Posts in podcast
#123 - Co-Occurring Conditions and Crisis Intervention

Recognizing that a new diagnosis or co occurring condition exists in addition to an already existing autism diagnosis can be tricky. Our guest is one of few doctors in the country specializing in identifying and treating cooccurring conditions in autistic patients. She shares insight on identifying and treating cooccruing conditions as well as advice for parents should things escalate to a crisis situation.

Read More
#121 - Addressing the Disability Advocacy Divide

While one segment of the disability community continues the hard work of bringing about needed change and celebrates victories along the way, there is another segment with more significant and debilitating disabilities being aggressively silenced. Because policy and research are driven by awarenesses, the silencing of this segment of the disability community has come at the great cost of diminishing programs and supports for those who need them most.

Read More
#116 - Complicated Behaviors - Touching of Self and Others

Neglecting to teach sexual boundaries can have devastating consequences. In this episode we discuss the importance of understanding consent and teaching it at a very young age starting with simple displays of affection such as hugs. We learn how to teach public vs private spaces and public vs private behaviors as well as sensory replacements for inappropriate public self touching.

Read More
#111 - Financial Assets to Consider

Our guest shares assets to consider when financial planning for a loved one with disabilities. We learn what assets work best in short planning versus long term planning, how to ask for “free money” from our employer, taxation of investments, and some new rulings that could have significant impacts on Special Needs Trusts drafted prior to December of 2019.

Read More
#104 - Memorandum of Intent and Other Considerations After the Special Needs Trust Is Drafted

Drafting a Special Needs Trust is only the foundation of sound planning. On that foundation are additional documents and steps to take. In this episode we discuss two. First the memorandum of intent which gives direction on wishes and day to day care. Second, the importance of funding the trust via titling.

Read More
#103 - Choosing and Training the Trustee for a Special Needs Trust

The Trustee of a Special Needs Trust has an incredible amount power over the distribution of funds for the individual with disabilities. Not only must they act in the best interests of the beneficiary with special needs but the trustee’s job must be done flawlessly because mistakes could result in the loss of benefits for the person with disabilities. In this episode we learn how to choose and train the trustee of our special needs trusts.

Read More
#102 - Special Needs Trusts

Special needs trusts are one of the first things mentioned when beginning to plan financially for a family member with special needs. In this episode we learn why special needs trusts are such powerful tools and the difference between 1st, 3rd, and pooled trusts. We also learn a management strategy that works well for most families, what to look for when choosing a pooled trust, and suggested next steps after the completion of creating the trust.

Read More