Are You Considering Residential Placement For an Autistic Child?

One of the hardest things to do as a parent of an autistic child is having to consider the need for residential placement. No matter how much we love our child, and make every effort to care for her at home, a person with autism may need higher levels of specialized care, support and supervision, which may better meet their needs in a residential setting.

These are emotional and challenging times. And the service delivery process is often complex to get an autistic child into residential placement. But we, as parents, can first learn what residential placement options exist and are available, and other information which can help to relieve some of this stress.

There are various types of residential placement options available for an individual with autism depending upon the level of care a person may need.

Traditional Certified Residential Placement Programs

Traditional residential programs are established models of service, which provide a set of services based upon regulatory requirements. Three types of housing options are available: Traditional Certified Residential Options, Assistance and supports in non-certified settings; and assistance with Home Ownership.

To learn more about:

Traditional Certified Residential Placement Programs

Alternative Residential Placement Options

Selecting a Residential Placement Service Provider

Special Considerations For Parents of School-Aged Children

visit: child-autism-parent-cafe.com/residential-placement.html child-autism-parent-cafe.com/residential-placement.html.

For information on how to start the process to obtain residential placement for your child contact the Office of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities in your state, the Developmental Disabilities Services Office or county Department of Mental Health. These offices may have similar names in your state of residence.

Ask to be referred for services, such as residential placement. Parents may refer their own child(ren). And ask that you be sent a Services Guide which will outline available specialized support and services in your area and provide a list of non-profit agency providers. Tell them that you may need a service coordinator, a person who assists families of an autistic child to develop an individualized plan of service or ISP. For more information and tips on how to select a service coordinator go to: child-autism-parent-cafe.com/service-coordinator.html child-autism-parent-cafe.com/service-coordinator.html.

Also contact your local school district for its assistance in this process. Particularly if your child is making poor progress in a day school, or home program, and residential placement is being considered or recommended for a child's Individualized Education Plan or IEP. An IEP is a written document that outlines a child's education.

Remember to reach out or call upon your support system to help you and your family through what may be a difficult time.

Best wishes!

? Copyright 2008 Wanda Brown. All rights reserved.

Please feel free to publish this article on your web site and/or in your e-book or newsletters without any changes to the article, the authors resource information at the end of the article remains intact, and the links are live (clickable).

About this author
Wanda Brown is wife, mother, volunteer, presenter at parent support groups, former legal assistant and service coordinator, served as Board member to non-profit organizations, autism Advisory Groups and appeared on Cable 6 TV, guest speaker on XM Radio One, Tavis Smiley Radio, CNN Radio and WDIG Radio.