Caring for a child with disability, autism, or additional needs is a journey filled with love, dedication, and unique challenges. While the rewards are profound, the demands can be intense. That’s why respite care is not just a service—it’s a lifeline. It offers families the chance to rest, recharge, and continue providing the best care possible.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what respite care is, why it’s essential, the types available in Australia, how to access it, and why it’s perfectly okay—and even necessary—to ask for help.
Respite care is when someone else temporarily takes over the care of your child with disability, autism, or additional needs. This can be for a few hours, overnight, or even several days. The goal is simple: to give you, the caregiver, a break.
Respite care can happen in various settings:
It’s not just about taking time off—it’s about supporting the whole family’s wellbeing.
Parenting is demanding. Parenting a child with additional needs can be even more so. Many parents feel guilty about needing time away, but respite care is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness.
Taking a break helps you:
Children also benefit from respite care. It gives them:
For children with autism or developmental delays, structured respite programs can also support skill-building and emotional regulation.
Australia offers a range of respite care options, both formal and informal.
These are services provided by trained professionals or organisations. They may be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or other government programs.
Some reputable providers include:
This is care provided by people you know—family, friends, or community members. It might be:
Informal care is often flexible and comforting because it involves familiar faces.
If your child is an NDIS participant, you may be eligible for respite care under:
To include respite in your child’s NDIS plan:
Sometimes, unexpected situations arise—illness, family emergencies, or sudden stress. Emergency respite is available through:
When selecting respite care, consider:
It’s okay to ask questions, visit the facility, and even do a trial run.
Emma is a single mum of 9-year-old Liam, who has autism and ADHD. She was hesitant to try respite care, fearing Liam wouldn’t cope. But after connecting with a local NDIS provider, she arranged for Liam to attend a weekend program.
“Liam loved it. He made a friend, and I had time to rest and catch up on sleep. I didn’t realise how much I needed that break until I had it.”
The Nguyen family uses informal respite through their church community. Every second Saturday, volunteers run a playgroup for children with additional needs.
“It’s only two hours, but it means we can go shopping or have a coffee together. It’s made a huge difference to our marriage and mental health.”
✅ Actually, it means you’re being proactive about your wellbeing.
✅ Many children enjoy the change of scenery and new activities.
✅ With the right support, it can be easier than you think. Start small—maybe just an hour with a trusted friend.
Here are some helpful links and contacts:
Respite care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s a way to care for yourself so you can continue caring for your child. Whether it’s a few hours with a friend or a weekend at a respite centre, every break counts.
At Supporting Learning for Children with Needs (SLCN), we believe that strong families build strong futures. Respite care is one of the many tools that can help you thrive—not just survive—on your journey.
So take that step. Ask for help. You’re not alone—and you’re doing an amazing job.
