Jacqui Smith

Health minister Jacqui Smith yesterday backed a campaign to recruit more carers to offer short breaks to families looking after children with autism.

Forum Response: The Disabilities Trust

James Rye, external affairs director for the Disabilities Trust, told ePolitx.com; "It is of crucial importance family and friends of children with autism have adequate support and time to rest and recuperate especially as caring for a child with autism is very often a 24 hour job.

"In addition respite affords children with autism an important chance to meet others and help develop crucial social skills."