Parents of adult children with disabilities know that their child's disability needs may change over the course of their lifetime. Planning for the future well-being of an adult child with disabilities is, therefore, a responsive, ongoing process.

The life expectancy of many adults with disabilities has increased over time. For example, according to research, life expectancy for adults with Down Syndrome rose from 25 in 1983 to 60 in 2020. Those with cerebral palsy, the most common motor disability of US children, may often live into their 50s.

The ever-increasing life expectancies of people with disabilities mean that comprehensive special needs planning requires short- and long-term planning.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are pets prescribed by a licensed mental health professional for those with disabling mental illness. While emotional support animals are commonly cats and dogs, any animal can serve in this capacity, such as a bird, rabbit, or reptile. Caring for the animal benefits a patient’s mental health.

All participants in a survey by the Assistance Dog Center (TARSQ) and CertaPet reported that having an emotional support dog improved their quality of life. ESAs increased feelings of security, independence, and energy, reduced stress, and enhanced sleep. They provided motivation, structure, joy, and companionship and fostered social interactions. These animals also helped participants reduce panic attacks and handle work obligations.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects children as they develop. People with autism have differences in the brain relating to behavior, communication, and learning, as well as how they interact with others.

ASD is marked by difficulty with social situations. Yet, autism exists on a spectrum and affects individuals in varying ways. While some with ASD are nonverbal, others have advanced conversation skills. Some on the spectrum need more extensive daily help and support than others.

New developments in technology could help diagnose children earlier and provide additional support.

Supported decision-making can be an alternative to unnecessary guardianships. It allows disabled people to get assistance with decisions while retaining autonomy. In supported decision-making, trusted persons can advise an individual with a disability, while the individual ultimately retains the final decision-making power about their own care and life.

Newly introduced legislation may soon alleviate a challenge families sometimes face when planning for a loved one living with disabilities. In general, any funds left to such a beneficiary should be left in a special needs trust. This can get a bit complicated when the funds to be passed on include an IRA or other form of retirement plan, especially for those families who may wish to name the charitable organization that provides services for their loved one as a second beneficiary to such a trust.

Affordable, safe housing is one of the most crucial aspects of a person’s life, especially if that person has a disability. Parents and guardians must plan for this as early as possible to make sure their loved one has a secure and appropriate living situation long after they either become unable to provide care or pass away. Here are some general considerations to keep in mind when formulating a plan. The plan that works best for your family should be affordable in the long term and best suited to your loved one’s disability.

If you have a child with disabilities, it is crucial to set money aside for the child’s future. At the same time, you need to consider your child’s access to public benefit programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as the state and federal tax implications. The two major vehicles to accomplish these goals, ABLE accounts and special needs trusts (SNTs), each have their advantages and limitations. Using them in tandem may be the optimal strategy for your child with special needs.