Emily Sagle of Stafford, VA, is a full-time caregiver for her 11-year-old son, William. He’s nonverbal, autistic, and suffers from various medical and genetic conditions that make it difficult for him to attend public school. Due to the amount of assistance William needs each day, Sagle cannot work outside the home. During the pandemic, Sagle’s […]
How AI Is Being Used to Diagnose and Treat Autism
Researchers are currently exploring the idea that artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to diagnose and treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An ASD diagnosis can be tricky, and for some it can take years. Now a new app developed at Duke University may be able to spot the disorder in 10 minutes while children play […]
Should All Children Be Tested for Autism?
Q. I heard that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become even more prevalent than before. Why is this happening? With ASD being as common as it is, should all children be tested for it, as they are for other things? Also, with all of the new research and developments out there, are there ways to […]
Is the Term “Special Needs” Going Out of Style? Rethinking the Terminology in Light of the Law
Q. I have three children — two on the autism spectrum and one with Down syndrome, who we adopted. One of my children with ASD is a young adult, and the other is a teenager. My friend, Cathy, also has an adult child on the autism spectrum. I read your article last week and found […]
Planning for Individuals with Disabilities So They Have a Say
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 health issues ourselves, we are very concerned about what […]
Does My Infant Grandson Have an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Q. My daughter and son-in-law both work full-time, and I watch my 9-month old grandson, Caden, every day during the week. My daughter takes me with her to his doctor’s appointments, where they provide us with CDC guidelines for where he should be at his age. He seems to not be reaching his developmental milestones. […]
Why Special Needs Planning Is Even More Important During a Pandemic (Part 4 of a 4-part Series)
In what was originally a three-part series, I have decided to add one more essential part about special needs planning and why it’s especially important during a pandemic. In part one of this series, I discussed why estate planning is of vital importance during this global pandemic. In part two, I explored elder law and […]
Researchers Find 102 Genes Linked to Autism
Tommy and Henry Stevens are identical twins who were born slightly premature and met their milestones later than others their age. As they became toddlers, they still didn’t say a word. Doctors explained to their mother that there was nothing to worry about, that perhaps they were “late bloomers.” By the time they reached their […]
What Happens to Adults with Autism Who “Age Out”?
Dear Bebe, There is a lot of funding for research about early diagnosis and early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there doesn’t seem to be much attention paid to adults with ASD. My daughter is 18 and has ASD. What information can you provide to help someone who will be “aging […]
New Virginia Law Removes Age Cap on Autism Coverage
Dear Magic, Our daughter, Rachael, has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since she was a toddler, we have been taking her for every early intervention therapy there is, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), speech, and occupational therapy. We are thankful that these are mostly covered by insurance, or we’d likely be broke. Rachael is in middle […]
What Happens When a Person with Autism Becomes an Adult?
Dear Bebe, My niece, Amelia, has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but is high-functioning. What happens to most children with ASD when they transition to adulthood? Thanks! Will Shebeokay — Dear Will, The US Department of Health and Human Services recently released a comprehensive report, titled “Young Adults and Transitioning Youth […]
Division One Cheerleader at Mason is Breaking Barriers
Ann Catherine Heigl, a 19-year-old with Down syndrome, graduated from high school and became a student of George Mason University, through their LIFE program, a full-time college program for intellectually and developmentally disabled students. It’s one of only a few full-time college programs for people with special needs. Not only is Ann Catherine an engaging […]
Supreme Court Rules that the Bare Minimum Isn’t Enough/Planning for an Uncertain Future
Q. My daughter, Hailey, has high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is severely learning disabled, and has a difficult time paying attention in school. We have attended Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, and are aware that she is just not grasping remedial mathematics, reading, science, or social studies, and has failed most of her Standard of […]
An ABLE Account for a Loved One with a Disability
Dear Angel, I have an intellectually disabled daughter, and I’ve seen a lot of information this month from the ABLE National Resource Center through their #ABLEtoSave campaign. I understand that it’s state run, and that Virginia was among the first states to participate. Can you tell me more about the ABLE Act in Virginia and […]
Bipartisan Efforts to Help Those with Mental Illness
Dear Angel, My son has bipolar disorder, and he was taking advantage of mental health treatment services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Since the new administration took office, I know some changes will be made to mental health service offerings with the introduction of the ‘repeal and replace’ proposal. Do you know about any major changes that are being proposed? What can we do to plan for our son’s future well-being, should something happen […]
ABLEnow is Open for Enrollment in Virginia
Millions of individuals with disabilities and their families depend on a wide variety of public benefits for income, health care, food, and housing assistance. Many of these benefits require meeting a means or resource test that limits the eligibility of individuals who report more than $2,000 in cash savings, retirement funds, and other items of […]
Special Needs Trust Fairness Act Becomes Law
Carolyn is physically disabled, but has full mental capacity. Her parents and grandparents are no longer around. She would like to set up a Special Needs Trust for herself, to ensure that she is protected against the risk of impoverishment. In the past she couldn’t do so, and had to rely on a family member […]
Setting up an ABLE Account and New Legislation
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 heard it may be something that can help my son with his education […]
Federal Initiatives for Autism
Dear Commander Bun Bun, My son has Autism Spectrum Disorder. I know there are lots of private initiatives out there to raise money and awareness. What I don’t know is whether there are any federal initiatives that may be in progress. Are you aware of any? Thanks! Ina Sheatives — Dear Ina, On the Autism […]
Massive Amount of Romance Scams Target Older Victims
Q. My brother is a disabled older adult living in a group home. He has no assets that he can access himself but does have significant assets in a special needs trust with me as the trustee. Recently, he has been asking me for money to send to his new “girlfriend” who he met online. […]