It’s easy to forget that your little guy is going to grow up into an adult one day. You can be so busy taking care of them in every little way that you don’t notice their independence developing right under your nose. One day, they won’t need a parent to handle everything, and on that day, you want to make sure that they are prepared for anything that life throws at them. So think ahead. Planning for the future of a child with autism requires careful consideration and foresight. At Monarch House, we can help ease the road that is this transition into adulthood. No two journeys are the same. While the path may look different for each individual, there are common strategies that we can put in place. The goal is to ensure that your child with autism is supported and cared for throughout their lives.

From guardianship to financial planning and adult services, here are ten ways to prepare for the future for children with autism Toronto. 

1. Secure Legal Guardianship

You’re going to be your child’s parent forever. However, that doesn’t mean that you will be legally responsible for their entire life by de facto. When they become adults they might need a formal arrangement in place. A crucial first step is to establish legal guardianship as your child approaches adulthood. When a child with autism turns eighteen, they are legally considered adults. This means that you, as a parent, can lose the authority to make decisions on their behalf. How independent do you expect your child to be at this point? You can ensure that you can continue to make decisions related to their health if your son or daughter is unable to manage their own affairs due to their condition. In this case, pursuing guardianship through the court system might be your best option. In this way, you can be responsible for their will, finances, and other legal matters. It’s critical to begin the guardianship process in advance, as it can be time consuming and expensive. It often involves legal paperwork, a medical evaluation, and a court hearing. Speak with a lawyer to get a better understanding of the different types of guardianship—whether full or limited. This can help you determine the best arrangement for your child’s needs.

2. Prepare For Financial Planning 

You don’t want your child to worry about money growing up. Therefore, it is important to focus on your financial planning to ensure that your child’s future is secure. It’s a long road ahead. The cost of care, housing, therapy, and other services can add up over time and it’s not uncommon for children with autism to require lifelong support. Look into special needs trusts. They will allow your family to set aside funds for your child’s care without disqualifying them from government assistance programs. Talk to an accountant. Setting up a special needs trust can help you provide for your child’s ongoing needs while staying eligible for benefits. Additionally, look into resources from the Canadian government for other ways to save and invest for the future. There are tax advantages that have minimal impact on eligibility for public programs.

3. Think About Long-Term Care

At Monarch House, we understand that therapy doesn’t just suddenly stop when your child turns eighteen. We have services for adults as well. Beyond therapy, there are many things to consider when it comes to your child’s  long-term care needs. It’s not uncommon for individuals with autism to require some form of residential support throughout their adult lives. There are a few options available to you. There are group homes, supported living arrangements, or personalized setups that foster independence with some assistance. It’s imperative to explore all the housing options available and do a deep dive into what will work best for your child’s needs. Start your research early and find a place well before your child reaches adulthood. This will prevent you from being forced into making a rushed decision that could lead to an inappropriate living situation. At Monarch House we can help you with your research, and the transition with your child from one home to the next. 

4. Healthcare Concerns 

At Monarch House, we can continue to help your child as they age into an adult. This isn’t always true of other healthcare and therapy services that your child will need as they age, so be mindful of their expiration dates. It’s not unheard of for many children with autism to receive extensive therapy and medical support during childhood, only to see those services dwindle as they transition into adulthood. We have behavioural therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists that can continue to offer care throughout your child’s life. Beyond Monarch House, be sure that your child has access to mental health support, whether in the form of counseling or additional cognitive behavioral therapy. We can work with you to help predict any challenges that may arise during adulthood and be prepared for them.

5. Vocational Preparedness

One day you might meet your child for lunch at their place of employment and think to yourself, “My baby is all grown up.” Getting to this stage doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a great deal of planning and hard work to get your child to this position. So always think ahead. Your child’s employment and vocational development is another important way to prepare for the future. At Monarch House, we can help by making your child as job-ready as possible with the necessary soft skills. After that, they’ll need vocational training. Many individuals with autism benefit from vocational programs designed to teach job skills. We can help them navigate social interactions in the workplace, and provide you with some support in securing and maintaining employment. You might find that the trades are your child’s calling. Or maybe they are better suited to write code. Regardless of their direction, if there is early involvement in vocational training, we can help them build the skills they need to achieve independence and a sense of fulfillment.

6. Building A Community Network

Your child is going to need a consistent friend group and a network of people they can reach out to for emotional support. Once your child reaches adulthood, consider connecting them with community-based programs that can help them build social connections and prevent isolation. At Monarch House, we offer group sessions for adults with autism but there are plenty of other groups out there at places such as community centres. There are sports teams they can join. Or a hobby that requires a network of like minded adults. Look for posters and community bulletin boards for activities to join. Many adults with autism benefit from social and recreational programs that offer opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills. Participating in activities like this help to promote social development. Some of these programs are run by Monarch House, but look to nonprofit groups as well. Groups like this provide a space for your child to build friendships and stay engaged in the community as they get older.

7. Working With A Financial Planner

You’re going to want to find someone that can handle the books. You’re going to need a long-term plan for your child’s financial future, especially if you have other family members to consider as well. Talk to your accountant about setting up a special needs trust. They can walk you through the steps of naming beneficiaries, determining how your funds will be distributed, and understanding the tax implications of each choice. An accountant or financial planner that specializes in special needs is advisable. You want to be sure that your child’s finances are structured in a way that protects their access to benefits while also securing their future.

8. Power Of Attorney 

Without getting too dark, there is a good chance that your child is going to outlive you. And you want them to be properly cared for when you’re not around  to do it. So you want to prepare for the worst as well. Planning for legal and medical matters is essential in ensuring your child’s future is safeguarded. To handle the nitty gritty of wills and estate planning, you should consider establishing a power of attorney. This is someone who can make financial or healthcare decisions once you are no longer in the picture. You also need to consider arrangements for what might happen if your child is incapacitated. Having an advance healthcare directive in place can help you make important medical decisions on their behalf if they are ever unable to communicate their wishes. No one likes to think about this stuff, but it’s important. These legal documents provide peace of mind, knowing that your child’s care is in trusted hands, even if you are not able to provide that care yourself.

9. Establish Resources

The services available to adults are different than the ones out there for kids. They are less plentiful and somewhat harder to find. As you prepare for your child’s future, it’s important to continuously educate yourself about the services available for adults with autism. Monarch House provides services for children and adults alike, but not all centres are the same. Same goes for government benefits, and support networks. We can help you with this part of your search however. At the Monarch House foyer it is possible to connect with other families in similar situations. This is a good way to build a strong support system and gain valuable insights into navigating the transition to adulthood.

10. Don’t Forget About Yourself

Adults are allowed to take a moment as well. This goes for you too. Bear in mind the strain and emotional and psychological impact behind preparing for your child’s future. This can take a lot out of both you and your child. The whole transition to adulthood can be overwhelming, not just for your child, but for the parents and caregivers too. At Monarch House we offer parent coaching and group sessions just for parents.  It’s important for parents to take time for self-care and to acknowledge the challenges that come with planning for the future. At Monach House we can help you get the emotional support needed to navigate this process. We want both you and your child to feel secure and supported through this journey.

All in all, planning for the future of a child with autism involves a combination of legal, financial, and social considerations. At Monarch House, we work with an interdisciplinary team of behavioural therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and psychotherapists to take a holistic approach to your child’s independence development. We address all of the main areas of future proofing your child’s life from addressing guardianship to financial stability, long-term care, healthcare needs, vocational development, and social support. We offer support groups and parent coaching at Monarch House to ensure that children with autism Toronto have the resources and care necessary to live fulfilling, independent lives. It’s not always easy to think ahead to a time when your child needs less of you, but it’s necessary. Taking proactive steps today can provide your child with a solid foundation for the future. It’s the best way to help them thrive as they enter adulthood.