Home / Health / NWT Autism Respite: Families Struggle for Support
NWT Autism Respite: Families Struggle for Support
7 Jan
Summary
- Respite care access is difficult for autistic children in NWT.
- Worker shortages leave families without crucial support.
- Territorial government acknowledges recruitment and retention issues.
Families raising autistic children in the Northwest Territories are encountering substantial difficulties in securing respite care, a vital non-medical support service. Despite being approved for assistance through organizations like Inclusion NWT, a persistent shortage of respite workers leaves many families struggling to find reliable care. This situation is particularly challenging for parents like Alex Davidson, whose son requires constant supervision due to his autism.
Davidson and other parents report extended periods without respite, sometimes over a year and a half, forcing them to personally recruit and vet workers. This burden is not sustainable for all families, raising concerns about equitable access. The emotional toll of fluctuating support, coupled with the mental and physical exhaustion of caregiving, highlights the critical need for consistent respite to prevent burnout.
The territorial government acknowledges these issues, citing recruitment and retention challenges that have been exacerbated since COVID-19. While funding for respite services has increased, including higher wages for workers, improving staffing levels remains a priority. The Department of Health and Social Services does not track wait times but relies on reports from service providers, indicating that delays are often linked to staffing availability and suitability.
