For many parents with an autistic child, placing them in a specialist autism care home is usually a necessary step forward, but often it’s a decision tinged with guilt, especially where the child is approaching adulthood and is facing living away from their parents for the first time. The staff who work in the many care homes which specialise in autism care fully understand how the parents and children feel during the transitional period and can offer advise and support throughout.

Needs vary throughout the autism spectrum and you need to be sure your child will given the necessary support and freedom where appropriate. As a child grows into adulthood, their special needs or leaning disability may allow them to eventually live more or less independently. Some autism care homes have facilities which cater for those capable of leading independent lives where the service users reside in self contained residences with all the necessary support on hand 24/7, yet have the freedom to get on with their own lives.

In other cases where independent living is not an option, autism care homes cater for their service users’ needs in as many different ways as there are differing needs. Many autism care homes use the term ‘person centered support’ but only those who fully understand special needs and learning disability can really deliver truly person centered support. Many young adults with autism may never lead an independent life, however through pro-active care where allowing individuals to recognise their own strengths and build on them gives each and every autistic child the best opportunity.

It can be hard for parents to help children with a learning disability as they, and through no fault of their own, have a tendency to do all they can for their children. The benefit of specialist care is to help young adults with special needs to learn to be as independent as possible. Sometimes it’s just being able to dress and wash themselves, but often it’s empowering them to be able to cook and clean, pay bills and manage finances.

Moving from a family home into a specialist care home is a truly massive step for both the child and the parents. This transition is something which can be managed with tact. Starting with a few day visits helps the child grow accustomed the new surroundings and lets them meet and make friends with other residents. Day visits can be followed by over night stays which further help them adapt to the new surroundings. Even with a transition plan in place, the final move in is going to be an emotional time for all parties. However when handled properly and professionally, moving from the family home to an autism care home is an exciting step forward.

Carl Liver

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