Real experience, practical resources, for families raising children with autism.

Many families raising children with autism, neurodivergence, and other disabilities want to leave something behind for their child, but they're often surprised to learn that inheriting assets directly could affect eligibility for certain government benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

The goal isn't simply to leave money behind, it's to do so thoughtfully and in a way that supports your child's future needs.

Families often consider:

• Special Needs Trusts, set up with an estate planning attorney.
• Beneficiary designations.
• Life insurance planning.
• Estate-plan coordination.
• Coordinating planning with attorneys and other professionals.

With proper planning, families may be able to provide financial support while also preserving valuable benefits and resources.

Every family's circumstances are different, and comprehensive planning may involve working with a team of legal, tax, insurance, and other professionals.

One of the most common questions parents ask is, "How much is enough?" There's no one-size-fits-all answer, the right amount of coverage depends on your family's goals, resources, and the level of support your child may need throughout their lifetime.

Families often consider:

• Future caregiving expenses.
• Ongoing therapies and medical needs.
• Housing and daily living costs.
• Lost income and family obligations.
• Funding goals for a Special Needs Trust, established with an attorney.
• The needs of a surviving spouse and other children.

The right amount of protection should reflect your family's vision for the future and the people you're planning to protect.

Every family's circumstances are different, and comprehensive planning may involve working with a team of legal, tax, insurance, and other professionals.

Many parents think about what would happen if they passed away, but fewer think through a related question: what happens if I'm still here, but can no longer provide care myself? A serious illness or injury can affect the whole family, a spouse may suddenly become the primary caregiver, siblings may take on new responsibilities, and finances can feel the strain if household income is affected.

Families often consider:

• Who would step in to help provide care.
• How therapies and services would continue.
• Whether there's adequate income protection in place.
• Emergency and contingency plans.
• Documenting important routines and caregiving preferences.
• How the family would manage financially during a difficult stretch.

Planning ahead can provide real stability if life takes an unexpected turn.

Every family's circumstances are different, and comprehensive planning may involve working with a team of legal, tax, insurance, and other professionals.

Whether your child was recently diagnosed or has been receiving support for years, the best time to start planning is usually earlier than families think.

Planning isn't just about money, it's about creating clarity and confidence for the future, and making sure the people who love your child understand your wishes.

Families often start by:

• Organizing important documents.
• Reviewing insurance and existing resources.
• Identifying future caregivers and support systems.
• Creating a Letter of Intent.
• Discussing long-term goals for their child and family.
• Reviewing beneficiary designations and existing plans.

There are meaningful steps families can take at any stage, though waiting too long can sometimes limit options due to age, health changes, or shifts in family circumstances.

Every family's circumstances are different, and comprehensive planning may involve working with a team of legal, tax, insurance, and other professionals.

After a diagnosis, many families are focused on therapies, appointments, and daily life, planning often gets pushed to the side, and that's completely understandable. But certain decisions or delays can have long-term consequences.

Some common mistakes include:

• Delaying planning because life feels overwhelming.
• Naming a child with a disability directly as a beneficiary.
• Assuming government benefits will cover all future needs.
• Not having adequate life or disability protection in place.
• Purchasing insurance products without understanding how they fit into the bigger picture.
• Not coordinating planning among legal, tax, and insurance professionals.
• Creating a plan and never reviewing it as circumstances change.
• Waiting too long to explore options, only to find certain opportunities are no longer available.

The earlier families start asking questions, the more options they tend to have.

Every family's circumstances are different, and comprehensive planning may involve working with a team of legal, tax, insurance, and other professionals.