Compassionate Respite Care for Families Raising Children with Autism

Gabriel's Haven provides compassionate respite and support services for families raising children with autism and related developmental disabilities.

Understanding Respite

What Is Respite Care?

Compassionate Support for Your Family

Caring for a child with autism or other special needs is a full-time commitment filled with love, advocacy, and dedication. While incredibly rewarding, it can also be physically and emotionally demanding.

Respite care provides temporary, planned support that gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to rest, recharge, attend appointments, work, spend time with siblings, or simply take a well-deserved break — knowing their child is receiving safe, compassionate, and individualized care.

At Gabriel's Haven, we understand that trusting someone with your child is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. That's why we focus on building relationships, respecting your family's routines, and providing care tailored to your child's unique strengths, interests, and needs.

Whether you need a few hours to run errands, attend an appointment, enjoy a date night, or simply take time for yourself, we're here to provide dependable support so your family can thrive.

Child with caregiver during respite care session

How Respite Care Can Help

Rest and Recharge

Take time to care for yourself so you can continue caring for those you love.

Attend Appointments

Schedule medical visits, therapy sessions, or personal appointments with peace of mind.

Focus on Work or Responsibilities

Take care of professional commitments or everyday tasks while your child receives attentive support.

Spend Time with Family

Enjoy one-on-one time with your spouse, partner, or other children.

Run Errands

Complete grocery shopping, household tasks, or simply enjoy a quiet moment to yourself.

Reduce Caregiver Stress

Regular respite helps prevent burnout and supports your emotional well-being.

Support Your Child's Growth

Children benefit from positive interactions, new experiences, and meaningful relationships with trusted caregivers.

Our Philosophy

At Gabriel's Haven, we believe respite care is about more than providing a break — it's about strengthening families.

When caregivers have the opportunity to rest and recharge, they return with renewed energy, patience, and confidence. By supporting caregivers, we help support the entire family.

We believe that caring for the caregiver is one of the most meaningful ways to care for the child.

Because Caring for Yourself Matters

Every parent deserves the opportunity to pause, breathe, and recharge without guilt. At Gabriel's Haven, we're honored to provide the trusted support that helps make those moments possible.

OUR APPROACH

How We Support Your Family

Compassionate Care Tailored to Your Family’s Needs

Caregiver and child building together

Every family is different, and so is every child. That’s why our services are personalized to provide the support that works best for your family’s unique routines, goals, and needs. Whether you need a few hours to recharge or ongoing support, Gabriel’s Haven is here to help your family thrive.

In-Home Respite Care

Compassionate, one-on-one support provided in the comfort and familiarity of your child's home, allowing caregivers time to rest, recharge, or attend to personal responsibilities.

Meaningful Engagement

We provide age-appropriate activities based on your child's interests, strengths, and developmental needs, helping create positive, enjoyable experiences while building confidence and connection.

Examples may include:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Reading together
  • Sensory-friendly activities
  • Games and puzzles
  • Outdoor play
  • Music and creative expression

Individualized Care

No two children are alike. We take the time to understand your child's routines, communication style, sensory preferences, interests, and support needs so every visit feels familiar, respectful, and personalized.

Caregiver Relief

Sometimes the greatest gift is simply time. Whether you're attending appointments, focusing on work, running errands, spending time with siblings, enjoying a date night, or taking a much-needed break — we're here so you can do so with peace of mind.

Family Partnership

We believe parents know their children best. We work alongside your family through open communication, consistent updates, and a collaborative approach that respects your goals, routines, and values.

Our Promise

At Gabriel's Haven, we don't just care for children — we support families. Every visit is guided by compassion, patience, respect, and a commitment to helping both children and caregivers feel seen, supported, and valued.

"Every family deserves a moment to breathe. Every caregiver deserves rest. Every child deserves to be cared for with love and expertise. That is the heart of Gabriel's Haven."

— Gabriel's Haven Founder

Why Families Choose Us

Why Gabriel's Haven?

We combine professional expertise with genuine compassion to deliver care your family can trust.

Autism-Focused Expertise

Our caregivers are specifically trained in autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities.

Family-Centered Approach

We listen to your family's unique needs and create personalized care plans that work for you.

Compassionate & Trustworthy

We treat every child and family with the same love and respect we would want for our own.

Flexible Scheduling

We work around your schedule to provide support when you need it most — including evenings and weekends.

Shawnda Bland, Founder of Gabriel's Haven

Meet the Founder

Shawnda Bland

Shawnda Bland is the founder of Gabriel’s Haven — and first and foremost, she is Gabriel’s mom.

When her son was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, she quickly realized how difficult it was to find care that truly understood his unique needs. Like many parents, she wanted someone who would see her child for who he is, respect his routines, celebrate his strengths, and provide compassionate support while giving their family the opportunity to rest and recharge.

That is why she created Gabriel’s Haven.

Shawnda holds a B.S. in Information Systems from Norfolk State University, an MBA and an M.S. in Information Systems from the University of Mary Washington, and has completed 420 hours of specialized coursework in autism and developmental disabilities through the nationally recognized Relias Academy training framework. Gabriel’s Haven is fully insured, providing families with complete peace of mind.

Her mission is to provide families with dependable, autism-informed respite care rooted in empathy, trust, and respect. As both a parent and a professional, she understands the importance of finding someone you can confidently welcome into your home. Every family deserves support, and every child deserves to be cared for with patience, dignity, and kindness.

Welcome to Gabriel’s Haven. She is honored to be part of your family’s journey.

Shawnda with her family

Shawnda with her husband Dan, and Gabriel

Why Choose Us

Why Families Trust Gabriel's Haven

Your child's safety, comfort, and well-being are our highest priorities. Every aspect of our care is built around creating a safe, supportive, and compassionate experience for your family.

Background-Checked Caregivers

We carefully screen our caregivers so you can feel confident inviting them into your home.

CPR & First Aid Certified

Our caregivers are trained to respond quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

Individualized Care Plans

Before services begin, we take the time to understand your child's routines, communication style, sensory preferences, and support needs.

Autism-Informed Care

We recognize and respect that every child experiences the world differently. Our care is patient, individualized, and responsive to each child's unique strengths and needs.

Partnership With Parents

We listen first, respect your family's routines, follow your child's care plan, communicate openly, and share updates after each visit.

Built on Personal Experience

Gabriel's Haven was created by a mother raising a child on the autism spectrum. This isn't just our profession — it's our lived experience.

WHY CHOOSE US

What Makes Gabriel's Haven Different?

We Understand Your Journey

Our care is shaped by real-life experience. We understand the importance of routines, sensory needs, communication styles, and celebrating every milestone — because we've experienced those moments ourselves.

Every Child Is Unique

No two children are alike. We take the time to learn your child's personality, interests, routines, and individual needs so they feel safe, respected, and comfortable in our care.

We Partner With Families

Parents know their children best. We listen first, communicate openly, and work alongside you to create a care experience that reflects your family's goals, values, and daily routines.

Supporting the Whole Family

Respite care is more than taking a break. It's creating space for caregivers to recharge, siblings to receive one-on-one attention, appointments to be kept, and families to enjoy meaningful moments together.

Our Promise

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and understood. Every parent deserves the confidence that their child is receiving compassionate, individualized care. At Gabriel's Haven, we are committed to treating every family with the same patience, respect, and kindness that we would want for our own.

Inspired by Gabriel. Guided by compassion. Dedicated to your family.

Our Commitment to Excellence

Our Gold Standard Training

At Gabriel’s Haven, we believe that specialized care requires an extraordinary standard of preparation. Our agency is founded and led by a professional Program Manager who brings a dual perspective to our mission—combining a mother’s intuitive insight with a master-level clinical training foundation.

To ensure the highest level of care, our leadership team has completed over 420 hours of advanced, evidence-based autism coursework through the industry-recognized Relias Academy framework, including:

Advanced Autism Spectrum Mastery

Comprehensive training spanning specialized care models across the lifespan, with a strong focus on non-verbal communication, AAC devices, sensory processing, and individualized behavior support.

Positive Behavior Support Planning (Parts 1 & 2)

Advanced training in assessing environmental triggers, collecting meaningful data, and implementing proactive, evidence-based behavioral interventions.

Positive Behavior Support for Paraprofessionals

Specialized instruction in understanding behavior as communication while promoting dignity, independence, and positive outcomes.

Uncompromised Safety & Trust

We know that inviting someone into your home requires complete confidence. That’s why Gabriel’s Haven operates under a rigorous safety-first standard:

CORI Background Checked

All caregivers successfully complete a Massachusetts CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check before providing services.

Certified Emergency Readiness

Current certifications in Adult & Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) protocols.

Crisis & Elopement Prevention

Specialized training in environmental hazard awareness, proactive de-escalation techniques, and autism-specific elopement (wandering) prevention strategies.

“When you trust Gabriel’s Haven with your loved one, you’re not simply welcoming a companion into your home—you are partnering with a highly trained, thoroughly vetted, and deeply compassionate care professional dedicated to providing safe, individualized, and respectful support.”

HOW IT WORKS

Gabriel's Haven Process

Simple. Personalized. Family-Centered. At Gabriel’s Haven, we believe exceptional care begins with understanding your child. Our onboarding process is designed to ensure every family receives personalized support that reflects their child’s unique strengths, routines, and needs.

Child with sensory headphones
1

Initial Conversation

It all starts with a conversation. We'll learn about your family, answer your questions, discuss your child's needs, and determine whether Gabriel's Haven is the right fit for your family.

2

Intake & Family Assessment

Once you decide to move forward, you'll complete our comprehensive intake packet. Together, we'll review your child's medical and developmental history, daily routines, communication style, sensory needs, safety considerations, behavioral supports, interests, strengths, and motivators. This helps us understand your child beyond a diagnosis.

3

Individualized Support Plan

Using the information gathered during the intake process, we'll develop a personalized support plan tailored to your child's unique needs. Our caregivers follow your family's routines while incorporating positive behavior support strategies, sensory-informed practices, and individualized communication approaches.

4

Meet Your Caregiver

Before services begin, you'll have the opportunity to meet your caregiver, review expectations, and ensure everyone feels comfortable. Our goal is to build trust and create a positive relationship from the very first visit.

5

Services Begin

Once everything is in place, your child can begin receiving compassionate, one-on-one support in the comfort of your home. Every visit is guided by your child's support plan while remaining flexible to meet their needs that day.

Our Commitment

We understand that inviting someone into your home is a big decision. That's why we take the time to learn about your family, communicate openly, and provide dependable, compassionate care that allows parents to step away with confidence, knowing their child is safe, supported, and valued.

Our Services

Specialized Support for Every Family

Every service is delivered by trained, compassionate caregivers who understand the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum.

In-Home Respite Care

Compassionate, one-on-one care provided in your home so parents can rest, recharge, or attend appointments knowing their child is in capable hands.

Learn More →

Autism-Informed Support

Caregivers trained in autism, sensory needs, communication styles, and positive behavior support to create a safe and predictable environment.

Learn More →

Family-Centered Care

Every child is unique. We partner with families to follow routines, preferences, behavior plans, and communication strategies that work best for your child.

Learn More →

Personalized Care Plans

Before services begin, we complete a thorough intake and assessment to ensure support is tailored to your child's strengths, needs, and goals.

Learn More →

FAMILIES WE SERVE

What Families Are Saying

We are honored to be welcoming our first families during our August 2026 soft launch. As we grow, we will share testimonials from families who have trusted Gabriel's Haven with their care.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

We know choosing respite care is a big decision. Here are answers to some of the questions families ask most often.

Respite care provides temporary support for children with autism and other special needs, giving parents and caregivers time to rest, attend appointments, work, spend time with family, or simply recharge — while knowing their child is in compassionate, capable hands.

Gabriel's Haven provides in-home respite care for children with autism and other developmental or special needs. Services are personalized to meet the unique needs of each child and family.

We provide care in the comfort and familiarity of your child's home because we believe children thrive in environments where they feel safe and secure. We serve Wilmington, MA and surrounding communities.

Getting started is simple:

  1. Schedule a complimentary consultation
  2. Complete a family intake
  3. Develop your personalized care plan
  4. Meet your caregiver
  5. Begin services

We carefully select caregivers who demonstrate compassion, patience, professionalism, and a genuine passion for supporting children with unique needs. All caregivers complete the required screening, training, and certification processes established by Gabriel's Haven before providing services.

Whenever possible, we strive to provide consistency by matching families with the same caregiver. Building trusting relationships helps children feel more comfortable and confident during each visit.

The first visit is all about building comfort and trust. We follow your child's routines, get to know their interests, and move at a pace that helps them feel safe and supported.

At this time, Gabriel's Haven is a private-pay service. As we grow, we will continue exploring additional funding options and partnerships to better serve our community.

Every child is unique. During the intake process, we learn about your child's communication style, sensory preferences, routines, interests, and support strategies so we can provide truly individualized care.

Gabriel's Haven was founded by a mother raising a child on the autism spectrum. We understand the challenges families face because we live them ourselves. Our mission is to provide trusted, compassionate respite care that gives caregivers the confidence to take time for themselves while knowing their child is receiving individualized support.

Still have questions? We're happy to help.

Contact Gabriel's Haven

Get In Touch

Request Services or Ask a Question

We're Here to Help

Whether you're ready to request services or just have questions, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form and we'll be in touch within 1–2 business days.

Email

info@gabrielshavenrespite.com

Phone

(978) 205-1084

Service Area

Wilmington, MA and surrounding communities

Hours

Mon–Fri: 9am – 6pm
Weekends: By Appointment

Note: If this is an emergency, please contact your local emergency services or crisis line. Gabriel's Haven provides planned and scheduled respite services.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Reach out today to learn how Gabriel's Haven can support your family. Our team is ready to listen and help you find the right services for your needs.

Request Services Now