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 PageBeing Her Brother’s Caregiver
May 10, 2016 by
A year ago, Helen Ries’s mother died unexpectedly, and she became the primary caregiver of her brother, Paul Knoll. Knoll has Down syndrome and had lived with his parents most of his life. Ries admits that her first year as a … [Read more...]
Print This PageOn Pins and Needles: Caring for Those with Mental Illness
March 1, 2016 by
As many as 8.4 million Americans are providing care to an adult with an emotional or mental health issue. Often, these family caregivers feel the impact of the disease as they struggle to care for their loved ones and to bridge … [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 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...]
Print This PageVirginia Becomes First State to Approve ABLE Act
July 31, 2015 by
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe Signs ABLE Act into Law (Source: NBC 29) Q. Our son, Jeff, has autism spectrum disorder and will likely need assistance throughout his lifetime. We are looking for ways to save for his … [Read more...]
Print This PageHave a Piece of Cake. . .
May 29, 2015 by
It's Medicaid's 50th Birthday! Q. My son, Sam, turns 50 this year. Besides his birth, I know that something else significant happened in 1965 -- President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicaid into law. I know you help people apply … [Read more...]
Print This PageHow to Choose Trustees for a Special Needs Trust
May 5, 2015 by
Mark is an autistic adult who resides in a Medicaid-funded residential program in upstate New York. Before his parents passed away, his mother established a Special Needs Trust for him, which held in excess of $2 million, with the … [Read more...]
Print This PageCritter Corner: Apps for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
April 3, 2015 by
Dear Saki and Alley, My daughter with ASD often gets frustrated when playing on the iPad, because some of the apps are too fast paced, or she doesn't understand them. Do you know of any apps that someone with ASD could … [Read more...]
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