Respite Care for Autistic Children

Parenting a child with a mental disability such as autism can present difficult challenges for the entire family. As a result, many parents choose to use respite care, or temporary external care, for their child living with autism.

  1. Benefits

    • Autistic children commonly exhibit behavioral deficits and problems with social development, learning and communication. Parents of autistic children may find that they need additional help caring for their children̵7;s special needs. Respite care offers a temporary break for parents and provides support for the family.

    Types

    • Respite care can be offered as home-based care through a social work service or a mental disability organization. Services outside of the home at a respite center or a day care center are options in many communities as well. State lifespan respite programs are government-run agencies that seek to provide respite care within various cities in the United States (see References).

    Cost

    • In 1988, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services gave $2 million to 16 states for respite care services. This funding was used to help alleviate the costs of building crisis nurseries and resource centers for children with mental disorders.

    Considerations

    • Since the spectrum of autism disorders is so broad, it is important to assess a child̵7;s individual needs before deciding on the appropriate method of respite care.

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