Staying home can be a comfort. Staying home rather than going out with a child with autism can be confining. The definition of housebound is unable to leave one's house typically due to illness or old age. Parents of individuals with autism, especially severe autism, often find themselves staying home but not because they are ill or aged. The fear of a public meltdown can make a family want to stay home. Some children and teens on the spectrum don't have a sense of danger, and that can cause parents to remain in the confines of home. Social phobias and inappropriate behavior are more reasons why mom or dad won't take their child out. Being housebound when you don't want to be isn't fun.