For this episode, I'm sharing several things I have learned after being a special needs parent for 18 years to my son Ben, who has autism and an intellectual disability. If you are a parent of a child with special needs, or a caregiver of an adult with disabilities, this episode is full of honest reflections that I hope will encourage you. We talk about how high school graduation is not really a finish line, but the start of a whole new chapter. I also share why turning 18 does not mean your child suddenly needs less help or support, even though they are a legal adult. We talk about why it is so important to look into adult disability services and benefits like Medicaid, guardianship, ABLE accounts, and Social Security or SSI before and after your child turns 18. I also open up about learning to trust myself instead of constantly worrying, planning for my son's future care after I am gone, and why setting up things like a special needs trust and organizing important documents really matters. Lastly, I talk about why taking care of myself as a caregiver is just as important as taking care of my son. If you are a special needs parent or family caregiver looking for encouragement, real talk, and practical tips for navigating guardianship, Medicaid waivers, and adult disability care, this episode is for you.

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