Great Resources for Parents of Children with Autism & Other Exceptionalities
Recently we received an email from a parent who is part of an organization called Caring4OurKids, made for parents of children with autism and other exceptionalities. She was kind enough to provide us with a list of resources which parents in this organization have found very helpful. We thought we’d share with you too!
Sesame Street Autism Resources for Parents
For: Parents with children on the spectrum, aged 2-5 years old.
What they provide: Offering families ways to manage common challenges, to simplify everyday activities, and to grow connections and support from family, friends, and community.
Resources for Military Families
For: Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps with family members on the autism spectrum.
What they provide: Support for military families with special needs family members is provided through the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). EFMP programs offer support programs and provide families with information about and referral to local services.
Home Modifications for Special Needs Kids
For: Parents who need to make home modifications for their special needs child
What they provide: A guide to creating a safe environment at home for your child. Everything from modifying your home on a budget, or factors to take into consideration regarding whether to modify your home or not.
Planning for the Future for Seniors with Special Needs
For: Parents who have a child on the spectrum who is already an adult, or nearing adulthood.
What they provide: It’s important that those charged with caring for the needs of an older adult take the necessary financial precautions as early as possible to ensure a stable future. They provide some tools that can help preserve the financial and physical health of those with special needs as they age.
Estate Planning for Parents of Special Needs Kids
For: Parents who have a child on the spectrum who is already an adult, or nearing adulthood.
What they provide: When you have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the issue of planning your estate becomes much knottier. Not only do you have to financially provide for that child after you’re gone, you must ensure they’ll be well taken care of and that your death does not compromise the child in any way other than the obvious emotional impact losing you will have. It might seem too early to think about these things, but it’s best to be informed and prepared! This resource addresses the basics – like what exactly estate planning is and the challenges it can bring – as well as what documents you need to have in order in your estate planning, which documents your child needs to be successful and in compliance with the law, and how you should proceed once you have put your affairs in place.