Do you have a child who needs residential treatment for autism, Intellectual Disability (ID), high-functioning autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or Rett Syndrome? Here is a listing of residential care facilities in the United States that accept children with these conditions.
- What is Residential Care for Children with Austim, ID, and Low Functioning?
- Group Homes for Autism, High Functioning Autism, and Community Supported Living
- Funding for Residential Care for Children
- Finding Residential Treatment Near Me
- Residential Treatment Centers in the United States for Children with Autism and Intellectual Delay
- Adelbrook in Connecticut
- Aloft in Idaho
- Anderson Center for Autism in New York
- Arrow Child and Family Ministries in Maryland and Texas
- Benedictine (Ben's) School in Maryland
- Brightstone Transitions in Georgia
- Charterhouse School in Virginia
- Devereax Behavioral Health in Pennsylvania
- Discovery Ranch for Boys in Utah
- Elk River Treatment Center in Alabama
- Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research in Michigan
- Hughes Education Center in Virginia
- KidsPeace Graham Lake in Maine
- Lakemary in Kansas
- Legacy By Gersh in New New Hampshire
- Little City in Illinois
- Millcreek in Mississippi
- Shorehaven in Maryland
- Spaulding Academy in New Hampshire
- Springbrook Autism Program in South Carolina
- The Stewart Home in Kentucky
- Sunshine Community in Ohio
- Villa Maria in Maryland
- The Woods in Pennsylvania
- Inpatient Treatment for Autism
- More Autism Parenting Resources
What is Residential Care for Children with Austim, ID, and Low Functioning?
Children who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), high functioning autism, Intellectual Disability (ID, which is low IQ), Rett Syndrome, or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) because of their needs may need to live outside of the family home in a residential or group home setting.
While the goal for children and teens is to keep them in a community and home environment, at times this isn’t possible due to safety concerns or the intensity of their needs. This can be due to their primary diagnosis or due to a secondary diagnosis such as a mental health issue. Some children also have medical issues that need to be addressed.
A residential setting is one where a child receives 24 hour, 7 days a week care and supervision. While children may live on separate floors or in cottages, this type of care is within a facility. Before you place a child in residential treatment, be sure to read our article with 10 shocking truths about facility treatment that every parent must know and click here to review the types of residential treatment available for children.
A group home is often a smaller setting within a neighborhood or community. Children and youth in this situation typically require less strict supervision. Click here to learn more about finding a group home for autism.
Group Homes for Autism, High Functioning Autism, and Community Supported Living
For adults with autism and Intellectual Disability (ID), moving into a group home or independent living can be an exciting time of transition. While this can be a time of mixed emotions, for many families this is a positive step of independence. For adults seeking group homes or residential care, check out this resource from Autism Speaks which includes a helpful Housing and Residential Supports Toolkit.
However, when a child needs to live outside the home environment, this is usually done because the behaviors are too much to handle in a family situation. This makes the process much more emotionally difficult.
If you are seeking residential care for your child, please know that you are not alone and it’s not because you have done anything wrong as a parent.
Funding for Residential Care for Children
How is residential treatment for autism and ID paid for? Funding for residential care programs may come from insurance, Medicaid, the local state or county Department of Mental or Behavior Health or Hygiene, or private sources such as from the family.
Click here for more details about how to pay for residential treatment for kids.
Finding Residential Treatment Near Me
Are you wondering where to find residential care that is near you? Contact your local county health department for referrals, ask your doctor or therapist, school district, or use our list below for resources.
Residential Treatment Centers in the United States for Children with Autism and Intellectual Delay
Adelbrook in Connecticut
Ädelbrook provides a variety of licensed residential programming, on our Cromwell campus and in the community, for young men and women diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Adelbrook’s residential program utilizes evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Their residential program places an emphasis on community involvement and developing the life skills needed for successful integration into the community setting.
Contact Adelbrook through their website or by calling (860) 635-6010 x5828.
Aloft in Idaho
Aloft Transitions is a residential, life transition program for young adults ages 18 to 30 years old.
Aloft sets itself apart by providing low ratio, high intensity mentoring, and frequent clinical counseling. This is combined with extended opportunities for independent, young adult career and educational pursuits.
They are located outside of Boise, Idaho.
Contact Aloft through their website or by calling 208-365-8049.
Anderson Center for Autism in New York
Anderson serves children 5-21 on a residential campus located two hours north of New York City. They also serve adults 21 and over in surrounding communities. Their goal is to optimize the quality of life for every child who receives care and services from their team of dedicated experts.
Contact Anderson Center through their website or by calling 845) 889-4034.
Arrow Child and Family Ministries in Maryland and Texas
Arrow was founded in 1992 by a former foster child who grew up in a loving, Christian foster home. Their residential programs provide a safe, home-like place to evaluate, treat, and prepare abused or neglected children for a more permanent placement.
They also have an autism/ID program in Maryland.
Contact Arrow Ministries through their website or by calling (877) 922-7769.
Benedictine (Ben’s) School in Maryland
The Benedictine School offers co-ed education and residential programs for students ages 5-21 with intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and autism.
Each student’s unique needs are met with high staff to student ratios and a multidisciplinary approach using research-based methods and techniques.
Learn more about Ben’s School through their website or by calling (410) 634-2112.
Brightstone Transitions in Georgia
Brightstone is an individualized Young Adult Transitional Program located in Gainsville, Georgia. They are a community integrated, coaching and mentoring model offering support for neurodiverse young men and women ages 18-30.
Brightstone works with youth with a variety of diagnosis including ADHD, ADD, OCD (mild), NLD, LD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder Level and often have multiple diagnosis. Brightstone allows each client to gain and apply the necessary skills and social acuity in real time through an individualized, personal growth plan based on their level of need.
Contact Brightstone through their website or by calling 802-345-1983.
Charterhouse School in Virginia
Charterhouse School is a place where Virginia’s kids with special needs can get out of their comfort zone and start to get out into the world. Charterhouse provides care for children with Autism and Other Neurological Differences, Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and Other Health Impairments.
They serve both day students and students who live at the Child & Family Healing Center and attend year-round.
Contact Charterhouse School through their website or by calling 866.562.8637.
Devereax Behavioral Health in Pennsylvania
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country and serves clients in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
For individuals in need of 24-hour, out-of-home services, their residential treatment programs provide the resources needed to meet an individual’s treatment, social and educational goals.
Contact Devereax through their website or by calling 1-800-345-1292.
Discovery Ranch for Boys in Utah
Discovery Ranch may be a suitable placement for some male children ages 13-18 with high-functioning autism and behavioral challenges.
At the Discovery Ranch treatment program for troubled teens, boys enjoy the benefits of intensive therapy combined with powerfully effective experiential learning activities. Young men acquire the tools they need to recognize and regulate their emotions so that they can control their actions.
Contact Discovery Ranch through their website or by calling 855-662-9318.
Elk River Treatment Center in Alabama
Elk River specializes in treating adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Elk River Treatment Center provides care for boys and girls ages 12 – 18. Elk River Treatment Program has successfully helped hundreds of adolescents who were admitted with a diagnosis of “high functioning” autism, meaning they can read, write, and manage life skills without around-the-clock assistance. (At one time, Aspergers was the term used to identify high functioning autism.) Elk River Treatment Program is unable to serve children who have a lower functioning and/or non-verbal ASD diagnosis.
Contact Elk River through their website or by calling 866-906-TEEN.
Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research in Michigan
Great Lakes Center for Autism provides an Intensive Residential Treatment Program that uses the principles of applied behavior analysis to help children with autism and those with other developmental disabilities reduce their unsafe behaviors.
Contact Great Lakes Center through their website or by calling (269) 250-8200.
Hughes Education Center in Virginia
The Hughes Center offers specialized residential treatment services for males and females, ages 10–22, who have been diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder, and who are experiencing significant social and behavioral difficulties within the home, school or community environments.
The Hughes Center provides educational services for residential students in a secure, youth-oriented environment. They offer accommodations and learning modifications for youth in their care, as well as individual support as needed.
Additionally, they provide community-based educational services for students in grades 5 through 12 who have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder.
Contact the Hughes Center through their website or by calling 434-836-8500.
KidsPeace Graham Lake in Maine
KidsPeace’s Graham Lake Campus in Ellsworth is located on 12 acres on the shores of Graham Lake in Ellsworth, ME, providing 24-hour supervised care.
The Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) program serves males and females 8-20 years old. Specialized care for children on the moderate end of the Autism Spectrum is offered in a highly structured environment.
KidsPeace Graham Lake can be reached by calling 207-667-0909 ext. 2312 or by visiting their website.
Lakemary in Kansas
Lakemary Center is a nonprofit organization that provides educational, mental and behavioral health, and social services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They provide child and adult services include psychiatric residential treatment, K-12 accredited school, case management, outpatient therapy, specialized foster care, employment and volunteer opportunities, residential living assistance and business solutions.
Lakemary’s Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) provides 24/7 therapeutic treatment for children and young adults ages 6-21 with a dual diagnosis of an intellectual/developmental disability (such as Autism) and a psychiatric disorder.
Contact Lake Mary through their website or by calling (913) 557-4000.
Legacy By Gersh in New New Hampshire
Legacy by Gersh in Greenfield offers autism services for boys and girls kindergarten through 12th grade. The school provides vocational training and residential services. Each campus is fully equipped to serve individuals on the autism spectrum at every stage of life.
The have school for students ages 4-21 with autism and behavioral challenges. They offer a full residential therapeutic program, as well as a day school program and a new 5-day residential program.
To find more information about Legacy by Gersh call 603-547-1894 or visit their website.
Little City in Illinois
Little City’s Child Bridge Center for Group-Home Living is a therapeutic community fostering independence, growth and learning. They provide first-class, therapeutic programs and services for children with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities including 24/7 residential, clinical care.
Their programs are for children between the ages of seven to 22 years old, with a full range of options empowering them develop in all facets of life as they bridge to adulthood.
Contact Little City through their website or by calling 847-358-5510.
Millcreek in Mississippi
Millcreek of Magee Treatment Center offers residential treatment and home-based programs for children & adolescents struggling with psychiatric and behavioral disorders. They provide specialized treatment programs for youth ages 6-21. Services include comprehensive treatment for children and adolescents who have intellectual disabilities, as well as care for those who have concerns that come with co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
Contact Millcreek through their website or by calling 866-532-5935.
Shorehaven in Maryland
Shorehaven is a 12-month, non-public special education residential and day school program for developmentally disabled children ages 6-21 years old.
Shorehaven accepts children with intellectual disability, autism, and multiple disabilities which include behavior disorders/oppositional behavior, self-injurious behavior, orthopedic and neurological impairment, and progressive medical diseases.
Find contact information for Shorehaven or by calling (410) 398-9850.
Spaulding Academy in New Hampshire
Spaulding Academy & Family Services in Northfield offers a cottage-based nurturing community which fosters the philosophies of a family unit. They offer year-round, special educational services for males and females with emotional and behavioral disorders and students with neurobehavioral disorders from kindergarten to age 21.
Spaulding Academy & Family Services serves children with disabilities including autism, emotional handicap, intellectual disabilities, speech or language impairment, specific learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities, and many more.
Contact Spaulding Academy by calling 603-286-8901 or by checking out their website.
Springbrook Autism Program in South Carolina
Springbrook provides a behavioral health center with a well-developed program for the treatment of autism in children ages 5-21. Their therapy programs for autism rely on the latest findings and the most effective research methods, and their therapists and other staff members meet regularly to discuss the child’s specific progress, goals, and challenges.
Their program is tailored to the child with autism and goal-oriented, rather than for long-term care, and works with children across the Southeast including Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina and South Carolina.
Springbrook also offers an acute stabilization program for approximately 28-days and is specifically designed to reach all levels of functioning adolescents over the age of 10 with ASD and related developmental disorders who are exhibiting behaviors that interfere with their success at home and school.
Contact Springbrook through their website or by calling (864) 834-8013.
The Stewart Home in Kentucky
Stewart Home & School is a therapeutic boarding school dedicated to the education of students with intellectual disabilities. The school’s philosophy centers on providing enriched opportunities for the pursuit of happiness and is a lifestyle of choice for its students and their families.
The school accepts people of all ages. Students must be ambulatory, capable of active participation, toilet trained and not a danger to themselves or others.
To learn more about the Stewart Home, try calling 502-227-4821 or by checking out their website.
Sunshine Community in Ohio
Sunshine Communities is a nonprofit organization located in northwest Ohio supporting people of all ages with developmental disabilities.
They provide residential, vocational, clinical, therapeutic, and recreational services. These services are offered in various locations including at their Maumee, Ohio campus and at homes within the community.
Sunshine individuals and staff operate Georgette’s Grounds and Gifts, a coffee shop and gift store. Sunshine Studios is an art studio space and gift store offering a work environment to individuals and classes to the community.
Contact Sunshine through their website or by calling 419-865-0251.
Villa Maria in Maryland
Villa Maria School (VMS) provides educational and clinical services for children with significant emotional, behavioral and learning challenges.
Villa Maria School has highly trained staff that work in partnership with our parents. They make every effort to assist each child in the return to their home school or to a less intensive program as soon as is possible. They help children become better learners, understand their feelings, and change their behaviors.
The school services children in grades Pre-K through 8th grade and has a short-term diagnostic residential program as well.
Learn more about all that Villa Maria has to offer by calling 667-600-3100 or by visiting their website.
The Woods in Pennsylvania
The Woods program provides innovative, comprehensive and integrated health, education, housing, workforce, behavioral health and case management services to more than 18,000 children and adults in the intellectual and developmental disability, child welfare, behavioral and brain trauma public health sectors who have complex and intensive medical and behavioral healthcare needs.
The Woods provides care for children and adults with Autism, Developmental Disability, Emotional and Behavioral Challenges, Brain Injury, and Prader Willi and medical complexities.
Contact The Woods through their website or by calling 800-782-3646.
Inpatient Treatment for Autism
What is Inpatient Treatment for Autism?
Inpatient treatment centers are short-term care that take place in hospitals or other institutional settings. Programs are typically 24 hours to 7 days with some programs being 30 days or longer, compared to residential treatment that is meant for 9-12 months or longer.
Inpatient treatment is meant to help during an acute crisis and not as long-term solution.
Click here for help with inpatient treatment for autism.
Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, Connecticut
The Hospital for Special Care has an Autism Inpatient Care program as part of their Autism Center. The Autism Inpatient Unit is designed to care for individuals who are displaying severe and treatment-resistant behavioral disorders (e.g., aggression, self-injury), or who have experienced a decline in their usual level of psychiatric functioning.
The program is intended for those children in acute crisis, ages 10 – 21 (younger children will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
Contact the Hospital for Special Care at their website or call 860-827-4841.
With these resources for residential care for a child with autism or ID, you will be able to find the appropriate placement where your child can grow, thrive, and live up to their potential.
Click here for a free PDF printable checklist of the 7 steps to take when your child needs residential treatment.
Do you know of another treatment center that should be included on our list? Share it in the comments below or send us an email [email protected].
More Autism Parenting Resources
75+ Parent Reviews of Residential Treatment Programs for Children & Teens – Download this Comprehensive Residential Treatment Report
Residential Treatment for Younger Children (Ages 5-12 Years) – While it can be difficult to find, there are treatment programs that accept young children.
5 Steps to Calm Your Screaming Autistic Child – how to help your child calm down quickly.
Can an Autistic Child Become Normal? – will therapy “cure” autism?
When Your Autistic Child Never Stops Talking – strategies for parents to take.
Steps to Get an Autistic Child to Sleep – make bedtime better for your child and whole family
Eating Disorders and Autism – what parents need to know
Mrs. Carter,
I am a mom of a child who needs PRFT services but her functioning level is so low we keep getting denied. Can you recommend anything for helping my child get mental health services?
Sincerely,
Rach
Hi Racheal, You are in a tough situation. I’m sorry you are going through this. I would suggest contacting some of the listed residential facilities on this post that work with kids with lower IQ and ask for their recommendations. You can also contact the department of mental health in your county and request services, and they will be able to point you in the right direction for assistance. What state are you in?
Hi Rachael,
Thanks for the list of resources, it is great! Our 19 yr old son was just diagnosed with autism high functioning spectrum disorder (I) and we’re trying to identify which residential inpatient program would be the best fit for him. Most of the programs you’ve listed accept children up through age 21 – he’d rather be in a young adults 18-26 or similar program. Can you suggest a few facilities that we should hone in on?
Ty
Rick
Aloha,
We have a 14 year old male of Native Hawaiian descent who is on the low functioning level of the spectrum (nonverbal, cannot care for himself, needs help with basic hygiene/toiletry) with no placement options.
He has been in our system since he was about 7 years old. Both parents are nonexistent and we have no family willing to care for him. We have no facilities or placements in our entire state of Hawaii that can provide him the care and services for his needs.
He is a ward of the state so placement would be through Department of Human Services/Child Welfare Services. We are looking for a long-term permanent placement for this youth as he will need life long care.
We would love to hear from any providers or organizations that can help us help this child.
I am a single mother with a 20 y/o son with PRAEDER-WILLI-SYNDROME…. I am having the most difficult time finding residential care for him. I have been on this quest for about 4 years now. We live in Tulsa Ok. I really need
Rachael
I have such a difficult case. My day is currently in a group home in Texas and we moved to Kansas and need to transition her but the waiver doesn’t transfer and wait list is a decade long. I am at such a loss and hate her being so far away. I’m not finding any options in our area.
My name is Michelle I will like a call back 5xx-xxx-xxxx in regards to my son.
Hi Michelle, Thanks for your comment. We don’t offer a phone call service at this time, but I hope you’re able to find some helpful resources here for your son.
Hey
Looking for a residential programme for my Autistic son , does it goes with the insurance or how it works ?? Do they provide ABA services there as well , is there any in Texas ?? Houston or nearby
We have been trying to get our lower functioning 12yo daughter into a Residential Treatment Facility.
We live in Fl & we are on a waitlist w a place in FL & SC.
We have been in crisis for about 5 years now.
I have a 22 year old son that has dual diagnosis. He is mostly nonverbal. When he talks it’s not to communicate. Having trouble finding an inpatient facility because he is unable to do the phone interview. Do you know of any place that could accept and help him ?
I need a o find long term care for my 14 year old low functioning autistic granddaughter in Alabama. Is there such a place?
Here is a listing of some options in your state: https://parentingstronger.com/therapeutic-boarding-schools-alabama/ You might also need to consider treatment centers outside of your state in order to find the care she needs.
I am searching for a residential facility for my 7 year old granddaughter that is autistic and non-verbal, in the State of Mississippi. She is non-combative and loves to learn. Is there such a place that is well staffed with schooling?
We have a 12 year old with a rare genetic disorder, autism and an IQ of 40. We are willing to move to any state in order to find a suitable placement for him. We would like to hire an advocate. Are you interested? We are currently living in Mississippi. Thank you for this information, Millcreek is not a great option.
Thank you,
Debbie
Good Afternoon,
I am writing for my aunt. She has a daughter (15 years old) who is very low functioning autistic. She is non verbal and has behavior issues. My aunt in in desperate need of finding her a residential facility that can handle her. They live in Indiana but are willing to travel. Please let me know if you can help us or if you know someone that can,
Thank you,
Ashley
have a nephew he is autistic, 17 years old,
he is very aggressive with his mom and me
frequently, he feels in control of the house.
We are working with social services but
like he is only aggressive with his
caregivers they can’t do anything, he hasn’t
therapy for 4 years, like he’s aggressive
with us they don’t have staff enough strong
to work with him. One day this can end in a misfortune. We need a behavioral treatment center, it is the recommendation from his psychiatrist and therapist. We need a place accepts Medicaid or it have some financial assistance.
I have yousef 10 years old
Severely autistic
Non verbal
I’m looking for a boarding school
& I want to ask about. Annual fees
We are from Saudi Arabia
I need help finding my kid help. I live in southern Utah & it’s a very unpleasant place to live with a special needs child. My kid is 9 & low functioning with toileting/hygiene, getting better with speech, 3 grades behind in reading & worse of all, he’s has anger & behavioral issues. He’s mean, hits people, swears, & throws things. Either breaking things or hurting people. I can’t handle him & can’t find anything more than ABA for help. I want to move to a state with more help available, but I don’t know what to do.
I have been struggling for years with 13 year old son. He is truly the sweetest little boy but as he has reached puberty and his GI problems climax every 3 or4 weeks he has become aggressive, frustrated and sad. Sometimes he cries so hard after a meltdown and just wants to snuggle. I have grown to talk rather than stop him because he would only become more agitated as if he “needs” to complete the motions of the meltdown. He is considered low functioning because he is nonverbal but when he isn’t under the stress of constipation he is a talker and I have learned to decipher the what he says which made him the happiest boy on earth the first time I understood him. But I am not capable of teaching him what he deserves nor keeping his GI under control. I feel like I am failing him all the time and the Dr s so far have really only offered SSRIs or clonidine.
my wife and i have a 11yr old son who has severe autism who also is non-verbal. we are seeking a treatment center that can be with him on a 24/7 basis we no longer believe that we can give him the attention and the help he so much deserves. as he begins to grow into a teenager and a young man
I am in search of a residential home for my 9 year old grandson who is autistic and nonverbal. We live in the state of Georgia and I just want to find somewhere for him so that he can get the proper care that he needs. I do not want him in a place where they just pump him full of meds because they can’t control him .
I love that you talked that addressing mental health concerns is also prioritizing the overall well-being of the child. My sister told me last night that she was hoping to find therapy for my nephew with autism to help him with a better understanding and condition approach. She asked if I had ideas on the best option for evaluation. Thanks to this helpful autism guide article for effective planning. I’ll tell her that we can consult a trusted autism therapist as they can help provide more detailed information about the therapy process.
I have a 46 year old son who is highly functional but will need help living indepentally. Is there any residental homes in the Humble, TX area?
My son is currently in a group home in Clearwater, Tampa. But I always wanted to know if they are other residential home out there for him to busy all the time. He goes to a day program and does go out but limited.
I just want to know other names for group homes outside of Florida.