Remember the Discussion about Natural Supports?

[Guest guest]

After reading about it on IPADD, I am participating in a wiki group for those

with kids/teens/adults on the autism spectrum.

Here are comments from a parent in another state, which may be giving an idea

where that " natural supports " concept is leading....

" There is an organized group in my state which provides co-ops where the person

is part of the co-op.

" Problem is you need what are called 'natural supports'. In other words, big

family that is willing to help--a lot. They do some of the same type things as

this house arrangement. [Refers to another post about housing under Medicaid

Waiver.]

" They are also trying to organize groups of parents. But where are these parents

of kids who fall thru the cracks? We have struggled to find them. I have

started support groups, scoured lots of places, so far, my son and one other

person fit this criteria in 27 years of living in a mid-size city. My

experience with trying to partner with those on the waiver who get services and

those of us who are not, is a big fat cold shoulder! "

So, in at least one state, the phrase " natural supports " is part of a discussion

about adults who are not living with family members.

-Gail