Respite is a break from your usual caregiving responsibilities while someone else supports your child. Start with one conversation; you can work through the rest later.
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Start with one contact
Already have a case manager or service coordinator? Ask that person how to request respite and whether your child needs a separate assessment or approval.
Starting from scratch? Find your state contact below. Ask the family information center to help you locate the children’s respite intake contact. These centers help families navigate services; they do not necessarily provide or fund care.
Say this by phone, email, or contact form
“I’m looking for respite for my autistic child, age [age]. We live in [county, state]. Can you help me find the right children’s program, understand funding, and take the first application step?”
Share only details that fit your family. If your child is being evaluated, say that. You can ask about possible options before knowing which program fits.
Ask these three questions
- Where do I apply?
Which program or intake office should I contact, and what is its application link or phone number? - What do I need?
What are the eligibility requirements and the first documents I need to provide? - What if there is a wait?
What other respite or family support options can we ask about while we wait?
Leave with one next step: ask for the instructions in writing and a date to follow up. If you only save the right contact today, that is a useful start.
Find your state contact
These family information centers help families navigate children’s services. Ask for help finding the children’s respite intake contact in your area. They do not necessarily provide or fund respite themselves.
Choose a state to see its listed family information contact.
Listings reviewed October 21, 2026. Numbers were checked against published listings, not called. Eligibility, funding, and openings must be confirmed with the program.
If a contact has changed, use the Family Voices directory (opens in a new tab) or call 211. The directory also includes territory and tribal resources.
If you hear this, ask this
Use only the response that matches your situation.
“This is the wrong office.”
“Who handles respite for children of my child’s age in our county? Can you give me the direct contact or transfer me?”
Write down the new contact before ending the call.
“There is a waiting list.”
“Can we apply or join the list now? How do we keep our information current, and what support is available in the meantime?”
Ask how to report an urgent change in needs and whether a priority process exists. Do not assume emergency respite is available.
“Your household income is too high.”
“Was that decision for this specific program? Are there children’s waiver options with different parental-income rules, or non-Medicaid funds we can ask about?”
Some Medicaid waivers use different financial rules. That does not mean your child qualifies; ask which rules apply.
“Your child already has Medicaid.”
“Does our coverage include respite, or do we need separate waiver enrollment, an assessment, or service authorization?”
Medicaid enrollment alone does not confirm that respite is approved.
“Services are approved, but no worker is available.”
“Which approved providers can we contact? Is there an allowed self-directed option or a way to approve someone we already know?”
Confirm provider approval and payment rules before hiring. A funding approval is different from finding available care.
“The request was denied.”
“Please send the reason in writing, the review or appeal instructions, and the deadline. Who can help us understand the notice?”
Certain Medicaid decisions can be appealed. Follow the notice and ask promptly about the correct process. Informal calls may not protect a deadline. Other programs have different rules.
Before you arrange care
Confirm these three things before arranging paid care.
- Payment and approval
Who pays, how much is covered, and is written authorization needed first? If you want to use a relative or someone you know, ask whether that person is permitted and must be approved. Check your specific insurance plan rather than assuming it covers respite. - Your child’s needs and preferences
How will the person support communication, sensory needs, routines, and safety? Explain how your child asks for help, says no, or requests a break. Ask about relevant experience and required training or screening. - A plan you understand
Agree on the setting, schedule, tasks, how you will stay in touch, and what happens if care is canceled. Ask whether you and your child can meet the person and plan a gradual introduction.
If you still need a starting point
Call 211 or visit 211.org. Ask for children’s respite, disability family support, and help finding funding in your county. Referrals do not guarantee openings or eligibility.
Prefer to search yourself? Try [Your state] children autism respite family support. Look for the state’s official children’s or developmental-disability services page. Ask who handles intake for your child’s age.
You do not have to finish this process today. Keep just three notes: your contact, your next action, and your follow-up date.
Sources and review details
Prepared by Aaron Martin for Autism Scout. Sources and state listings reviewed October 21, 2026. This is a directory of family information contacts, not a state-by-state review of respite eligibility, funding, wait times, or provider openings.
- Family Voices: state family information contacts
- HRSA: Family-to-Family Health Information Centers
- CMS: Home and Community-Based Services waivers
- CMS: Understanding Medicaid Fair Hearings (PDF)
- 211: caregiver resources
This guide provides general information. The organization administering a program determines eligibility, service approval, and funding.