Parents of Children with Autism: 6 Fears for Their Child
Parents of children with autism face fears everyday while coping with the challenges, frustrations and considerable expenses associated with caring for their child. These concerns cover every aspect of the child and family’s life, from their child’s health, happiness, independence and education to their social needs, housing, employment and overall quality of life. My first-hand experience has shown me that families and parents of children with autism face these common fears for their child.
1. What about their future? Few parents believe their child with autism will be able to make their own life decisions, establish friendships, have a spouse, participate in age-appropriate activities and recreation, etc. Not only that, many parents are concerned about their child’s ability to find work or access to transportation. Fears about their child’s ability to continue to receive proper care in their absence can leave parents feeling strained and isolated. Nearly three quarters of parents with children on the spectrum worry about their child’s financial future after they are no longer able to care for them. They fear their child will not have enough financial support after the parents die.
2. What about their Quality of Life? The day-to-day routine of families with individuals on the autism spectrum can be time-consuming and tiring. The notion of long-term independence can be frustratingly elusive. The rising cost of caring for an autistic child or grown up is demanding. Their needs are great and the complexity of the challenge is much greater than that faced by other families.
3. How can I care for them? While it’s not easy to find someone who understands the unique financial needs of families with spectrum children, resources are available. There are also school and governmental programs available as well. Unfortunately, these resources have been diminishing while the number of children being diagnosed with autism is on the rise.
4. How do I make a plan? The most important step parents can take is to begin planning early. Often the greatest hindrance to parents is not knowing where to begin. Unfortunately for these parents, that may be their greatest hurdle.
5. Who can help me? Parents need to find the right professionals and then place their trust in these advisors. While the process may seem complicated at first, the right advisor, someone intimately involved in serving families with children on the autism spectrum, can lead his or her clients with knowledge and compassion. Parents should begin by seeking out a professional knowledgeable and experienced in the development and management of Individualized Life Plans.
6. How do I find the right professional? Sometimes getting started is as simple as asking the right questions. Building the right team of advisors is a key step. At the helms should be an experienced wealth manager, a financial advisor who takes a holistic approach to truly understand their clients’ needs, family dynamics and complexities. This professional should offer a customized wealth management plan and Individualized Life Plan that reflects your family’s unique values, goals, assets, inter-family relationships along with the child’s needs.
I want families touched by autism to know there is a resource available to them to provide the professional planning, support and one-on-one advocacy they need to meet their long-term financial goals for their family and life goals for their autistic child. Parents of children with autism can gain peace of mind, and can sleep a little better at night knowing their son or daughter will be cared for over the course of their life. And that, in the end, is priceless.
About Charles Massimo
Recognized as industry expert and guest speaker at national industry conferences, Charles Massimo is a published author and media subject expert on topics ranging from wealth/asset management to investment and financial planning for high net worth families, families with autistic children and closely-held businesses.