Effective Short Breaks Services for Families with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: How One Local Authority in the United Kingdom is Working to Meet the Challenge

Abstract

This article identifies the importance of short breaks (respite care) services to many families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as the obstacles that may prevent families accessing such services. Factors that families with children with ASD identify as helpful in making short breaks successful are discussed and reference is made to how Northamptonshire County Council, a local authority in the United Kingdom (UK), is working to meet the challenge of providing ‘autism-appropriate’ short breaks. As well as outlining the major characteristics of Northamptonshire's services, their limitations and the challenges that remain are identified.

Keywords:

• short breaks
• respite care
• autism