Future Independence for Special Needs Linked to Technology and Money
As parents guide their children through the stages of life, there comes a point where adulthood becomes ever so real. That time usually comes somewhere between 14 and 17 years old, when parents realize their child will become an adult and will no longer be attending school. For some of those young adults, they may […]
Continue readingHow to Plan for Your Special Needs Child’s Legal and Financial Future
The holiday season is officially upon us, and our calendars are even busier than normal (which is hard to believe!). I know that the holiday season brings a great deal of joy, happiness, family time, and stress. It can also bring with it a time for reflection, reflection on the year that has passed, and […]
Continue readingSpecial Needs Financial Planning When Life Changes
As families plan for the secure future of a loved one with autism, it is commonplace that the plan is updated due to changes in the family situation or in the life of the individual with the diagnosis. For example: If your loved one begins working, the new income will need to be factored into […]
Continue readingWhat You Need to Know About Special Needs Advocacy and Money
Nothing ever seems to change unless people force the change to occur. An advocate is a person who speaks, writes, or pleads for his/herself or on behalf of another. We have seen fierce advocacy in the special needs community throughout history, and this advocacy began with families fighting for the civil rights of their loved […]
Continue readingHow Do I Choose a Trustee for My Special Needs Child?
I am trying to decide on a trustee for my son’s Special Needs Trust. What should I be thinking about? —Madison I commend you on thinking about who will be your best choice as trustee. I find that so many families just choose the closest relative or closest friend without much thought as to the […]
Continue readingBeware: The Government Is Not Planning for You
In our last issue, we discussed the continued rise in technology that will support individuals with autism as they live and work in their communities in the most independent manner possible. However, in order to take advantage of these growing opportunities, individuals with autism must be financially prepared to do so. At A Special Needs […]
Continue readingTransportation: A New Vision, But You Will Need a Plan!
Transportation for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seems to pose a challenge and can sometimes hold people back from living and working in the community. So many adults with autism do not have a driver’s license and are therefore forced to use public transportation (if they can manage that system) in order to hold […]
Continue readingSecuring the Future for Your Child with Special Needs
I was fortunate enough to join a contingent with The Arc of North Carolina and attend the 2017 Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, DC in March. It was an incredible learning experience, as I came to better understand the inner workings of our political system and the impact our legislators have on the government benefit […]
Continue readingShould Our Family Move to Improve Special Need Services?
We are considering moving our family to another school district in the hopes of improving the in-school experience and services for our daughter. What should we be considering? —James As you know, moving your family is a big decision. It may change many aspects of your family life including the commute time for Mom and/or […]
Continue readingTools You Need to Protect Government Benefits
In our previous Autism Parenting Magazine column, we discussed government benefits and how to access those benefits. One item we learned was that in order to access the array of services, your child will have to be eligible, which means he/she cannot have countable assets of more than $2,000 in his/her name—and to remain eligible, […]
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