| One of the hardest things to do as a parent of an | | | | For information on how to start the process to obtain |
| autistic child is having to consider the need for | | | | residential placement for your child contact the Office |
| residential placement. No matter how much we love | | | | of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities |
| our child, and make every effort to care for her at | | | | in your state, the Developmental Disabilities Services |
| home, a person with autism may need higher levels of | | | | Office or county Department of Mental Health. These |
| specialized care, support and supervision, which may | | | | offices may have similar names in your state of |
| better meet their needs in a residential setting. | | | | residence. |
| These are emotional and challenging times. And the | | | | Ask to be referred for services, such as residential |
| service delivery process is often complex to get an | | | | placement. Parents may refer their own child(ren). And |
| autistic child into residential placement. But we, as | | | | ask that you be sent a Services Guide which will |
| parents, can first learn what residential placement | | | | outline available specialized support and services in |
| options exist and are available, and other information | | | | your area and provide a list of non-profit agency |
| which can help to relieve some of this stress. | | | | providers. Tell them that you may need a service |
| There are various types of residential placement | | | | coordinator, a person who assists families of an |
| options available for an individual with autism depending | | | | autistic child to develop an individualized plan of service |
| upon the level of care a person may need. | | | | or ISP. For more information and tips on how to select |
| Traditional Certified Residential Placement Programs | | | | a service coordinator go to: |
| Traditional residential programs are established models | | | | Also contact your local school district for its assistance |
| of service, which provide a set of services based | | | | in this process. Particularly if your child is making poor |
| upon regulatory requirements. Three types of housing | | | | progress in a day school, or home program, and |
| options are available: Traditional Certified Residential | | | | residential placement is being considered or |
| Options, Assistance and supports in non-certified | | | | recommended for a child's Individualized Education Plan |
| settings; and assistance with Home Ownership. | | | | or IEP. An IEP is a written document that outlines a |
| To learn more about: | | | | child's education. |
| - Traditional Certified Residential Placement Programs | | | | Remember to reach out or call upon your support |
| - Alternative Residential Placement Options | | | | system to help you and your family through what may |
| - Selecting a Residential Placement Service Provider | | | | be a difficult time. |
| - Special Considerations For Parents of School-Aged | | | | Best wishes! |
| Childrenvisit: | | | | |