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April is Autism Awareness Month,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], which seeks to educate the public about the needs and challenges facing those with autism spectrum disorders. Yet despite the observance,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], many parents of special needs children are still in the dark as to 3 key planning steps designed to protect their child if the unthinkable happens.
According to AutismSpeaks.com, the disorder affects one in 110 children in the United States, with boys being four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed on the spectrum. The prevalence of autism has also increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], thus prompting The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to refer to autism as a "national public health crisis".
Yet while autism awareness is at an all time high many parents are still in the dark as to how to make sure their child is physically and financially cared for if and when death or incapacity occurs.
As much parents of special needs children hate to think about it, there may come a time when they are physically unable---or perhaps no longer alive---to oversee their child's care. That's why long-term care plans must be put in place as soon as a diagnosis is made to ensure the child always stays physically and financially protected if the unthinkable occurs.
The options for long-term care planning are broad and depend on the needs of the child,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]. Parents can simplify the process by starting with these 3 key planning steps:
1. Name Guardians- Guardians should immediately be named who can oversee their child's care if something unexpectedly happens to them. Without such designations in place,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the child could end up in a lengthy custody battle if the unthinkable happens. Think outside the box and focus on finding someone whose love and dedication to the child closely resemble their own. Finally, parents should give copies of their designations to the guardians themselves,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], as well as the child's school, babysitters and even the neighbors so everyone knows exactly who to call if a crisis strikes.
2. Set up a Special Needs Trust- A special needs trust is a legal tool that ensures a disabled child's health care and living needs are taken care of if something happens to mom or dad. While many parents have good intentions of leaving their child life insurance benefits or other assets in a will or Trust if they pass,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], leaving a child an inheritance outright could void their eligibility for Social Security or Medicaid in the future (which is often the only health care option available!). Instead,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], a trust helps to ensure that the child receives such financial benefits without actually having assets in their name---thus leaving all government benefits intact.
3. Build a Team of Support- It is never too early to begin building a team of trusted caregivers and advisors who can immediately step in and help the child if a crisis occurs. Such team members may include the child's legal guardians, a trusted doctor,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], financial advisor,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], estate planning attorney and dedicated family or friends. Building such a team now also helps to ensure you have the right people in place, as opposed to someone who will prey upon your child's disability in an emergency.
Parents of special needs children must go into planning with the mindset that their child will require a lifetime of care. Fortunately, by starting with these 3 key steps,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], parents will make tremendous progress in ensuring their child is physically and financially cared for in their absence.
For more information on how to plan for children with special needs,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], visit

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