Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is an unseen disability, which means that outside the home, parents and carers may have to deal with disapproval from people who don't understand the situation. This in turn can lead to isolation.

Because of the complex needs of someone with autism, parents and carers often find it difficult to entrust the person they care for to anyone else. But taking a break is really important for your own physical and emotional health.

Because autism is a spectrum disorder, people's experiences vary enormously, but it's generally harder for the parents and carers of people with more severe autism.

Your local authority or local support groups may be able to provide respite care. This is when a professional carer looks after the person with autism so you can have some time off. Depending on your circumstances, this may be offered free.