“Autisms” a More Appropriate Term than “Autism,” Geneticists Say
There are so many different genetic forms of autism that using the singular term, autism, is misleading, researchers say. “We believe a better term to use is ‘the autisms,’…
Writing a “LOVE” Letter of Intent for a Special Needs Child or Spouse
You may give your child with special needs or incapacitated spouse a Valentine this month as an expression of your love for them. But how can you express a lasting…
New ABLE Act is Savings Tool for Persons with Disabilities
With overwhelming support, Congress passed the ABLE Act of 2014 (Achieving a Better Life Experience) on December 16, 2014. The Act provides an opportunity for qualified individuals with special needs…
Court Allows Public Employee Pension Paid to Special Needs Trust for Disabled Child
Thomas Saccone was a retired New Jersey firefighter and a member of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS). He received a pension and other benefits, and his wife and…
The Ups and Downs of Special Needs Families
October is national Special Needs Law Month. It has been my privilege and passion for over 30 years to help other families with children and adults with disabilities. We help…
Legal Rights to Autism Treatment Services for Children
On July 7, 2014 the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services issued an Informational Bulletin addressing services available to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) available under the federal Medicaid…
Consider Medical Expenses In Your Retirement Planning
Did you know Medicare doesn't cover long-term care? The common belief that Medicare will cover the vast majority of healthcare expenses in retirement is simply not the case. A recent…
Baseball, RBIs and Caregivers
Dear Will, A couple weeks ago you had a great night at the ballpark. Your team was behind (and eventually lost, but that’s not a big deal). You came to…
MS’s New POST Gives Power to Personal Health Decisions
One essential part of every personal estate plan is the Advance Health-care Directive (AHCD). This document allows you to name the persons who would have authority to make medical or…
The Life Care Plan – Helping You Care For Mom
A Common Family Crisis. Consider the following situation: Your mom has recently begun to suffer the effects of dementia, stroke or other incapacitating illness. You have a spouse and full-time…