Autistic Kids Homepage

Question: Are group homes a good choice for autistic kids?

(Posted by: pureblessingfromabove on 2006-08-10 12:51:01)

My son is 18 and the social structure in our home is not secure enough to meet all of his needs. I am looking for help/ support to put him in a group home. I have raised this boy myself, and now I can't do it anymore. Anyone have any input that may help me with this new change? All comments are welcome! OKAY! I was not as descriptive as I should have been. My son CAN NOT live at home anymore because he has become violent and I can't find anyone that will baby sit him while I am at work. I have two other children 8 and 3 and they are afraid of their brother now. I want to keep my 6'4 " 230lb baby at home but he might kill us! Now, that's the situation I have. AND I want positive feedback please. I've been through a whole lot this week!

Posted by: momo_ferrari_xenosaga on 2006-08-10, 12:55:23

Group homes are sometimes dangerous. It's kinda like a nursing home. They could abuse your kid like they do the old people.

Posted by: bia bia on 2006-08-10, 12:57:10

I guess it all depends on the group home and it's ability to meet his needs. I would suggest keeping him at home, but I do not know enough about your predicament. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Posted by: Spirit Walker on 2006-08-10, 12:57:31

It depends on if YOU can give the proper level of care. It is hard. There are some WONDERFUL group homes out there, and there are some living hell ones. If you place him in one, choose carefully. God bless.

Posted by: judith11center on 2006-08-10, 12:57:35

I'm sure this was a very difficult decision to make and I hope you have other family members supporting you in your decision. Inquire of your family phsycian or the local school district of group home situations that would be the right place for your son. There may be a local autistic support group that may be able to offer you advice and suggestions.

Posted by: OK on 2006-08-10, 12:57:39

This is tough...My nephew is Autistic. I totally understand your frustration and concern....I think this is something you need to discuss with the home itself. Trust your motherly instints to tell you if he will thrive or decline in that environment. It is difficult to predict until you visit the actual home.

Posted by: B W on 2006-08-10, 12:57:53

It all depends, you much do a lot of research and stay on the staff if you do choose to put him in a group home, I worked at a group home while I was in college, be careful before and after...good luck!!

Posted by: FlowerGarden on 2006-08-10, 13:00:08

No I have a negative view on group homes, for healthy kids they often get lost and become a number. For an autistic kid there is so much that is needed to assist them in having healthy, happy and productive lives. See if this person running the home has experience and also if there were any cases brought against them.

Posted by: mediahoney on 2006-08-10, 13:01:26

It's tough. Finding a good group home is as difficult as finding a good nursing home. It's best to visit the facility unannounced. If they try to steer you away from certain areas, that's a red flag. If they allow you to wander around freely that's a good sign. It's best to talk to the residents when there are no staff members are around. Good luck to you!

Posted by: nickynoodle on 2006-08-10, 13:07:04

I understand exactly what you are going thru,. I have a multi handicap child that I put in a group home 1 year ago, he is 11 years old and weighs 96 pounds. he is not able to walk,.doesn't speak,etc etc. He does have a personality though and loves to get hugs and kisses. I was no longer able to physically care for him. I did my research and found a suitable placement for him. A group home is only as good as the family members that help the staff learn their child. There are some really good homes out there you just have top do the research. You will also be faced with people saying stupid things like "I could never give my child up " My son has done beautifully in his placement,and it has made a huge difference with my family.Good Luck, from one who understands the guilt that you will feel and the heartache that goes along with this type decision. One thing that helped me get thru this is that Good Parents raise their children to move away,and not rely on them for a lifetime.

Posted by: jonathancharlespayson on 2006-08-10, 13:28:49

I agree with those speaking out against group homes. My sister is just turning twenty-five and she went in and out of a few in her teens. Those places are one of the worst things you can do to an autistic child or teen. I recommend looking for a one to one person. Typically a good live in nurse or aid with experience and a calm demeanor is just what's needed (My sister's in a situation like that and she hasn't been this well off since she was six or seven). Ask through local government agencies about good recommendations for live in nurses that he could live with. I recommend going through NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill).

Posted by: meemeemee40 on 2006-08-10, 14:13:32

I have worked in 3 diff group homes....each r dff in their own way. look around do your research and you will be pleased, a couple even have a workshop,they get payed 2 learn .most of the group homes goals r 4 them to learn 2 live independ or with a roommate.....if you would like to talk my e-mail (IM) is meemeemee40@yahoo.....i really do wish you & yours my blessing