Support for Caregivers

Caring for a profoundly autistic, non-verbal adult is a extraordinary commitment—and often an isolating one. At Care Sphere, we are here to walk beside you. Our programs are designed for full-time family caregivers through creative respite, education, and connection. Below you’ll find details about who we serve, how to get involved, and what support may be available.

Creative Respite Activities

  • Education and workshops (free to your target group; donation-based for the public)
  • Community involvement and creative expression opportunities
  • Art and creative events, including performance and product arts

Educational Workshops

  • Caregiver well-being, skill-building, and navigating the unique challenges of supporting autistic adults.
  • Free and donation-based sessions offering tools and insights for caregivers navigating complex care needs.
  • Practical knowledge, creative exploration, and shared experiences in a supportive environment.

Peer Support & Community

  • Connect with others who truly understand. Build strength together.

Who We Serve

  • Full-time caregivers of non-verbal, severely autistic adults
  • California residents served by a Regional Center
  • Those experiencing burnout or needing supplemental support

Eligibility Checklist

This checklist helps us determine whether our services are a good fit for your caregiving situation. It is not a legal agreement and does not guarantee access or outcomes.

Caregiver Information

  • I am the primary, full-time caregiver for an adult (18+) with severe autism.
  • I am a parent, guardian, or close family member who provides daily care and oversight.
  • I provide care in a private home or community setting, not in a licensed institution or residential care facility.
  • I am not currently receiving ongoing paid respite services through an agency or provider.
  • I am the conservator or legal representative of the adult individual in my care (or equivalent legal authority).
  • The individual I care for is currently being served by one of California’s 21 Regional Centers.
  • I am enrolled in IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) or have an active application in process.

Care Recipient Characteristics

  • The individual in my care is non-verbal or minimally verbal.
  • The individual has a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
  • The individual exhibits moderate to severe behavioral challenges, requiring ongoing supervision.
  • The individual resides in my home or under my full-time care.

Support Goals

  • I am seeking respite opportunities or relief from daily caregiving responsibilities.
  • I am interested in participating in workshops, creative programs, or peer support events.
  • I want to connect with other caregivers facing similar challenges.
  • I would benefit from resources, ideas, or educational opportunities to help sustain my role as a caregiver.

Important Disclaimer

CareSphere is a philanthropic nonprofit dedicated to providing supplemental, community-based support for caregivers of severely autistic adults. Our programs are non-clinical and peer-centered in nature.

While we strive to make a positive difference, we cannot guarantee program access, outcomes, or service availability. This checklist is intended to help assess eligibility and inform our team—it does not represent a legally binding agreement and should not be interpreted as such.

Please note: CareSphere’s services do not replace or supplant state, federal, or publicly funded programs (such as Regional Center services, IHSS, Medi-Cal, or mental health services). We exist to complement existing resources, not to serve as a substitute for them.

Download a printable version: Click here to download the checklist (PDF)

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