This article was written by Special Needs Alliance member Tara Pleat. Tara is a founding partner of the law firm of Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC in Clifton Park, New York. She practices in the areas of Special Needs Planning, Elder … [Read more...]
Print This PageSelf Care for a Special Needs Parent
September 25, 2015 by
Dear Angel,My daughter, Valerie, has autism spectrum disorder (formerly known as Asperger's Syndrome, but now under the ASD umbrella). She is very bright, and for the most part is in an inclusive environment at school. … [Read more...]
Print This PageVirginia Becomes First State to Approve ABLE Act
July 31, 2015 by
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe Signs ABLE Act into Law (Source: NBC 29)Q. Our son, Jeff, has autism spectrum disorder and will likely need assistance throughout his lifetime. We are looking for ways to save for his … [Read more...]
Print This PageHave a Piece of Cake. . .
May 29, 2015 by
It's Medicaid's 50th Birthday!Q. My son, Sam, turns 50 this year. Besides his birth, I know that something else significant happened in 1965 -- President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicaid into law. I know you help people apply … [Read more...]
Print This PageCritter Corner: Apps for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
April 3, 2015 by
Dear Saki and Alley,My daughter with ASD often gets frustrated when playing on the iPad, because some of the apps are too fast paced, or she doesn't understand them. Do you know of any apps that someone with ASD could … [Read more...]
Print This PageCritter Corner: Pooled Special Needs Trusts
March 6, 2015 by
Dear Commander Bun Bun,I am considering a pooled special needs trust (managed by a non-profit organization) for my daughter, Shannon, who is intellectually disabled. What are some of the benefits and … [Read more...]
Print This PageCan Someone Recover from Autism?
February 17, 2015 by
When Tyler was one, his parents began to notice certain behaviors that seemed atypical. He didn't make eye contact or wave hello or goodbye, and he often seemed to be in his own world. As a toddler, he began lining up his toys, … [Read more...]
Print This PageCritter Corner: Holiday Tips for Parents of a Special Needs Child
December 19, 2014 by
Dear Saki and Alley,I recently got remarried and we are going to my sister’s house for the holidays. My new stepson, Sean, is autistic and doesn’t do well with new places or changes to his routine. Do you have any suggestions … [Read more...]
Print This PageA New Act to Help Special Needs Families
December 19, 2014 by
Q. My 9-year-old daughter, Noelle, is intellectually disabled. The costs for her therapy and assistive technology are quite high, and we are in the process of applying for government assistance (SSI).Despite our struggles … [Read more...]
Print This PageSpecial Programs for Special Needs
September 16, 2014 by
Earlier this year, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced an alarming statistic regarding the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), stating that is now affects 1 in 68 children (a 30% increase from 1 … [Read more...]
Print This Page
