The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

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Autism Society records most keynote and concurrent sessions at their annual conferences. You can see and hear those recordings by purchasing full online access, or individual recordings.

2539 Ten Things You Need to Know When You're Child Turns 18.


Saturday, July 14, 2007: 10:00 AM-11:15 AM
Herberger Ballroom 1 (The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa)
This entertaining presentation will prepare you, your child and your family for all apects of the transition to adulthood and is given with the experience, warmth and humor of a father and son who are walking the walk and talking the talk. Top ten items include Supplemental Security Income, Estate Planning, Life Insurance, Job Assistance, Recreation, Education, Residency, Medical, Housing, Guardianship. This presentation describes the top then things you need to know or at the very least be planning for, when your family member with autism turns 18 years of age. Few of these items are standalone events; together, they comprise a complete quality of life plan to maximize the full potential of your child as well as giving you both the opportunity to continue to support, nurture, and be prepared for the life challenges ahead for you and your family As all of these points are important, they are presented alphabetically here and will be elaborated upon in greater detail during the presentation.

Education. Learning is a lifetime process that should continue for your childÂ…as well as yourself. As learning does not end after high school, parents should have plans in place for further education. Such endeavors need not be limited to Harvard or even local community colleges. Technical training is available and should be pursued. Even the lowest functioning child can still learn and grow upon departure from the public school system.

Estate planning. As your child transitions to adulthood, wills become more important for you, your spouse, your son or daughter with autism, and your other children and heirs. Having a well constructed will won't cost you a fortune to obtain, but may cost you a fortune if you do not have one, or you have one that benefits a child with autism, yet hurts them at the same time. Trusts and estate planning should also be considered. One important aspect of a will and proper estate planning would be one that provides your adult child access to assets, while at the same time, protects SSI and Medicaid eligibility. Such vehicles can be constructed in a way that both benefit and protection can be provided. Life Insurance is a very important component of a complete financial plan. The trick is to provide for the disabled family member, yet also insure the financial viability and future of other children, should the loss of one or both parents occur. There can be some severe ramifications if not properly, or perhaps worse if not done at all.

Family and Letter of Intent. Your family is your greatest asset or your worst nightmare. As your other children grow older, they, too have needs. Include them in your decisions and make sure they are aware of what is happening

Guardianship. A difficult decision. What is a guardian and how do you obtain one? What are the factors that may affect your decision for guardianship? This decision needs to be addressed and weighed carefully for its legal, social and financial implications for both the individual and the family. A clear concise lifetime plan is essential for this decision to be made.

Housing. There are many options to consider and plan for here. Options include purchase of real estate, selection of group home, or staying with family. Financials resources obviously play a significant role here, but there are state agencies that can assist with this decision which will have a great impact on the quality of life for you and the family.

Jobs. We need jobs both for income generating purposes and self-worth. Your transitioning family member with autism is no different. Few things in life contribute more to the feeling of selfworth and contribution to the world than a good job. Employment for individuals with autism, regardless of where they might be in the spectrum, requires specific planning and there are particular strategies you can use both on your own and with state resources to accomplish job goals for your adult child.

Medical coverage. Your child is an adult and therefore, needs medical coverage just as much, if not more, than you do. Your private insurance may or may not cover your child, even if he or she continues to live with you. Medicaid is a possibility if qualified, but you may also need additional coverage based upon your individual circumstances. Chances are medical coverage lapses upon age 18 or soon after. You need to be prepared to make smart decisions for long term medical care, funded privately or publicly.

Recreation. All work and no play make all of us dull boys and girls. We all appreciate downtime and even the most typical of us may fall prey to simply watching too much TV. Exercise and hobbies are important aspects of life for all of us. Additional planning and strategy may be needed for the adult family member, but it's important to keep balance with these types of activities to maintain good health, good sleeping patterns and a general well being.

Spiritual growth. This category has perhaps the largest number of choices! Without getting into any specifics, the wonderment of our being is important for us to ponder. Any age can wonder and dream and spiritual growth can continue at home, places of worship, or special event.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSI eligibility you were perhaps denied years may change now that your 18 year old child's income and not yours, is the determining factor. SSI payments are designed to fulfill needs relating to food, clothing and shelter. How you fill out the SSI application and your plans for spending the money SSI gives you can be enormous factors in determining how much SSI payment your adult child will receive. Considering and planning for these ten concepts can help give your family member with autism the best chance for maximizing potential and achieving the best quality of life possible. They also give you the piece of mind that although challenges remain, you can plan to provide the best for your family for the rest of their lives.

Learning Objectives:

  • Effective SSI and Estate Planning
  • Learn Important Job Seeking Tips
  • Improve Quality of Life for Adulthood
  • Discover Educational/Recreational Opportunities
  • Discuss Health and Insurance Needs

Content Area: Transition Planning and Options for Adulthood

Presenters:

Bryan D. Parent, Wrestler
Student

Bryan Parent attends Howard Community College--part of the Howard County Public Schools Academic Life Skills Program. He works the lunchtime shift at the Lakeside Cafe and is an assistant coach for the Oakland Mills High School Wrestling Team. A gifted athlete, Bryan excels at many sporting activities. "Crusher" was a distinguished member of the Oakland Mills High School Wrestling Team, and has represented Maryland at several regional championships including the 2005 and 2006 Jr Cadet National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota. He continues to win medals and terrorize opponents in open wrestling tournaments throughout Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.

Jaime B. Parent
Father

Jaime Parent is a former ASA Board Member (1999-2001), Treasurer and Technology Committee Chairperson. He is a Vice President for Information Technology at Maryland General Hospital in the University of Maryland Medical System. A retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Jaime has seen many programs first-hand and has met and helped many families world-wide along the way. Blessed with three wonderful children, he and his wife Tracy, a Special Education Coordinator in Howard County Maryland, serve as advocates and supporters for those with autism and others with special needs throughout Maryland.