"Group homes create families"

Residential Community Living

It is not an easy decision to outsource the care of your son or daughter. It takes time to take that step. When the time comes, you won't make it happen overnight. You are looking for a safe living environment for your child. You allow him or her to live as independently as possible, but with professional support. That's what GreaterGood offers with Residential Community Living.

GreaterGood Community aims to provide suitable living arrangements and specialized residential care for young adults with autism or similar developmental disabilities. Our services offer accommodation and support 52 weeks a year, 24 hours a day for our residents.

Our project will be carried out in three phases. Phase 1 will involve the construction of two houses, each accommodating four residents. Phase 2 will see the addition of two more homes. Phase 3 is intended for the further expansion of the community.

Phase 1 is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.

Autism-Friendly Designed Homes

Why Is Autism-Friendly Design Important?

Children and adults with autism experience the world differently than people who are neurotypical. Those with autism may be hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hypo-sensitive (under-responsive) to stimuli in their daily environment and react to things that you may not always — or ever — notice.

Since much of autism therapy focuses on behaviour management, therapists, caregivers and families alike constantly look for ways to make the home environment more comfortable for their loved one with autism. Ultimately, these design solutions should provide a safe space that promotes growth, development and a better quality of life.

A growing body of research also suggests that minor changes or adjustments to sensory inputs in the home can reinforce positive behaviors and create a safe oasis for people with autism. A person’s physical environment can so profoundly impact their functional and social performance that autism-friendly modifications have become integral to autism educational and treatment centers.

Our Homes

At GreaterGood, we have invested a significant amount of time and effort into creating a living space that is perfectly suited for individuals with autism. When designing homes for our residents, one of the most crucial considerations is predictability. A well-thought-out floor plan makes it easier for both children and adults with autism to navigate their living spaces. An important aspect of designing a home for individuals with autism is the clear separation of rooms and spaces. Predictability and routines play a vital role in the lives of individuals with autism. The higher the predictability, the lower the resistance and behavioural rigidity. When the layout of a room is predictably organized, individuals with autism can better focus on emotional and behavioural regulation.

Important considerations for designing our homes include sensory sensitivities (sensory room), layout of private and public areas, paint and finishing, lighting, acoustics, and safety.

Floorplan Strategies

To navigate successfully in any environment, it is crucial to have a clear layout. People with autism can find places that lack clarity extremely confusing and difficult, if not impossible, to navigate. This is true even within the home. To create a welcoming and understandable environment, it is important to prioritize legibility and connectivity—both visually and physically. A predictable environment that clearly communicates its function may reduce frustration and confusion, leading to more effective use of all household spaces. Thoughtful space planning can empower residents by encouraging choice, autonomy, and independence (Ahrentzen and Steele, 2009).