No respite for families of children with autism

Families of children with autism do not receive respite breaks,
and over half receive no regular help from family and friends,
according to the Shared Care Network’s latest report.

‘Better for the Break’ found that parents from the 300 families
of children and teenagers with autism surveyed suffered from
exhaustion and stress. Nearly all, 82 per cent, of parents had to
supervise their child 24 hours a day. The report reveals that a
third of all children on waiting lists for short breaks have
autistic spectrum disorders.

The report’s publication coincides with Share the Care
Week, the department of health backed nationwide poster campaign
recruit more volunteers to support families of children with
autism.

Shared Care Network director Vicky Jones said: “It is vital that
the government and local authorities listen to families of children
with autism to ensure that they get the right support.”

‘Better for the Break’ from 01268 522 872