Home VS Group Home

My son (Dx Autism) currently lives at home. His functioning level is low and his behaviors are very challenging including self injurious and aggressive. I am a single parent and the struggle with the challenges my son's disability has brought about has become a long everlasting  battle. I see children with his same diagnosis make progress and function in their environment as well as intergrate into society,but have yet to see that with my own child. Many people have brought up the idea of group home placement. Although this was a heart aching thought I did visit a local group home.Sadly never in a million years can I bring myself to accept the idea that my son would go to live elsewhere nevertheless a place like the one i visited. The behaviors are challenging but there is a wonderful boy in there that is aware of his environment ,that does desire to be a part of my world but just lacks skill and is very frustrated.Is there anyone out there who has experienced this or can advice on what the route to finding a solution without losing my precious boy to an even further degree than AUTISM has already made me lose him?