Justin, 32, and Sarah, 24, have Down syndrome. While Justin is confident and keen to assert his role as house alpha male, Greek Australian Sarah is a practicing Christian, and more docile and conservative.

Alongside Kirk, 22, diagnosed with autism, the trio are stars of the new, refreshing six-part documentary series showing currently on ABC, featuring the three young adults with intellectual disabilities that fly the nest and move into a new home for 10 weeks.

Experiencing life away from parents and learning to live more independently is a dream for all of them. And if it works out, they can stay on and call The Dreamhouse home.

As the only girl, and the youngest in a family of seven brothers, Sarah is not shy about giving her opinion. A proud Greek Australian, she keeps a very busy schedule, attending drama and dance classes, as well as holding down a job at Activ Foundation.

Kirk, the youngest, is very loud and energetic and hopes to make new friends, but his autism means that social relationships can be challenging.
Over 10 weeks these three very different people go on a huge learning curve as they explore how to manage a house and how to live with each other.

They party, fight, flirt, and above all, grow exponentially in the process, and reveal a vibrant new world that is theirs alone.

Supporting them along the way is a team of (mostly) same-age volunteer buddies led by disability specialist Geoff Potter, to help steer them in the right direction.

The Dreamhouse is life changing for Justin, Sarah and Kirk, and also for their parents, who watch their children grow in self confidence and flourish in the most unexpected ways that will affect their lives profoundly.

Sarah starts out as dependant and shy but once in her new home she emerges from under the protective shell of her mother, revealing her true steely self.

“I’m the boss,” she announces shortly after moving in.

She, more than anyone, becomes the house enforcer, and often brings conflict to a head by insisting things are dealt with.

Bursting with humour, conflict and tenderness, The Dreamhouse provides a bold insight into a world rarely seen before on television.

For the housemates, the real strength of living in the house is the confidence they get from the experience and their enduring friendship with each other.

But many other practical skills are developed along the way which will affect their lives profoundly.

The last, sixth episode of The Dreamhouse will be screened on Thursday 11 September, 9.30 pm on ABC. To watch previous episodes, visit http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/dreamhouse/