A new form of living for people with autism/atypical development to enable independent functioning. Habitat Lekker Leven is going to start a new form of living for (young) adults with autism/atypical development to lead them to an independent life in society: The Habitat Delfos House.

This housing form combines a number of basic characteristics that have proven to be powerful sources for development. It is intended for adults who still live with their parents, but who would like to develop towards independence. They often have no education or work that is suitable for them and no social network around them.

People between the ages of 18 and 35 who would like to function independently, but are not yet able to do so.

How is this house different?

It is not just about living somewhere, but with people who, just like you, want to function independently and are willing to help each other. Help from parents. The main foundation for children into adulthood are their parents.
The vision from which we work is development, the vision of autism as atypical development (Martine Delfos). Residents and accompanying parents have a great responsibility. This creates a need for testing what you do and think and sometimes for new ideas, but also the need to be able to fall back on someone.

To this end, professionals are employed who function on the basis of availability. With their growing development, residents can also let their own parents or family enjoy a weekend or week in a 'holiday house' and cook for them or come up with fun activities.

What makes it different?

The Habitat Delfos House is intended for a phase of life in which residents continue to develop with others and there is no community there. Others who can support them, but who they also support: as a choice. It can be a living situation where the parents with the residents are responsible, not the professionals.

It is a living situation where customization arises from the obvious focus on each other, not a sheltered living situation where there is a counseling or treatment plan. Residents get what they really need.

Quotes from Martine Delfos

'Autism is not a disorder, not a defect, but an atypical development'

'We don't have to understand everything,
as long as we understand that we don't understand,
then we treat the other person with more respect'

'You can get the best out of yourself
if you know that the other is available'

'Expertise is in the person self'

'Parents are the basis of your existence'

'Helping each other helps'

'In a panic you are not at its smartest'