What are your rights as a parent in regards to services and help for your child as they get older? That was a question that was posed today by a mother of a teenager. She only has three years before her child is 18 years old. I haven't even thought about that since #1: my child is only 9 at the moment and #2: I am optimistic that my child won't need any services by then. However, it is better to be prepared just in case.
The first thing that comes to mind is SSI or social security benefits. However, I think it is based on household income so I am not sure how that works. Here are a few links with information:
http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/social-security.html
http://www.autism-world.com/index.php/2007/10/14/does-children-with-autism-qualify-for-disability-benefits/
Sometimes you might need legal help. I found the following site and although I am not endorsing them or even familiar with the firm, I thought I would post it so that you can see some of the points they make on the site: http://www.socialsecuritylawfirms.com/resources/social-security/social-security-disability-coverage/child-autism.htm
I will try and do some extensive research and post my findings in the near future.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Importance of Continuing Education
Professionals such as my husband have what they call continuing education and it's required to maintain their careers. When I was a Medical Technologist we had to have certain amount of hours to maintain current on issues concerning the lab. Well... motherhood is one of the toughest jobs in the world. I feel strongly that moms (as well as dads) should also keep "current" on issues concerning their children.
Seminars, workshops, and various other events occur all the time in our city. Sometimes you have to keep your eyes and ears open, but they are available (usually free of charge) for parents. The city actually has a budget for education and it includes education for parents. Everyone knows that raising children has it challenges, but raising children with challenges poses a totally different kind of situation. I have seen so many people get divorced due to the stress and the financial burden that usually accompanies. It's no wonder that cities devote so much effort into educating parents.
I urge you to find out when/where seminars are offered. They are usually at churches, schools, and libraries. The more support we get, the better off we are. Don't ever feel like you have to do it alone. There are so many people who are too proud to ask for help or to accept it. I have to say that I've made some great contacts going to seminars and support groups. There is always strength in numbers.
**************************
A little help never hurts.
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Seminars, workshops, and various other events occur all the time in our city. Sometimes you have to keep your eyes and ears open, but they are available (usually free of charge) for parents. The city actually has a budget for education and it includes education for parents. Everyone knows that raising children has it challenges, but raising children with challenges poses a totally different kind of situation. I have seen so many people get divorced due to the stress and the financial burden that usually accompanies. It's no wonder that cities devote so much effort into educating parents.
I urge you to find out when/where seminars are offered. They are usually at churches, schools, and libraries. The more support we get, the better off we are. Don't ever feel like you have to do it alone. There are so many people who are too proud to ask for help or to accept it. I have to say that I've made some great contacts going to seminars and support groups. There is always strength in numbers.
**************************
A little help never hurts.
**************************
Friday, January 8, 2010
Met a Remarkable Man Yesterday
I had to share this with you all because it just goes to show you that you can't judge someone without getting to know them first. I am so glad that I usually give people the benefit of the doubt.
The other day I was working out at the gym and a sweet gray-haired guy approached me about the Alabama Bowl game. He was so excited and he went on and on about the game. I had seen him before running around the neighborhood and could tell there was something "off" with him. When he talked he had a speech impediment and stuttered. He almost sounded like a stereotypical mentally retarded individual. It didn't help that English was definitely not his first language either. Normally, most women would have either walked away or felt uncomfortable... However, I began to listen to him and he was very articulate and his thought process was definitely normal. He just didn't SOUND normal and his motor skills were definitely impaired. After speaking to him he stopped and then said, "I am so sorry I sound like this... It's hard for me to speak. I have what the doctors call TBI (traumatic brain injury) and I am working hard to get my body back to normal. It has been a year now and I work every day to get stronger. I run two miles, I then get a little rest and then do jumping jacks to work on my motor skills. I spend most of the day exercising my body and mind. Up until recently I could barely talk and my balance was not very good. I live with my brother and he thinks I work too hard. I am not going to give up though. I have hope that one day I will be normal again. I have spoken to other individuals and it took them TWO years to get to where I am. That gives me so much hope."
I felt like crying after he explained that to me. It definitely made me look at myself and how sometimes we judge people subconsciously. It also made me think about society and how probably he must be treated on a daily basis. Do people treat him with respect? I sure hope so. Do people listen to him when he talks or just ignore him? I can only imagine.
I am so fortunate to have a healthy body and mind. I am thankful for my health and I treasure every day that I can work out and do what I want to do. I know that others are not so lucky and that it can all change in a blink of an eye.
*************************************
A healthy body and mind are worth
more than all the money in the world.
*************************************
The other day I was working out at the gym and a sweet gray-haired guy approached me about the Alabama Bowl game. He was so excited and he went on and on about the game. I had seen him before running around the neighborhood and could tell there was something "off" with him. When he talked he had a speech impediment and stuttered. He almost sounded like a stereotypical mentally retarded individual. It didn't help that English was definitely not his first language either. Normally, most women would have either walked away or felt uncomfortable... However, I began to listen to him and he was very articulate and his thought process was definitely normal. He just didn't SOUND normal and his motor skills were definitely impaired. After speaking to him he stopped and then said, "I am so sorry I sound like this... It's hard for me to speak. I have what the doctors call TBI (traumatic brain injury) and I am working hard to get my body back to normal. It has been a year now and I work every day to get stronger. I run two miles, I then get a little rest and then do jumping jacks to work on my motor skills. I spend most of the day exercising my body and mind. Up until recently I could barely talk and my balance was not very good. I live with my brother and he thinks I work too hard. I am not going to give up though. I have hope that one day I will be normal again. I have spoken to other individuals and it took them TWO years to get to where I am. That gives me so much hope."
I felt like crying after he explained that to me. It definitely made me look at myself and how sometimes we judge people subconsciously. It also made me think about society and how probably he must be treated on a daily basis. Do people treat him with respect? I sure hope so. Do people listen to him when he talks or just ignore him? I can only imagine.
I am so fortunate to have a healthy body and mind. I am thankful for my health and I treasure every day that I can work out and do what I want to do. I know that others are not so lucky and that it can all change in a blink of an eye.
*************************************
A healthy body and mind are worth
more than all the money in the world.
*************************************
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