Respite care

[Debs75]

DS, 11 with Autism is on his first full night away of respite care.
It is something we have put off doing for about 7 years but it had got to the point where we needed a proper nights sleep and we felt he was old enough to benefit from a different circle of 'friends'

Am feeling a bit nervous, it is the first time he has ever slept away from home without me or his dad.
Please tell me it gets easier with time

I hear a rumour that some people have kids who can go and stay overnight with relatives or even do sleepovers with friends. It's a mysterious world to me, though, as I'm sure it is to you

I've no experience of overnight respite, either, since my two are quite young, but I hope you can enjoy your evening.

Well ds (10 ASD/LD) has just had his 2nd ever overnight - and wants to go again!! I was very nervous for 1st overnight but by the next one I kind of relaxed into it. Ds did not want to go - but enjoyed it once there. It helped that a school friend was there too. Its nice to see ds getting some life away from us- and just one good nights sleep a month makes a difference to all of us!!
It may take a while for your son to actively want to go. Hope it all goes well - and you get some peaceful sleep.

He has been picked up from school so we don't know how he was going there. When he went for his tea visit the taxi said he was really excited, a good sign. As soon as we went to get him he couldn't wait to get home.

He would of been in bed by now and as I put the baby to bed it was really quiet up there and I do miss him already.
I gues it will take a few nights before I can rest and get some sleep

Yes I think it will take a while for me to get used to being able to sleep deeply too! Its very odd not having ds around - so used to listening out for him - I heard all the background noises I dont normally notice because ds is so much the source of lall ively sounds! Hope you get the hang of it!

i feel for you,
dd has regular respite, has done since she was 6(before that a link family)
but i still worry about her

So managed to get through the night and we had a bit of a lie in before the builders woke us up
Have really missed him and found myself in a bit of a fuzz all day worrying about him. Another 2 hours ansd then he will be home

Hope he enjoyed it!

I bet your ds will be fine. You are bound to feel a litte apprehensive at first - after all, it is a fairly unnatural thing to offer up your dc to relative strangers! If your ds is as lucky as my ds, he will be very well looked after and taken on some lovely days out.

It does get easier because you get to know the respite staff and they become more familiar with your ds's needs and personality.

Enjoy the break!

He had a good time, according to his book, is non-verbal so couldn't actually tell me.
It said it took him a 'while' to settle down before sleeping through. At home that can be about 4 hours before he gives in and sleeps.
When he saw his Dad he gave him loads of hugs he just kept going over to him and wrapping his arms around him.
He is back there again on Tuesday and we are having a quick meeting the week after so we can find out how he was.
I think the next time will be easier

It does get easier and you will get used to it. DS first went to overnight respite when he was 10. I was a wreck the first time and totally relaxed by the third time! At first we used to go out but then realised how great it was to stay at home, not on edge.

davros is right It does get easier, dd has been going since she was 6.
have to say I do find it hard when she goes for 2 night sin a row though.

He had a better night last night but was still awake at 1am.

Im told its good to get stays in close together so child can get used to it and settle faster. Hope next visit goes even better.
Ds has his next visit next week - in half term, so I feel it should be like a mini adventure for him.
Did you manage to relax and get some sleep this time?