If you are a caregiver or you work with autistic adults, you know that gaining financial freedom can be a real challenge. However, there are many resources that can help. Read on to learn about some of them.
Early intervention
An Early Intervention Program is one of the best ways to help your autistic child grow up with a quality life. Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. This opens doors to many services.
Parents may feel apprehensive when receiving an autism diagnosis. The news can be devastating. Fortunately, there are treatments available for this disorder. With the right mix of therapies, your child can start to improve.
Ideally, an autistic child should receive intensive early intervention services as soon as possible. However, fewer than half of these children receive services before they reach age 36 months. Still, there is hope for those who do not.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that states provide early intervention to children with disabilities. This is done through the development of an IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan).
A team of professionals meets with parents to evaluate the child and determine whether it qualifies for early intervention services. Services can be delivered in person or through teletherapy.
Group homes
If you have an adult child with autism, moving them out of the family home to a group home or supervised living can be a good move. However, it is important to consider all aspects of the move before you take the plunge.
Although it can be a big step, if you are well-informed and prepared, it can be a very exciting and positive experience. For example, there are many new housing developments across the country, some of which are designed specifically for adults with disabilities.
There are also non-profit organizations that can help you navigate the process of preparing for this move. You can also explore the many resources available online to find the right program for your family.
One of the best ways to start is by exploring what your state offers. The Autism Housing Network (AHN) provides an in-depth listing of the many programs available in every state.
In-home supportive services
For adults with autism, gaining financial freedom can be a real challenge. Best Gold IRA Accounts notes that one way to achieve it is to enroll in a program that offers In-Home education on investing, money exchange, precious metals, and more IHSS provides assistance with household chores, personal care, and even companionship. It’s a largely unskilled program, and wage rates may vary from county to county.
There are many programs in California to assist in this endeavor. However, you’ll want to do some legwork to find the one that’s right for you.
Financial management is a big concern for millions of Americans, especially those with disabilities. Many people with autism struggle to understand the concept of money, and even spend it on things they don’t really need. As a result, they may be saddled with debt. Even the simplest of transactions, such as paying off credit card bills, can be confusing.
Skilled nursing facilities
The goal of the research project was to explore the potential for improving residential care for older autistic adults. It was designed to build upon previous studies on the topic. A multidisciplinary group of researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders from the autism community was formed. This group participated in three half-day summits at six-week intervals. Each meeting included presentations by individuals and a roundtable discussion on the key outcomes of the summit.
During the meetings, participants discussed the current state of residential care for older autistic adults. They also identified areas for future research. One of the most important steps is identifying priority topics.
Some of the most important aspects of person-centered residential care are: recognizing the unique well-being markers of individual autistic adults, including socializing preferences, physical health indicators, and a sense of well-being; providing routine screening; and ensuring access to appropriate wellness activities.
Getting a job
One way to help autistic adults gain financial freedom is to help them find employment. This is especially important as the unemployment rate for individuals with autism is higher than for other disabilities groups. Unemployment also has devastating effects on the mental health of individuals with autism.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that only 20 percent of Americans with disabilities are gainfully employed. However, more and more employers are realizing the value of a neurodiverse workforce. In addition, employers are reaching out to people with autism through community outreach.
CVS Caremark is one company that has reached out to individuals with autism. The company partnered with the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center to conduct a hiring initiative. They also recruited candidates through referrals.