Respite, defined as an interval of relief, is crucial for families supporting a family member with a developmental disability. LAFF provides 1:1 support to individuals. Our goal is to provide quality services that enable the family to feel comfortable with taking a break from the highly intensive supervision and care of their of their family member, while honoring their choice and commitment to keep the family member in their home.

Respite staff receives specialized training in behavior management and crisis intervention. Assistance is provided with an individual’s daily routine—self-help needs, self-control needs—needs that are typically performed by family members.

An SAS Story…

In 1999, David’s parents, exhausted and stressed, were desperate for some rest. Their 11-year-old son David’s autism, hyperactivity, and physical aggression required around the clock care and supervision. They were excited to find out that Supporting Alternative Solutions specialized in supporting children with significant behavior challenges. David’s family had been through many respite agencies that said they could no longer serve him because of his aggressive behavior.

David’s first respite provider at SAS supported him and his family for 4 years, and when she moved on, Angel stepped in. Angel truly became their angel allowing them to get the much-needed break they deserved. She would go to their house for one weekend per month building a rapport with both David and his parents.

During these special weekends they would discover the sites in San Diego. They were regulars at Belmont Park and the local IHOP and Angel even accompanied David and his parents to Disneyland. Without over 11 years of loving care and respite that SAS provided for David’s parents, they agreed that they would have had to put David in an out of home placement facility. Supporting Alternative Solutions helps families like David’s cope and thrive through much needed Respite and other critical services.