Parents of 36 autistic children were assessed on child functioning and family stress variables in relation to use of respite care services. Results suggest that parents with more difficult children need and use respite care more than others. Nonusers of respite care reported a higher perception of social support than users. (JDD)

This special issue of a periodical focuses on building support and resources for families of children with special needs. It contains 13 articles in addition to descriptions of 10 programs serving special needs families at the local level, a list of 15 resource organizations and 10 publications/audiovisual aids, and a message from the coalition's…

Over the 3 years of funding, 1983-1986, the Volunteers in Partnership with Parents Project (VIPP), a Handicapped Children's Early Education Program (HCEEP) Model Demonstration Program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, designed and implemented a program model for parents in rural North Carolina who had significantly handicapped preschool…

Used mail survey to assess contributions of voluntary organizations providing for children with life-limiting incurable disorders. Found a variety of services, including information service, emotional support and counseling, patient and family support, and telephone helpline. Respite care was associated with annual budget size. Unstable funding,…

The Volunteers in Partnership with Parents (VIPP) program is designed to alleviate the pressing problems of rural families as well as provide early intervention to the children. The use of volunteers as partners in working with parents is the crux of the program. (JHZ)