for repairs

Being upfront also reduces anxiety for you — waiting and wondering if they'll find out can be its own kind of stress spiral.

A MyAutismTeam member once shared that their neighbors were surprisingly understanding once they explained their child's situation. Many people simply don't know what autism looks like until someone tells them.

April 29

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Irvine, CA