The Crisis in Autism Care: Why Oversight Matters and How We Can Do Better
The recent Connecticut Mirror report on the alarming lack of oversight in autism service providers has brought to light a deep and unsettling issue—one that affects some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. The fact that therapeutic autism centers in Connecticut operate without the same regulatory safeguards as other care facilities is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it is a fundamental failure to protect those who cannot advocate for themselves.
At The Supported Living Group (SLG), we believe that high-quality, person-centered care is essential for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is why our ASD Waiver Services for Adults are designed to provide structured, accountable, and ethical support—something the broader system is clearly lacking.
The Problem: No Real Safeguards, No Real Accountability
The article outlines several critical failures in Connecticut's oversight of autism care centers, including:
✅ No mandatory background checks on staff, leaving individuals vulnerable to unqualified or even predatory providers.
✅ No review of abuse or neglect reports, meaning serious violations can occur without consequence.
✅ No clear standards for discipline, creating the potential for inconsistent and potentially harmful practices.
This lack of oversight has serious consequences. Families place their trust in these facilities, believing their loved ones are receiving the highest standard of care. Instead, they are often met with inconsistencies, unregulated environments, and in some cases, outright neglect.
What Quality Autism Support SHOULD Look Like
The reality is that regulations alone don’t create quality care—commitment, expertise, and ethical responsibility do. At The Supported Living Group, our ASD Waiver Services for Adults set the standard for what accountable, high-quality autism support should look like:
🔹 Trained & Vetted Staff – Every staff member undergoes rigorous screening and ongoing professional development to ensure they are truly qualified to support individuals with ASD.
🔹 Individualized, Evidence-Based Support – We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual in our program receives a customized support plan tailored to their unique needs and goals.
🔹 Transparent & Ethical Practices – Unlike unregulated autism centers, SLG operates with full transparency—regular audits, family collaboration, and a commitment to person-centered care.
🔹 Safe & Structured Environments – Whether through residential, vocational, or community-based support, our priority is always to ensure safety, dignity, and independence for those we serve.
The lack of oversight in Connecticut’s autism service system is not just an issue for policymakers—it is an issue for every family, every provider, and every advocate who cares about the well-being of individuals with ASD. The time to demand clear standards, ethical accountability, and a higher quality of care is now.
At The Supported Living Group, we are proud to be part of the solution. If you are looking for trusted, accountable ASD Waiver Services for Adults, we invite you to learn more about how we can support your loved one.
📞 Contact Us Today to learn more about our person-centered autism services @ 860-774-3400
🌐 Visit Our Website to explore how SLG is leading the way in ethical autism care www.supportedlivinggroup.org
🔗 Read the full Connecticut Mirror report here: https://ctmirror.org/2025/02/03/ct-autism-centers-oversight-report/