What Autism is Really Like
Published: Fri, 03/14/14
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Ask the Expert: Your Elder Law Questions Answered by Evan H. Farr, CELA |
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What Autism is Really Like
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 Q. My 6-year-old son, Jackson, was recently diagnosed withan autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To better his chances for a productive life, I signed him up for play therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, as the developmental pediatrician suggested. However, despite all of the help and suggestions from the therapists, it is often hard to understand his perplexing and often difficult behaviors. Honestly, I wish I could know what is going on inside his head and what an ASD is really like for someone who has it. In a recent newsletter, you discussed ways to experience what it is like to have dementia. To truly understand my son and relate to him, I was wondering if there is any way to know what ASD is really like. Also, howdo you plan for someone with ASD?
A. Autism is a complex disorder, and, as you probably know, no two children with ASD are completely alike. Every person with ASD has a unique set of needs. Below are some powerful resources that present what it feels like to have some of the symptoms of ASD, including sensory processing challenges, speech/language delays and impairments, social interaction issues, and some of the other ASD symptoms.
We'll never be completely able to simulate autism properly, since as I mentioned previously, the symptoms are unique for every individual with ASD. However, the hope is that projects and resources such as those described above might help create empathy and provide at the very least a small degree of insight and understanding into what it must be like to live with ASD.
You asked about planning for your son with ASD. Parents of those with special needs are tasked with planning for their children throughout their lifetime, as many of them will outlive their parents but might not be able to support themselves and live independently. As a parent or guardian, you want to ensure that your child with special needs will remain financially secure even when you are no longer there to provide support. A Special Needs Trust is a vehicle that provides assets from which a disabled person can maintain his or her quality of life, while still remaining eligible for needs-based programs that will cover basic health and living expenses. More than $13 billion a year is spent to care for individuals with ASD and other special needs. For the average affected family, this translates to $30K per year. Fortunately, there are many ways to plan for the long-term care of a disabled child. As Jackson gets older, if he will likely need care for life, it's important to provide legal protections for your child. The Fairfax and Fredericksburg Elder Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. can guide you through this process. Be sure to check out our dedicated Special Needs Website at http://VirginiaSpecialNeeds.com. If you have a loved one with special needs, call 703-691-1888 in Fairfax or 540-479-1435 in Fredericksburg to make an appointment for an introductory consultation.  Driving Aids to Help Older Drivers
My mother, Marcia, is 82, and insists on driving. Her vision is good and she hasn't had an accident in 30 years. However, she has arthritis, which often limits her range of motion. She was 5'1 to begin with, and she has also shrunk a couple of inches over the years and I often worry she can't see over the steering wheel. For these reasons, I am often concerned for her safety and the safety of others on the road. Are there some items out there that she can use to help her stay safe on the road and extend her driving years?
Thanks! Bea Hindawheele Dear Bea, To help keep your mother safe and extend her driving years, there are a number of affordable products you can purchase that can easily be added to her vehicle to help with her needs. You mentioned that your mother's limited range of motion could be affecting her driving. It may also be hampering her ability to get into and out of her vehicle. To make this easier for her, you could consider these products:
If your mom's arthritis makes turning the ignition key, twisting open the gas cap, or gripping the steering wheel difficult and painful, consider these devices:
You mentioned that your mom has shrunk a little over the years to the point she needs help seeing over the steering wheel or reaching the pedals. Something you can consider is a wedge seat cushion, which would support the back and elevates her a few inches. Foot pedal extensions, which should be installed by a professional, would also allow her to reach the pedals while keeping her 10-to-12-inches from the steering wheel. What happens when your mother should no longer be driving? Planning in advance for cessation of driving or other alternatives can help keep you and others safe on the road, so be sure to incorporate an Advance Driving Directive as part of your planning. If you have not done Long-Term Care Planning, Estate Planning or Incapacity Planning (or had your Planning documents reviewed in the past several years), or if you have a loved one who is nearing the need for long-term care or already receiving long-term care, call the Fairfax and Fredericksburg Estate Planning Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. at 703-691-1888 in Fairfax or 540-479-1435 in Fredericksburg to make an appointment for an introductory consultation. Hope this is helpful!
Arf Arf, Baxter About Baxter: Baxter is a 3-year old terrier mix (mutt) that belongs to Justin Cohee and his girlfriend Ashley. He was originally a stray, but was found by a family in Frederick, Maryland who brought him to the local animal shelter. He loves attention and has a lot of energy and can jump up to Justin's nose (Justin is 6'4). He loves to go on runs and hikes as well. Despite his energy, he is a cuddler and frequent napper, often to the discomfort of others. At night he either sleeps at Justin's feet or climbs atop a mountain of pillows and makes a nest where he eventually rests with his paws on Justin's face. |
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