too.
I think it would be a good idea if you thought about sending your child to summer camp next year. A two week "adventure" away from Maw and Paw might be the first step in independence for him. He needs to feel as though he has something of his own--he's at the age where children start to separate from their parents, and that's no different even if there are cognitive issues or other mental impairments.
Here's a place to start, anyway: http://www.mysummercamps.com/camps/Special_Needs_Camps/
If money is an issue, don't give up--some of these places have scholarships and reduced "tuitions"--you know what I tell folks? It can't hurt to ask...the worst thing anyone can tell you is NO, and that's where you're at before you do anything at all.
Do you think he'd be suitable at a Camphill location? They have three "villages" in USA, and one in Canada. I don't really know what you're up against with your child, so I could be talking out my behind, here, but I'm just offering this as a possibility. He'd have to be accepted there, and that's a community where everybody works--kind of like a commune. Something to think about, anyway. http://www.camphill.org/
On edit--here's a place that might be right up your alley...worth a look, anyway: http://www.gouldfarm.org/
Gould Farm is the first residential therapeutic community in the nation dedicated to helping adults with mental illness move toward recovery, health and greater independence through community living, meaningful work and individual clinical care.
In a supportive community environment made up of residents, staff and their families, we help adults with depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia begin to rebuild and regain their lives. Gould Farm offers a full continuum of care, with a Boston-area program for those ready for new challenges and structured transition.
You might want to "plan a visit" and see what's what...couldn't hurt!
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