Respite Care for New Jersey Families Raising Autistic Children

10 min read · Updated July 2026 · Get ABA Therapy editorial team

A father carrying his laughing young child on his shoulders outdoors on a bright sunny day

In short: Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers of autistic children. In New Jersey, families can access respite through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Medicaid waivers, and private insurance. Get ABA Therapy is a free service that can help match families with BCBA-led ABA providers, which can complement respite care.

Key takeaways

  • Respite care offers temporary, supervised relief for caregivers, crucial for preventing burnout.
  • New Jersey offers respite through DDD, NJ FamilyCare, and early intervention programs.
  • Funding options include Medicaid waivers, private insurance, and state subsidies.
  • Types of respite include in-home, out-of-home (camps, centers), and emergency respite.

Raising an autistic child is a deeply rewarding journey, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. New Jersey families often face unique challenges due to the state's complex service systems and high cost of living. Respite care offers a crucial lifeline: temporary, supervised care that gives caregivers a chance to rest, recharge, and attend to their own needs.

About this guide. Written and reviewed by the Get ABA Therapy editorial team following our editorial standards. This article is general educational information, not medical advice - please consult a qualified professional such as a BCBA or your pediatrician about your child's needs. Last updated July 2026.

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