A Financial Planning Guide for Parents of a Child with Special Needs

Raising a child with special needs can be one of the richest experiences life has to offer, but it is also one of the most costly. According to Autism Speaks, raising a child with autism costs on average $60,000 a year. Of course, this figure varies depending on the type and severity of your child’s condition. In some cases, it can cost even more. For new parents, such a drastic change in circumstances can be […]

New Year: New Progress

Autism is in the news, social media, and print more than ever. The increasing awareness is great. The influx of research and funding options is even better! The heartwarming stories and success stories are inspiring. Still, misinformation and slanted headlines are annoyingly abound. Such is this complicated, passionate and ultimately very unique autism community. We are glad to be a part of it, and do our best to honor and respect the many contributing voices. […]

Tax Planning for Families of Special Needs Children

The information in this article is educational in nature and is not to be considered tax advice. Please contact a qualified tax professional to discuss how these concepts may or may not apply to your personal situation. Summary of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) as it Relates to Families The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) is the big tax reform bill that passed at the end of 2017.  In addition to […]

Autism symptoms severity varies greatly among identical twins

Findings from NIH-funded study could inform treatment strategies. WHAT: Identical twins with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience large differences in symptom severity even though they share the same DNA, according to an analysis funded by the National Institutes of Health. The findings suggest that identifying the causes of this variability may inform the treatment of ASD-related symptoms. The study was conducted by John Constantino, M.D., of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, […]

Updated Report Provides Sweeping Review of Evidence Concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its clinical recommendations on autism spectrum disorder for the first time in 12 years, analyzing the latest research on the neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an estimated 1 in every 59 children. “Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” a clinical report published in the January 2020 Pediatrics, emphasizes the importance of early identification of autism, which can be diagnosed as young as 18 months […]