As a parent of a child with special needs like autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or another disability, it can be difficult to find the best resources, especially if we are in the midst of a difficult time or a new diagnosis. And since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been especially tough with schools transitioning to online education, basically cutting out their special education programs altogether. If you have In-Home Support Services (IHSS), and you haven’t maxed out your hours, this could qualify you for more.

Read More

Even when you do not have children, going through a divorce is emotional and difficult. When you have a child with special needs, it seems like the process is even more complicated. Many parents feel alone and powerless, facing the challenges of taking care of your child’s health, education, and long-term planning for the future all by yourself. So how do you survive a divorce with a child with special needs?

Read More

Getting financial help as parents try to work, pay bills, and raise a child with a disability like autism, cerebral palsy, or Down syndrome can sometimes be necessary. Not only does it ease the constant worrying about money, monetary benefits can also help pay for therapies and other treatments, or simply daily expenses that become difficult if you have to take time off or you are unable to work completely. This is where In-Home Support Services (IHSS) comes in. IHSS is a California government program that provides financial support for in-home caretakers of children with developmental disabilities including autism. But how long does it take to get approved for IHSS?

Read More

Raising children is expensive. This is especially true when it comes to raising a child with special needs. In fact, one study by Autism Speaks estimated that the average lifetime cost to raise a child with autism is $1.4 million dollars. So how do you financially plan for the future of your child with special needs?

Read More

If you have California’s In-Home Supportive Services program (IHSS), you know it provides amazing financial support to enable you to stay at home with your child with special needs. Children with autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy can often take a heavy financial toll on a family. It is common for you to have to stop working in order to take care of your child. But disability benefits such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) allows you to be employed as your child’s in-home caretaker. If you already have this program, how do you get more IHSS hours?

Read More