i hear you loud and clear!!
we are in the uk(yorkshire)and services for respite are rubbish my little boy had other problems besides autisim,we found his epilepsy caused more problems in getting respite and by the time we got that ironed out there was simply very little services available.However i would recomend trying NCH they offer some services for respite in our area this includes a fun club for a few days during summer and a inclusion scheme with activites after school not many but it is something.Another source to look at is banardos they do playschemes and such.Try looking in your phone book under voluntary and community services and start phoning round i know it sounds odd but try Mencap or some kind of mental health advocacy agency who may not be able to help you but could point you in the right direction. you don't say how old your little one is but there should be a surestart programme close to you who may beable to offer some advice and possibly even respite.As for social services DO NOT GIVE UP from my experiance i will tell you that they will give you little advice you have to ask specificly for what you need.Is it the childrens disability living team you have been in touch with if not thats who you want.Also you need to ask for a carers assesment tp look at your needs which will establish how much respite you are entitled to,if you do this make sure you get the result in writing so you have something to wave in there faces.I know this is alot of work for you but if it gets you something in the long run it is worth it.If you have a good doctor ask them for help too.hope this helps a little feel free to pm me
Dee
Can anybody please advise me if they receive respite support in the Uk for a child with high functioning autism. I have contacted the social services and they have referred me to www.nas.org.uk for support but having spoken to a member of the local network she says it is very difficult to get help in our situation even though sometimes the childrens behaviour is far more demanding on the carer.
Any advice would be appreciated as there seems to be such a lack of support in my area being south wales from any sector its hard to know where to turn.
Thanks
Bev
http://www.nch.org.uk/ourservices/index.php?i=29
http://www.allwalesunit.gov.uk/INDEX.CFM?ARTICLEID=226
http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/council/social_services/ta pley.htm
http://www.surestart.gov.uk/aboutsurestart/help/contacts/wal es/
http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites/page.cfm?OrgID=420&PID=247 5
hope these help you a little bit
Dee