YOU'RE NOT ALONE
Brooklyn Special Needs Parent Network
the website for Parents of children with Asperger's Syndrome (ASD Level1) and related Neurobiological Learning Disorders
THE FINANCIAL PICTURE
IT MAY "TAKE A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD" …. (BUT IT TAKES A BANK ROLL WHEN THEY HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS)
Sound familiar? While our children's IFSPs/ IEPs/Life Plans cover their education and a certain amount of related services, there's still so much more that they need. Unfortunately, as they progress from EI, to CPSE to CSE less related services are covered, which may require paying for additional therapy after school. If the city doesn't have a public school, or there's no "approved" non public school that's a right fit for your child, there's the cost of tuition for private school. We all know there's only two ways that can go. Carter funding: pay tuition and seek reimbursement from the DOE; or Connor funding: if you win the case DOE pays the tuition. You still may have to pay the school some portion up front. Now we're talking about adding advocacy and legal fees to the already disappearing bank account.
Life's not fun enough with the typical pediatric medical costs. We also have to add a trip to that theme park of special diets, chiropractors, costly biomedical treatments, suppliments, "special extras" like additional therapeutic and recreational activities, not to mention those out of pocket evaluation, medical and Rx expenses for what insurance either only partially covers or doesn't cover at all. Oh, and let's not forget orthodonture and summer camp. If you have the money to pay for services, Medicaid/Waiver and some special needs foundations/ organizations, such as http://specialkidstherapy.org/resourceslinks/ and specialneedsalliance.org do offer resources and application for some reimbursement. If your child receives medicaid, applying for Self Directed Services offers more reimbursement options in addition to what is already covered by your medicaid benefits. With SDS, you design a plan based on what your child needs, eg. therapeutic riding, aquatic therapy, music therapy, transition services just to name a few. Click on this link to learn how your child can benefit from Self Directed Services
There are special accounts designed to help you save for your special child's future.