If Something Happens to Me: Financial Protection Guide The Parent’s Guide to Autism Planning, Trusts, and Lifetime Financial Security (Guide 2)

This guide was created for autism parents who want to make sure their child is financially protected for life — without risking SSI, Medicaid, or essential services.

Financial planning for an autistic child is different. What works for other families can accidentally cause benefits to stop or be lost altogether.

This guide explains how to plan safely, clearly, and realistically.

By the end of this guide, you will understand:

• How life insurance fits into autism planning

• How much coverage families typically consider — and how to think through the numbers

• Why Special Needs Trusts are the foundation of long-term financial protection

• How to keep SSI and Medicaid protected while still providing meaningful support

• How trust funds can safely be used for:

– Housing

– Caregivers and personal aides

– Education and therapies

– Quality-of-life needs that benefits don’t cover

Most importantly, this guide helps you understand how to plan for your child’s entire lifetime — not just the next few years.

This is an educational, parent-friendly guide — not a legal textbook.

It is designed to help you feel informed, confident, and prepared to make the right decisions for your family.