Many individuals who experience Autism require ongoing support throughout their lifespan. One of the primary worries of family members is, “What will happen to my loved one with Autism when I am no longer able to provide care for them due to my own aging, illness or death?”
With careful planning this concern can be lessened. There are significant details to navigate, including financial and legal concerns for children and adults with Autism who require ongoing support that extends beyond what a family can provide.
This could be because the family member with Autism outlives their familial support network, the needs extend beyond what a family can provide due to their own healthcare needs, or a host of other circumstances.
Individuals and families should be empowered to make a plan for their future. One planning tool that may help is the Charting the Lifecourse framework. This framework is designed for individuals and family members to design and plan their life and advocate for support.
Regardless of your age, or your child’s age or disability, planning for the future is important.
Begin planning when your child is identified as having a disability and revise your plan as your child grows into adulthood.
The individual with a disability should share in developing the plan, and it should reflect what that person would like for his or her life.
Your child will become an emancipated adult at age 18. Many people with developmental disabilities just need informal assistance and guidance from others; in other cases there may be a need to establish legal guardianship.
Plan for your loved one’s financial future
Take steps to help your child become more independent. Connect with other families and local, state, and national organizations that can offer you information and support.