Support

Caregiver and family support aims to equip caregivers and families with knowledge, skills, and resources to cope with their role successfully by delivering the appropriate care to the person in need but without developing health issues themselves. Caregiver and family support during the rehabilitation of the person in need comprises provision of information, resources, individual counselling, or support groups. Caregiver and family support is provided by health workers or peers (caregiver-to-caregiver support).

Advice and support should also be provided in obtaining practical support and planning for future care of individuals with autism.

It is important to provide access to local support groups and services specifically designed for families, partners, and caregivers. If there is a risk of challenging behaviors emerging or already present, it is advisable to consider formal support through disability-specific support groups for family members or caregivers. Regular assessment of the extent and severity of challenging behaviors is essential in order to provide appropriate interventions and support. To ensure relevant support for families from diverse backgrounds, it is recommended to use a family support scale to gather essential information and tailor support accordingly. 

Education and advice for caregivers, as well as caregivers-mediated interventions, should cover various aspects such as regulating emotions, personal and social support, adaptive behavior, sexual functions and intimate relationships, control of voluntary movement, learning and applying knowledge, and play. 

It is worth noting that financial support services, such as disability grants, should be explicitly included as part of the support available to families. Research has shown that many parents may be unaware of the availability of such support, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and accessibility.