An exploration of parents’ experience of accessing respite care for their child with autism spectrum disorder

Introduction: Research has found that respite care has a positive impact on the well-being of caregivers of children with disabilities and is associated with lower levels of stress, reduced levels of depression and anxiety, and more time for rest and rejuvenation. To date there has been limited research carried out with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, so the aim of this study is to explore their experiences of accessing respite care for their child with ASD. Method: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six parents of children with a diagnosis of ASD, who were all in receipt of respite care from a children’s disability service. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, before being analysed. Results: Analysis of the interview data, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), revealed five superordinate themes. These were: ‘Living with ASD’, ‘The Respite Worker’, ‘Role of Respite’, ‘Emotional Conflict’, and ‘Service Provision’. Discussion: This study provided an insight into the unique, lived experience of parents accessing respite care for their child with ASD in Ireland. The findings of the current study are discussed in relation to the existing literature. Implications for clinical practice, education, policy, and future research are also discussed.