Planning for your child who will require lifelong support can be overwhelming. You have to consider legal and financial matters, 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 shocking. So how do you best financially plan for your child with special needs?
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Learning that your child has been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be difficult, and it’s common that you as a parent have a lot of questions and emotions. These include dealing with the diagnosis, choosing the best treatment options, and building a strong and supportive family structure. Managing the stress that accompanies an autism diagnosis is fundamental to a family’s long-term health and wellbeing. The following are the next steps to take when your child has been diagnosed with autism. (more…)

 
 
 
 
The burden is great if you are a parent of a child with special needs. A recent study found that mothers of children with autism had levels of stress hormones comparable to soldiers in combat. Finances are often a struggle, as well as the school system, the medical billing, the ignorance from other people, and the lack of support. Frequently one parent, usually the mother, sacrifices her career to attend to the child’s needs with a resulting loss of income for the family. How can you be a good parent for your child with special needs when you are mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted from all the stress?
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As a parent of a child who has autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or another disability, it is a common situation to struggle financially. There are health services to pay for, as well as therapies and equipment that are necessary for your child with special needs to lead a fulfilling life. Many parents cannot work fulltime because they must take their children to regular doctor appointments and be present for their child in order for them to remain safely at home. But can you become a paid caregiver for your child with special needs?
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If you’ve recently learned that your child has or will have Down syndrome, there are many steps you can take to give her or him a happy, healthy, and rewarding life. And with early intervention, there are many therapies that can have a positive impact. Even if your family is struggling financially, you may be eligible to receive benefits so you can provide these therapies for your child with Down syndrome and pay for them without any financial stress.
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Sometimes, we need financial help as we are trying to work, pay bills, and raise a child with special needs like autism. Not only does it ease the constant worrying about money, these benefits can 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. But can you claim disability for your child with autism?
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There are excellent services out there for children with special needs but finding the right ones for your child can be a daunting experience. If you need financial help, or you are battling the school district for the services your child needs, you can get assistance from an advocate to help you with your child with autism.
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It is estimated that the cost of raising a child with autism from birth to 18 years is about $30,000 a year, $17,000 more a year than a child who doesn’t have special needs. Depending on the severity, the cost of lifetime care can run well past $1 million, with occupational, behavioral and life skills therapy, private schooling and private caregivers among the expenses. Is there a way to get financial assistance to help with these costs? (more…)

 
 
Raising a child with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or another disability can be didfficult financially. There are doctor appointments, therapy, and IEP meetings at school. When you have a fulltime job, how can you attend all these? It may be time to look into getting help. You may qualify for funding with In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Protective Supervision, which grants parents of children with special needs up to $3,000 per month. But how do you apply and get approved for IHSS Protective Supervision?
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If your child has special needs such as autism, there are many steps you can take to give him a happy, healthy, and rewarding life. And if you are a single parent who is struggling financially, you may be eligible to receive benefits such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). But what about child support? Are you getting enough child support for your child with autism?
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