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: I heard a report that stated the Social Security trust fund will be extinguished by 2034. Is that true, and if so how does that impact the plan for my adult son with autism? By law, Social Security OASDI trust funds must be able to pay benefits for at least the next 75 years. […]
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Question: I have heard of a Special Needs Trust. Can you share why my son with autism may need one? A Special Needs Trust is an important element in special needs planning because of what it can protect. For most individuals with an intellectual and developmental disability, government benefits are critical to providing a very […]
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How to apply for autism grants Applying for grants can seem like a daunting process. Don’t let paperwork, reference letters, and the waiting game discourage you from filling out an application. As an increasing volume of research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is published, public awareness is rising, and services—including grants—are more readily available than […]
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Question: How do state Medicaid waiver programs play a role in the planning for my son, especially with the long waiting list? State Medicaid Waiver programs can play a significant role in providing care for your son’s lifetime need for support. While many families can be discouraged by the waiting lists that exist in most […]
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United Cerebral Palsy and the ANCOR Foundation released their The Case for Inclusion 2019 report that analyzed how well state programs, especially Medicaid, are meeting the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The study did find some continued positive changes including the move away from institutions into community living; however, the study also […]
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Two new studies were released, one published in the Journal of JAMA Pediatrics and one by the federal government, at the end of 2018 that confirmed that one in 40 children ages three to 17 are diagnosed with autism. This prevalence has increased from one in 150 children in 18 short years. As with many […]
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According to statistics, an estimated 500,000 teenagers diagnosed with autism will become adults over the next 10 years. As the rate of diagnosis continues to climb (1 in 125 in 2004, 1 in 59 US births in 2018), preparations must be made, not only by families but by our communities as well. Currently, nearly half […]
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As 2019 begins, it arrives with optimism and excitement to start fresh, set goals, create action plans, and work to accomplish those goals. For so many of us, we begin the year with such great intentions, but we don’t always end the year reaching the goals that we set. Why is that the case? Ciara […]
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Question: “As the holidays approach, I have been asked by my parents how they can gift money to my son with autism? Can I tell them to give it to him directly or is there something specific I need to do?” Thank you for this question. Our planners hear this question quite a bit especially […]
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All parents want their children to live wonderful lives, and they do all they can to make that a reality. As your child with autism becomes an adult, that journey can become more and more challenging. It can become difficult to find services, to find a primary care provider who understands your adult child’s needs, […]
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