Q. Our son, Charlie, is 40 and has autism and is intellectually disabled. We were a bit older when we had him, and he is our fifth and youngest adult child. He resides with us in our home, but as we are getting older and having … [Read more...]
Print This PageHow Having a Special Needs Loved One Affects Estate Planning and Retirement Planning
July 3, 2020 by
Q. Our daughter, Sophie, has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She is verbal, but needs lots of help academically and with her social skills. She may not be able to live independently when she becomes an adult. When it comes to … [Read more...]
Print This PageCongress Reverses Recent Changes to the Kiddie Tax
February 5, 2020 by
The article below can be found at specialneedsanswers.com here. By Andy Jones A major bipartisan bill, signed into law by President Trump in December, includes significant tax changes for people with assets in a special … [Read more...]
Print This PageIs it Possible to Outgrow Autism?
March 29, 2019 by
Q. My son is fourteen years old and we’ve had a challenging time with him throughout his childhood, but his transformation since has been remarkable. At three, his preschool teacher suggested that we get him checked for autism. He … [Read more...]
Print This PageTaxation of Special Needs Trusts
February 28, 2018 by
This article was written by Special Needs Alliance member Tara Pleat. Tara is a founding partner of the law firm of Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC in Clifton Park, New York. She practices in the areas of Special Needs Planning, Elder … [Read more...]
Print This PageSetting up an ABLE Account and New Legislation
October 7, 2016 by
Q. Our son, Isaiah, has high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, and we are thrilled to say that he was recently accepted into trade school. I heard from a friend at work about the ABLE Act. I don’t know much about it, but I've … [Read more...]
Print This PageCritter Corner: New iPhone App Could Transform How We Diagnose Autism
October 16, 2015 by
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I heard somewhere that a new app has been developed by Apple that can be used to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using facial expressions. Since you are attuned to what's going on with … [Read more...]
Print This PageDebunking the Myths About Autism
October 15, 2015 by
Image from Pathfindersforautism.org Q. We recently found out that my son, Freddy, has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After accepting the fact that things will be more challenging for him socially and academically … [Read more...]
Print This PageLiving with Fewer Rights than a Convicted Felon
September 25, 2015 by
Q. My 30-year-old cousin, Donnie, is intellectually disabled. He works at the Wendy's near my house, serving burgers and greeting customers with a smile. He has a bank account, saves most of the money he earns, makes a mean chili, … [Read more...]
Print This PageSelf Care for a Special Needs Parent
September 25, 2015 by
Dear Angel, My daughter, Valerie, has autism spectrum disorder (formerly known as Asperger's Syndrome, but now under the ASD umbrella). She is very bright, and for the most part is in an inclusive environment at school. … [Read more...]
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