Answer Summary

Members rallied around a parent seeking long-term care options for their 9-year-old son with autism and aggression, with one member sharing a... Read more

Members rallied around a parent seeking long-term care options for their 9-year-old son with autism and aggression, with one member sharing a detailed story of a friend whose son was placed in specialized residential schools in other states through advocacy and legal assistance, noting that separation is difficult but sometimes necessary for the child's wellbeing. Several members emphasized the value of ABA therapy despite lengthy waiting lists, recommending that the parent join every possible waitlist and call frequently since spots open up as families find alternatives, with one member sharing how two years of intensive ABA transformed their ability to connect with their daughter. A recurring theme was the balance between a parent's heartbreak over separation and the determination to secure the best resources, with members offering practical research links, encouragement to stay persistent, and even offering to teach DIY ABA techniques through YouTube videos while waiting for professional services.