What Caregivers of People with Autism Need to Know About Respite Care
Caring for a person with autism, especially when significant support needs are involved, can be deeply rewarding—but also emotionally and physically draining. That’s why respite care is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.
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What Are Respite Services?
Respite services provide short-term, temporary care for individuals with disabilities, so their regular caregivers—often parents or family members—can take a break from the daily demands of caregiving.
This break can be:
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A few hours during the day (drop-off or in-home support)
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Overnight stays
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Several days or more, in cases of extended respite
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Emergency-based (short notice situations)
Respite may take place in your home, at a care provider's location, or through creative solutions like respite exchanges with other families.
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Why Respite Care Matters
Being a caregiver can leave you feeling depleted, isolated, and burned out—especially when you see others enjoying the things you used to do, like going out with friends, pursuing hobbies, or even just having alone time.
You deserve rest, just like someone working a full-time job gets days off. Parenting or supporting a person with autism is 24/7—breaks are essential to maintain your health and effectiveness.
Caregivers—particularly those supporting people with severe intellectual disabilities—often face chronic stress, fatigue, and even physical health problems. If left unaddressed, caregiver burnout can lead to serious consequences, including:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Neglect (unintentional or otherwise)
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Physical illness requiring long recovery
Taking regular time off in small intervals is far healthier than needing weeks or months to recover from a preventable health crisis.
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Common Barriers—and How to Overcome Them
Many caregivers feel guilty or ashamed asking for help. Others simply don’t have extended family to rely on. In those cases, respite services are a safe, professional option. Trained providers are available to step in with compassion, skill, and understanding of the unique needs of individuals with autism.
Respite is not giving up—it's investing in your ability to continue showing up for your loved one with strength and presence.
If formal respite providers are not available when you need them, consider alternative solutions:
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Hire a babysitter with special needs experience.
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Start a respite exchange with another family where you take turns watching each other's children.
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Look into emergency respite services that can step in during crises or unexpected situations.
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Final Thoughts: You Matter Too
You are not just a caregiver—you are a whole person with your own needs, emotions, and limits. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s essential.
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Use respite care to recharge, reconnect with your life, and preserve your health. The more supported you feel, the better care you can provide to your loved one.
Providers who can help:
Access Services
Where: 3975 Township Line Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020-4200
Call: 877.896.6667
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A New Direction What's Next
We offer a unique approach to care stringently dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve. We will provide innovative services that enhance their ability to live fulfilling lives in the community. We are committed to providing a person-centered approach to address the primary areas of human need.
Where: 7069 Hunt Drive, Macungie, PA 18062
Call: 610-421-8412
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Bayada Pediatrics Home Health Care
With your child’s medical needs and safety as our highest priority, we strive to build close relationships and trust, bring as much normalcy and peace of mind as possible, and help parents and siblings feel cared for and supported—just like a real family would do in times of need.
We will match your child with skilled and compassionate clinicians who are just right for your entire family.
Call: 610-776-7000
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C.A.R.E.S. (Community and Residential Empowerment Svs)
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Camelot School Year Programming
All Camelot children come one Sunday each month from 12noon – 3pm to enjoy fun activities with other Camelot kids and teen volunteers as their buddies.
Call 610-791-5683.
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Caring Grace Home Care Agency
Services: Offers social skills training sessions for children ages 3-12. This is a new program will build social skills and improve daily interactions with family members, peers and members of the community.
Where: 881 Third Street, Suite B-2, Whitehall, PA 18052
Call: 610-443-1850
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​Easter Seals Respite Services
Respite allows families and caregivers to enjoy a well-deserved break. Our program is designed to provide your loved one with a social and recreational experience, and provide you with a day to take care of other responsibilities, have fun or just recharge. We offer programs in Reading and the Lehigh Valley that run from September through May of each year.
Where: 1501 Lehigh Street, Suite 20, Allentown, PA 18103
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Liberty Resources
Where: 919 S. 9th St. Allentown, PA 18103
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Maxim Healthcare Services
Where: 1550 Pond Rd. Suite 160 Allentown, PA 18104
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Pediatric Stars PPECC, LLC
(Ages 6 weeks to 21 years)
Where: 2437 Plaza Ct, Bath, PA 18014
Phone: (484) 426-6724
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Special Recreation Services, Inc
Services: Monthly events throughout year for people in Northampton, Carbon, Pike, and Monroe counties. Recreation activities for adults with disabilities.
Where: PO Box 1031, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Call: Debbie Smith, Director at 610-751-7692
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Caring Grace Home Care Agency
Professional caregivers that are trained to provide the best services for elderly and physically disabled clients. Staff is fluent in English/Spanish.
Where: 881 Third Street, Suite B-2, Whitehall, PA 18052
Call: 610-443-1850
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Sitter City-A website that will help you finding a sitter for your special needs child locally.
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Offers Project Opportunity
Where: 7310 Tilghman Street, Suite 300, Allentown
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Step By Step, Inc.
Services: Respite Services can be short term (hourly) or can be provided for one or multiple days (daily). The individual’s participation in community activities and day or employment services continues as normal while receiving respite services.
Where: 623 West Union Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Call: 610-867-0688
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Unconditional Child Care
Contact: Shelly Feller – Program Manager at 610-910-8435 or email her at sfeller@pbfalv.org