-
Plan for a Lifetime: How to Build Financial Security for an Autistic Person
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to financial planning. Every person and family brings different goals, resources, responsibilities, and ideas about what financial security looks like. That is especially true when planning for or alongside a loved one on the autism spectrum. For an...
-
Expressing Gratitude: Using Your IRA to Make Gifts to Charity
If you are charitably inclined and you qualify under the IRS rules, you might be able to implement a technique using your IRA. If you are at least 70½ years old with a traditional IRA, you can direct your IRA custodian to donate up to $111,000 by December 31, 2026, in the form of a check directly...
-
Notes, Buckets, and Beneficiaries: An Introduction to Special Needs Planning
Having loved ones with special needs requires specialized planning to meet their unique financial requirements. The search for direction about financial assistance (benefits and support provided by government agencies) and special needs planning (preparation for future financial needs) can be...
-
The Importance of Special Needs Trusts for Children with Autism
When my child with ASD and intellectual disability was young, I had no idea what tomorrow would bring, much less what would happen years from now, when I would no longer be there. My son’s behaviors were anxiety-provoking enough without me having to lie awake at night thinking about the future....
-
Navigating the Legal Rights and Entitlements for Your Student with Autism
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that governs the education of children with disabilities, including autism. Congress’ purpose in passing IDEA 48 years ago was to open the school doors for children with disabilities and provide them “a free appropriate...
-
Legal Guardianship: The Pros and Cons for Your Adult Disabled Child
What happens when your special needs child turns age 18? It’s a crucial question faced by every affected parent and family. The answer to the question, and special needs planning, means different things depending upon your state’s laws. How can you make certain you’ve done all you legally can...
-
Protecting the Financial Future of Your Child with Autism
Parents of children with autism know that just getting through day-to-day life requires careful planning. Many parents do not consider that financial planning for their child with autism also requires careful and special planning, especially when the child may not be able to support or care for...
-
Special Needs Family Planning – Tips for Families with Special Needs
What is the sign of a good decision?® It’s creating a life care plan for a special needs child.. A gift of cash from grandma, grandpa or anyone else could end up costing special needs families thousands of dollars in lost government funding and services – benefits that are critical in helping...
-
Health Care Directives: A Safeguard and a Support
It is essential for all adults to execute advance planning documents, especially those adults on the autism spectrum who have the capacity to do so. Chief among these estate planning documents is the health care directive. Often, parents make all health care decisions for their child for the first...
-
Planning for the Future: Guardianships and Special Needs Trusts
As your autistic child transitions into adulthood, you will need to address two very important legal issues: guardianships and special needs trusts. Once your child reaches the age of majority, you must consider whether a guardianship is appropriate. Further, regardless of the age of your child, it...
