Articles that focus on the financial challenges related to people with autism (Supplemental Security Income (SSI), government programs, savings accounts, wills, cost of programs, therapies, a lifetime of care). This includes articles by financial advisors.
Question: “My husband and I have been researching special needs trust, and we have realized there are multiple types. Would you mind describing the types of special needs trusts that exist and the reasons for each? Answer: You are correct. Special Needs Trust is a broad term that can comprise various types of trusts. We […]
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Question: It is the beginning of a new year, I want to start saving for my child’s future, and I heard quite a bit about the ABLE Accounts. Is an ABLE a good account to begin saving in for my child’s future? — Abigail Saving for your child’s future is a great step in helping […]
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If you are the parent, caregiver or representative of a child younger than 18 who has disabilities, there are many possible government benefits that you and they could be eligible to receive. In addition, an adult who became disabled in childhood prior to age 22 might also be eligible for benefits as well. Supplemental Security […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Anthony asks: My son with autism is 14 years old and has a 10-year-old sister. We are thinking of setting up a Special Needs Trust, and would like to make our daughter the trustee. Is that possible? Thank you for your question. It is very common to design a trust with the trustee being a […]
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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 […]
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