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. VIEW LIST

MY CHILD NEEDS PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, OR SPEECH THERAPY

Physical (PT), occupational (OT), and speech (ST) 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. Your child’s IEP may provide for some of these therapies, but if possible, supplement with private therapists. Click below for a list of physical, occupational, and speech therapists. VIEW LIST

MY CHILD NEEDS THE SERVICES OF A PSYCHIATRIST, PSYCHOLOGIST, COUNSELOR, OR BEHAVIORAL THERAPIST

These professionals focus on psychological and behavioral issues. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training in treating mental health disorders. They are able to prescribe medications to treat the disorder and may also do talk therapy with their clients. The other mental health professionals have degrees in psychology, counseling, social work, or other related disciplines. They are not able to prescribe medications. Your child’s IEP may provide for mental health therapies, but if possible, supplement with private therapists. Click below to find a list of psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and behavioral therapists. VIEW LIST

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. VIEW LIST

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

WHAT ARE MY CHILD’S PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL OPTIONS?

By law, all public school districts must provide services to children with special needs. Private schools are not required to do so, but may be willing to work with your child. Some parents have chosen to homeschool their children. During the elementary school years, you will have three main concerns: improving your understanding of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), working with the school system in a productive manner, and planning for your child’s transition to middle school. Click below for a list of schools and educational resources that may help. VIEW LIST

MY CHILD NEEDS MORE SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

As children with special needs get older their interests and abilities may diverge from those of their typically developing peers. This may lead to increasing social isolation. One way to create more social and recreation opportunities for your child is to work with other parents of children with special needs to create a social group. There are also numerous organizations that provide recreational activities, including Eagle Mount, the YMCA, the Optimist’s Camp, and the Charles Campbell Camp. Click below for organizations that provide social and recreational activities. VIEW LIST

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. VIEW LIST

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. VIEW LIST