Autism is associated with a range of costs. This paper reviews the literature on estimating the economic costs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More or less 50 papers covering multiple countries (US, UK, Australia, Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands, etc.) were analysed. Six types of costs are discussed in depth: (i) medical and healthcare service…

The article traces the initial development of respite care in the 1970s to a variety of creative urban and rural program models found in the United States by the early 1980s. Implications for advocacy, funding, and further research indicate the growing need for and acceptance of this essential family support system. (Author/CL)

Summarizes articles from 1980 to 1990 on psychosocial interventions and respite care for caregivers. Review is limited to controlled studies that attempted to change emotional distress in caregivers. Cumulatively, studies reviewed suggest that individual psychosocial interventions and respite programs are moderately effective; psychosocial…

Respite care is one resource or support service designed to help the family in its role as primary caregiver to severely disabled individuals. Aspects of respite care needing improvement are time allotted per family, more qualified/skilled respite care workers, and choice of type of service. (SB)

This two-page fact sheet summarizes typical approaches, programs, and resources in the area of family support and respite programs for families with special needs. Principles of family support programs are listed, stressing the common goal of increasing the ability of families to successfully nurture children. Typical components of such programs…

This fact sheet summarizes issues in the provision of respite services for families with children suffering from severe emotional disturbances. Background information supports the unmet need for respite care services to families caring for such children at home. A definition of "serious emotional disturbance" is provided and typical…

This fact sheet reviews the role of advisory boards and boards of directors in the context of crisis nursery and respite care programs for families with special needs members. Typical responsibilities of advisory boards are listed, including program creation and planning, development of program policy, planning and implementing public relations,…

Children with disabilities receive most of their support from families. While most family caregivers are mothers or fathers, grandparents are increasingly providing care for children with disabilities. In addition, family caregivers come from diverse cultural backgrounds that impact their views on disability. This paper reviews the literature on…

The monograph provides an historical overview of services for families of disabled children and considers strategies for increasing family support. The historical analysis traces factors influencing the lack of priority placed on family services and describes trends in family resource services. Advantages and drawbacks of the continuum and array…

Basic information about respite care for individuals with disabilities and their families is presented in a question-and-answer format. The following questions are addressed: "What is respite?"; "Who needs respite services?"; "Who provides respite services?"; "What kinds of services are provided?"; "How…

The project sought to determine the content and form of materials that would enable parents of children with disabilities to become informed critical consumers of respite services. Project activities included establishment and utilization of a national advisory panel; an indepth review of the literature on family supports, systems change, and…

Literature indicating high rates of abuse in this population is reviewed, as is literature indicating high rates of developmental disabilities in child victims of abuse. Problems in data collecting practices are noted. Reasons for these children's greater risk for abuse are identified, including child attributes, stress, parent vulnerabilities,…

Family support services are systematic efforts to support natural, adoptive, or foster families who have a family member with a disability. Programs vary in the types of services offered, goals, and number of families served. The most promising approaches to family support provide services that are flexible and individualized, build on informal…

Two out of three Canadian women will care for a chronically ill or disabled family member. Caregiving is a valuable task that can simultaneously have great emotional rewards and significant physical, emotional, and financial costs. The time spent out of the paid labor force because of caregiving responsibilities averages 11.5 years for women…

This literature review focuses on the characteristics of children who are technology supported and on the experiences of families who have undertaken home care of such children. It presents information on: (1) medical, cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional characteristics of the children; (2) experiences within the family; and (3) family…