I NEED TO BETTER UNDERSTAND MY CHILD' S
CHALLENGES AND ABILITIES
A precise diagnosis provides valuable information about your child's
challenges, abilities, and future, especially when the diagnosis is
associated with specific medical, dental, cognitive, or behavioral
problems. The diagnostic process often begins with your family
physician or pediatrician. But some diagnoses require tests
performed and interpreted by a specialist. Contact with a specialist
may require travel to other Montana cities or out-of-state facilities.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to obtain a precise diagnosis.
However, these professionals can help you understand your child and
devise an appropriate Path4Care.
Click below to find a list of medical and related professionals who may be helpful.
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SUPER POWER BABY PROJECT
Another useful resource for understanding your child is the Super
Power Baby Project. This site was created by international award
winning author and photographer Rachel Callander. Check this site
out to hear about her experience and suggestions on how medical
care providers should talk to parents about their child’s diagnosis.
VIEW PROJECT
MY CHILD HAS MEDICAL AND DENTAL NEEDS
Children with developmental disabilities may have complex medical
or dental needs that require a specialist. These may include pediatric
neurologists, pediatric GI specialists, pediatric endocrinologists, and
podiatrists. Even without complex needs, finding a family physician
or pediatrician who understands and works well with your child is
important.
Click below to find a list of medical and dental professionals who may be helpful.
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MY CHILD NEEDS PHYSICAL,
OCCUPATIONAL, OR SPEECH THERAPY
Physical, occupational and speech therapies are often vital to the
development of children with special needs. The sooner these
therapies begin, the more impact they generally have. Physical
therapists concentrate on body movement (e.g., gait), whereas
occupational therapists focus on improving a client ’s ability to
complete daily living activities such as bathing or dressing.
Click below for a list of physical, occupational,
and speech therapists.
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I HAVE FINANCIAL CONCERNS
Financial concerns can be either immediate or long term. Immediate needs arise from the cost of frequent hospital visits, medical specialists, therapists, and adaptive equipment. Long term you must provide support for your child’s continuing medical needs, housing, and other support needed for your child to live as independently as possible.
Click below for a list of lawyers and other resources
that may help you with your financial needs.
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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
The federal government has two programs that may ease immediate
financial needs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). Your child's eligibility for these benefits depends on your family income and other factors .
SSI and SSDI INFO
MEDICAID
Your child may also be eligible for Medicaid benefits, which help with medical expenses. Medicaid is administered by each state, with monetary inputs from the federal government. The state of Montana also offers two medicaid waivers (a developmental disability waiver and a physical disability waiver), which can provide considerable financial support.
MEDICAID BENEFITS
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY WAIVER
PHYSICAL DISABILITY WAIVER
SECURING LONG TERM FINANCIAL SUPPORT
There are two main avenues for securing the financial well-being of
your child into the future: Special Needs Trusts and Achieving a
Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts. Both ensure that your child
continues to receive governmental support such as SSI benefits and
Medicaid. Special Needs Trusts can be used to cover expenses
beyond those covered by SSI and Medicaid. Therefore, they can’t be
used to pay for food or rent. ABLE accounts are more flexible and
can be used to cover a broad range of expenses. Both have unique
features and it may be desirable to establish both for your child.
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS
ABLE ACCOUNTS
LEGAL CONCERNS
Providing for your children if you pass away is particularly important
if you have a child with developmental disabilities. In order to
protect SSI and other governmental benefits your, child cannot
directly inherit money from your estate. Therefore your will must be
constructed carefully. Selecting family or friends to become your
child’s guardian also requires careful thought. Your choice of
guardian must not only be a good parent, they must also be able to
handle the challenges of parenting a child with special needs. Useful
resources for making these provisions can be found at the Special
Needs Alliance website.
SPECIAL NEEDS ALLIANCE
Click below for a list of lawyers and other resources
that may help you with your legal concerns.
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RESPITE CARE
As a caregiver, you will need a break to care for yourself. Respite care
gives you time to rejuvenate, reenergize, and establish and maintain
important relationships.
A list of trained respite providers will be coming soon.
HELPFUL AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Numerous local, state, and national agencies and organizations can help you create your child’s Path4Care.
Click below for a list of agencies and organizations you may find helpful.
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