Respite Support From Adolescence to Adulthood in Families of People With Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Respite is a priority for caregivers of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities across the lifespan. The present study aimed to characterize respite availability and frequency of use among 126 caregivers of young people with neurodevelopmental disabilities (from ages 16–22) using an ongoing longitudinal sample. Results indicated that the availability of respite support was greater and more consistent over time for caregivers of those with lower verbal abilities compared to those with higher verbal abilities. On average, the frequency of respite use from household members declined over time, with overall higher frequency of use reported by caregivers of those with a lower verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ). Our findings indicate that respite remains an important resource for caregivers of young people with neurodevelopmental disabilities well into adulthood, particularly for those caring for higher needs individuals.