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Securing Futures: Financial Planning for People with Autism

  • Shared Horizons, Inc.
  • Apr 2
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 22

April 2nd marks World Autism Awareness Day, a global initiative dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD.


For those seeking an autism diagnosis or support services, numerous resources are available. Organizations like the Autism Society and Autism Speaks provide diagnostic toolkits, early intervention guidance, and educational resources for families. Local nonprofits and advocacy groups also play a vital role in connecting families with financial planning assistance, therapy options, and community programs that enhance quality of life.


One effective financial planning tool for people with disabilities is the pooled special needs trust. These trusts allow multiple beneficiaries to pool their resources for investment purposes while maintaining individual accounts. This structure helps preserve eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), ensuring continued financial security.


Shared Horizons, Inc., based in Washington, DC, specializes in managing pooled special needs trusts to provide peace of mind for people with autism and their families. Shared Horizons offers:


  • Trust Management – Ensuring funds are used responsibly to enhance quality of life.

  • Government Benefits Protection – Helping people maintain Medicaid and SSI eligibility while accessing additional resources.

  • Long-Term Financial Planning – Offering a secure way to plan for the future without disrupting essential support systems.

  • Quality of Life Enhancements – Allowing funds to be used for education, housing, recreation, and personal enrichment.


On World Autism Awareness Day, it's important to recognize the value of financial planning in empowering people with autism. By utilizing a pooled special needs trust, families can provide financial security while ensuring their loved ones have access to the care and opportunities they need.


For more information, visit Shared Horizons, Inc.





Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, March). Data and statistics on autism spectrum disorder. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html

1 Comment

Guest
Oct 19

This is an excellent article that brings a much-needed practical perspective to the conversation around World Autism Awareness Day. Moving beyond general awareness to actionable support, like financial planning and pooled trusts, is so crucial for providing genuine, long-term security and quality of life. This focus on providing the right tools for the future is so important. It highlights that support needs to be holistic, covering everything from financial stability to personal understanding and self-advocacy. This journey of understanding often begins with self-discovery, especially for adults who may have gone undiagnosed. For those seeking that initial clarity, a comprehensive autism assessment for adults can be an incredibly empowering first step in that process.

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