I’ve been pretty quiet this summer because I’m been much more reflective of the level of growth from my son.  Although, we have our moments of struggle where we really see autism; we have seen so much growth.   I’ve had moments in the past when I thought that my son may not every talk to me in conversation or tell me that he loved me.  He had definitely grown so far so fast that I needed some time to enjoy the progress.  For example, my son told me Happy Birthday!  He told me happy birthday at his bed time, without prompting and without a big party or celebration.  He told me on his terms and it was a tearjerker for me.  My son now makes requests using full sentences.  I wasn’t sure if that would ever happen.

With this leap of growth, brings an entire new set of ideas and concerns for his future.  I think that’s always been the question since diagnosis; What does this mean for his future?  The “Will he ever…” questions that continue and evolve that no one knows the answer to.  Now, with his great improvements I find myself asking the “How do we …” questions.  How do we continue this rate of growth? How do we protect and provide for him for the rest of his adult life?  How do we make sure there is always someone to care for him?  It has me asking about wills, financial advisers, special needs attorneys and the list goes on.  It also has me thinking about how regular people or single parents are supposed to be successful in providing everything for the full adult life or their special needs child.

With these thoughts, I have started to work on developing financial tips for early intervention with the thought that as I grow with my son that we can help more families navigate the complex world of autism and special needs.   From finding grants, scholarships and special schools to how to protect your child even when you are unable or unavailable.   As I finish my current book project by July 31st; I will be starting August 1 on this new development.  Stay posted and enjoy your summer!

Tips:

1. never give up; you will know if the place and people around your child are suitable for helping him grow.  If not, find new people and places that can see the potential in your child.
2. don’t look at the money first; I have learned that there are ways to get the money or ways to get the money to help your child.  Find the best, and figure out how to pay for it, that will help your child grow.
3. enjoy the small wins; remember the little victories and celebrate the good choices your child makes daily, weekly, monthly.  Sometimes we focus too much on what she can’t do instead of focusing on what she CAN do.