Today, it is estimated that a quarter of U.S. households have a member with special needs. More than 8% of kids under 15 have a disability, and half of those are deemed severe. Parents who have children with special needs share one thing: the massive cost of raising them. If you are a parent of a child with special needs, you may suffer from constantly worrying that you don’t have enough money to provide the best care for your child—or you fear that you will face bankruptcy from all the bills. Can you get financial help to ease the costs of raising your child with special needs?

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To say that schools have changed a lot in the past year and a half is an understatement. And, as a result, our kids need to learn new rules and routines. For children on the autism spectrum (ASD) the return to school after COVID-19 presents many challenges, and many parents have questions about how to help them cope with social distancing, new environments, and ongoing change. How can you best support your child with autism going back to school after COVID-19?

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As your child goes back to school, it’s important to know his or her education options, especially if he or she has disabilities. Children with delayed skills or other disabilities might be eligible for special services that provide individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge to families. Understanding how to access these services can help you as a parent be an effective advocate for your child. But does your child qualify for an individualized education program (IEP)?

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The purpose of In-Home Supportive Service (IHSS) payments is to help children who are disabled, or their families, who have limited financial resources. Children with special needs such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy may be eligible for IHSS disability benefits. If you are the parent of a child with a disability, you can apply to become your child’s caretaker, and this money can help provide needed therapies and care to maximize your child’s abilities and strengths. Part of the application process is an assessment by a state case representative. Get ready for your IHSS home assessment interview with these tips.

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If you are a parent with a child with autism (ASD), you know how expensive life can be. Deciding to spend money on a service for your child can sometimes mean not using that money on another need for your family. There are a countless number of choices you must make on a day-to-day basis, and there are times when the decisions become overwhelming. Many parents ask: can I get disability benefits for my child with autism?

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