As parents of a kid on the spectrum, we struggled a lot. There was some support (we are in bay area, California), but what we needed the most was respite and we didn't get it enough. Now that our kids are somewhat older and we don't feel like drowning all the time, I wonder if we could do something to help others.

Based on my own experience, I think parents need respite more than anything. So setting up a center where they can leave kids for some time would be a great help. But I am not sure if I am just projecting my experience.

Any thoughts?

Note: I am aware that regional centers, PHP, and schools provides various types of support in the bay area. Regional centers provide some hours of respite funding, but it is just funding. Getting actual respite was hard.