Planning for Every Stage: Looking Beyond Childhood

Look beyond a single milestone

Transition to adulthood can involve changes in school services, healthcare, daily routines, and who makes decisions. Autism future planning and disability future planning can start with conversations about the individual's interests, choices, strengths, and support needs. Planning is a continuing process rather than one decision at age 18.

Explore everyday opportunities

Education, employment, and community life

Discuss further education, training, meaningful employment, volunteering, relationships, recreation, and community participation. Ask what opportunities the person wants and which supports could help them take part.

Living, transportation, and healthcare

Consider independent or supported living, transportation options, access to healthcare, and the skills and assistance that make everyday routines workable. Include the person's preferences and review arrangements as circumstances change.

Understand decisions and supports

Supported decision-making can help a person understand options and communicate choices with people they trust while retaining decision-making rights. Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship are legal matters that vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Explore options with a qualified local professional rather than assuming one approach fits everyone. Guardianship, benefits, Medicaid programs, and other legal or public-benefit rules can vary by state and may change over time, so families should verify current requirements with the appropriate agency or qualified professional. The Administration for Community Living's overview of alternatives to guardianship offers a general starting point.

Ask about benefits and financial planning tools

Benefits rules and eligibility can affect planning choices. ABLE accounts and special needs trusts are different tools families may encounter when considering future support. Their suitability, eligibility, and effect on benefits depend on individual facts and current rules. The ABLE National Resource Center's introduction explains ABLE accounts. Discuss special needs trusts and benefit questions with qualified legal and benefits professionals before acting.

Keep a long-term family plan current

List important records, trusted contacts, current supports, and the person's preferences. Talk about who could help if a caregiver becomes unavailable, and revisit the plan when living arrangements, relationships, health, employment, or goals change. The Foundation's Planning for Every Stage program page introduces more educational topics and future resources. Families beginning their search may also find Finding Autism Support: A Starting Point for Families useful.