The study identified patterns of respite use and coping strategies among family caregivers in a region of Ireland. Findings indicated that the likelihood of families using respite care was not significantly related to presence of challenging behaviours or level of children's support needs.  Likelihood of using respite care was not significantly related to family size and social support.

Female carers tended to use more problem solving strategies than males.  Male carers tended to use more managing meaning coping strategies. Some strategies were shared across genders. The need for carers to have confirmation of high standards of care and the importance of supporting male carers was discussed.