Understanding the Whole Person: How SLG’s Innovative Approach Supports Adults with Autism in Connecticut

At The Supported Living Group (SLG), we’ve always believed that every adult with autism deserves support that reflects their individuality, not just their diagnosis. As a leading non-medical, community-based provider for adults using Connecticut’s ASD Waiver Program, SLG is proud to offer a person-centered model that aligns with the latest science and honors the lived experiences of those we serve.

New Autism Research Validates What SLG Has Known All Along

A groundbreaking study by the Center for Applied Genomics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), published in Nature Neuroscience, analyzed over 5,000 children with autism and identified four distinct autism subtypes, each linked to unique clinical traits and underlying biology. These findings underscore what families, self-advocates, and neurodiversity professionals have said for years: autism is not one thing — it's many things.

Here are the four subtypes uncovered in the study:

1. Language & Learning Challenges

   • Traits: Cognitive delays, difficulties with verbal communication, and learning challenges.

   • SLG Response: Tailored communication strategies, life skills coaching, and hands-on support in community settings to build confidence and competence.

2. Sensory-Motor Challenges

   • Traits: Hypersensitivities to sound, light, touch; difficulties with motor coordination and integration.

   • SLG Response: Sensory-friendly environments, flexible daily planning, and adaptive activities in the home and community to reduce stress and support regulation.

3. Behavioral and Emotional Regulation Difficulties

   • Traits: Intense emotional responses, self-injurious behavior, difficulty managing transitions or stress.

   • SLG Response: Trauma-informed care, consistent routines, and highly trained staff who emphasize emotional safety and self-advocacy.

4. Executive Function & Attention Differences

   • Traits: Difficulty with planning, organization, impulse control, or sustained attention.

   • SLG Response: Coaching to develop structure, supported decision-making, and tools to build independence through scaffolding and mentorship.

These subtypes help validate our core philosophy: effective support must be individualized and dynamic — not cookie-cutter.

SLG’s Unique Support Philosophy: Grounded in Research, Built on Respect

SLG’s non-medical services are designed around the whole person. Our CT ASD Waiver support model embraces each individual's goals, strengths, and needs — whether they align with one of the newly identified subtypes or represent a unique blend of traits.

Here’s how we do it:

🌟 Person-Centered Planning

We co-create goals with the participant, not just for them. Whether someone wants to pursue employment, build social connections, or live more independently, we listen, plan, and adapt as goals evolve.

🏠 Community-Based Supports

Support is most meaningful when it happens in real life. That’s why SLG services are rooted in the community, in homes, libraries, creative spaces, coffee shops, and in nature, not simply clinical offices.

🧠 Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices

We don’t see autism as something to be "fixed", we support people as they are, while providing the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

🎨 Creative Programs Like Inspire Arts

Programs such as Inspire Arts and Healing by Growing provide therapeutic, expressive outlets that build confidence and connection while honoring different learning styles and sensory needs.

Why Families Across Connecticut Trust SLG for ASD Waiver Services

✅ Deep expertise in adult autism support
✅ Compassionate, trained staff who understand sensory and emotional needs
✅ Flexible service models that adapt with the individual
✅ Strong partnerships with families and care teams
✅ Innovative programming grounded in the latest research

Autism Support That Evolves With You

As research continues to illuminate the complexity of autism, The Supported Living Group remains committed to evolving with it — and with the individuals we serve. Whether someone experiences sensory overload, struggles with organization, or thrives in creative expression, SLG meets them where they are — and helps them grow from there.

📍 Now accepting new referrals for ASD Waiver & Private Pay participants across Connecticut.
📞 Contact us today to learn how our innovative, community-based approach can support your loved one’s independence and quality of life by calling 860-774-3400.