should I try it? | Autism PDD

If you feel comfortable with the people then I would do it. Your other children need time with you too and your son might enjoy it. You are not abandoning him you are doing what lots of moms do and dropping him off with a babysitter. Don't feel guilty. Turtle39365.4668518519Hi All!

I was called yesterday by a local ARC representative telling me about a respite program for my son. It's 24/7, and basically it's babysitting for kids with developmental disabilities. I could bring him in for an hour, a day, overnight, etc.

I have an appointment to go see the house (it's a drop off respite), meet the staff, ask questions, etc. On one hand, it may be nice to get a little time with my older 2 kids to see a movie, go out for dinner, etc. However, I feel guilty dropping him off.

I wouldn't utilize overnights, because I would miss him too much, but maybe 2 hours here and there. What do you guys think?

nakama
YES! Go check it out first ask questions meet the people who will be dealing with you child. If you get the feeling that it is a good place take advantage of the offer. I wish I had someplace like this. I wouldn't do overnights either. When the sun sets my children will be in their own beds safe and sound.I'd say if it is offered and the people seem okay do it. We are on the waiting list for respite care we have been on it for 3 1/2 years and are still about the 200th family on the list. Definetly give yourself a break and spend some time with your other children even if it is just for a couple of hours.

YES! YES! YES! Of course you should. As the old saying goes...You deserve a break today.

Perhaps you can get a feel for the place first and see if it clicks for you.

Good luck.

Check it out, and see how you feel. I say, if they seem responsible and able
to rlate to your child, then DROP HIM OFF!, and don not feel guilty. All of us
need specialized childcare. It sound like a wonderful solution to me.

DEFINITELY check it out. I have a respite worker that comes to my home when I need her, and it is such a great thing to have in place.

I rarely use her, but just last week, for my oldest son's school open house, I called her up and she came and stayed here so I could go for the whole thing.

I agree go look at the place meet the prople who will be taking care of your child.. I t may happen that he will have a great time there .

Do it and don't feel guilty. As long as he enjoys going there, you can view this as a step towards independence for him. Having a life outside the nuclear family is something that the majority of your son's age peers probably experience -- dance class, overnight at Grandma's, whatever. The usual options are often not possible for kids like ours, so respite can be a good alternative for a fun and rewarding social life.

Thanks everyone!!!

I have an appointment next Monday with the director of the respite house, so we'll see how it goes. I'll keep you posted.

Nakama

Well, I'm going to disagree and say NO....

JUST KIDDING !!! YES YES YES ....take a break for yourself !!

I struggled for a LONG time with never wanting to "exclude" my daughter. I felt if I went to the movies with her brothers, then she MUST be there, too....

But the truth for us was that she is HAPPIER at home with the sitter doing what SHE likes to do and I get some uninterupted time with my boys to do stuff THEY like to do.

Check it out, be sure you are comfortable with it. We get some respite help through the ARC as well....though....hers isn't at a set location....they give us funding to pay for a sitter to come to our house.

But by all means....ANY support you can get, you should take and use wisely !!