Christmas respite

[OttomanViper]

Hello, does anyone know what the rules are around respite for parents of autistic children? I just heard that Medics are calling for the Xmas bubbles to be cancelled which would mean my adult DSD, who is like a mum to my son, would not be able to come for Christmas. Can she come as respite? If she can't come we will be back to the challenging behaviour we lived through in Spring and summer through lockdown, as my son will be massively distressed.

www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-childcare-bubble-with-another-household

To be honest I would break the rules even if not supposed too. I did regularly during the first one, stay home stay safe? No chance. Stay home have a mental breakdown more like!

I regularly took ds out for 5/6 hour long walks / drives every single day and my mum came with us too, to help with ds whilst my dh worked ridiculous hours.

I don’t give a shit who doesn’t agree, you do what is right for you and your family, hardest job in the world parenting a child with additional needs, do whatever you have too to get by.

Have a lovely xmas x

Thank both. I looked at the childcare bubble rules but my child is not under 5. Which makes no sense anyway as their additional needs don't disappear once they are 5 :D
I am not a rule breaker by nature but it will be hell on wheels round here if she can't come even for a couple of hours!

Have a lovely Christmas too xx

I worry about getting an unmanageably large fine in top of everything else we have to deal with too!

Our social worker told us respite would and could still continue even in lockdown, she also said that if I was ever stopped to give the authorities their number.

It’s not a childcare bubble, it’s carers requirements. The same with long walks and drives people with disabilities were given more allowances so were not against the rules either.

My mum always helped, even at the height of the pandemic. I would've had a breakdown if we had to abide by the so called rules!

The rules have never stopped family or anyone providing care. If you need care assistance you are not breaking any rules.