Raising your child with special needs who will require lifelong support can be overwhelming, especially when you need to plan for them long term. There are legal and financial matters to consider, your child’s individual needs, and the effect all your decisions will have on everyone else in the family. And the costs associated with raising your child with a disability like autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy are colossal. So what is the best way to go about financial planning for your child with special needs?

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For your child on the autism spectrum, the IEP (Individualized Education Program) is the most important document in his or her school file. Having an IEP that comprehensively addresses all your child’s needs is critical to his or her success in school and future development. Developing an effective IEP for children with autism presents additional challenges because schools are often reluctant to provide the intensity of services the child needs due to financial and staffing limitations. So it’s important for you to know what to ask for and what services to discuss during the IEP meeting so your child with autism gets what he or she is entitled to at school.

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Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects communication and social interaction skills. It is thought to be present from birth and is usually recognized by three years of age. Not everyone with autism displays the same behaviors. There are many signs of autism and they may be experienced by varying degrees. So many parents of children who have just been diagnosed often ask: Is autism considered a disability?

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If you are a parent of a child who has autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or another disability, it is common to struggle financially. There are many things to pay for, including doctor appointments, therapy, and equipment. That’s why resources like In-Home Supportive Services are so vital—they provide critical financial assistance to you so your child with special needs can have access to everything available to lead a fulfilling life. This year, IHSS has rolled out some program changes for 2021 that may be even more beneficial for your family. Read More

You hear the word “autism” and a thousand emotions rush through your body: fear, confusion, anger, guilt, anxiety, relief, sadness. You are not alone, and it is normal to feel this way. There are so many questions, and an avalanche of information to examine. The important thing to remember is that, although there is no known cure for autism, there is hope. The following days after your child’s diagnosis with autism can be overwhelming, but little by little, here are the steps for what to do next.

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