Autism: Legal Considerations For Those that Provide Financial Assistance to Autistic Loved Ones

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Daryl Binkley

Today is World Autism Awareness Day which was established to raise awareness about autism in all regions of the World. According to the some studies, 1 out of 150 individuals will have some form of autism and while the experts and researchers nobly debate causes and cures, there is one thing for sure, everyone is aware that more resources are needed for research, education and support for families and children with autism.

Families with autistic children often need to assess and reassess how to pay for it all. Having a long-term financial strategy helps as it allows for families and relatives to help without limiting government assistance.

As government assistance comes with restrictive income requirements and can narrow a family’s financial options—here are some things to consider from legal prospective that can help with this long term planning

  • A simple will or gift from grandparents/relatives without more planning might be problematic. For example, leaving a cash amount through a will to a dependent adult might disqualify the dependent from receiving governmental care. Even simple trusts, could end up costing their loved ones even more than the value of the gift if needed government assistance benefits are denied.
  • Grandparents, parents, and other friends and relatives that want to help an autistic beneficiary should look into the appropriateness of a Special Needs Trust. A Special Needs Trust is a more complicated estate planning instrument, but does a better job passing gifts to the ones you want without causing them additional headache.
  • Charitable donations to these causes can have tax benefits for those gifting

Want to get involved with the desert area events and organizations? Here is a partial list of local organizations related to helping those with Autism.

Healing Horses, Therapeutic Riding Center of Coachella Valley
Coachella Valley’s chapter of the Autism Society of America (760) 772-1000 for more information.

Both routinely have events to foster local family support.

UPDATE:  THE SECOND ANNUAL AUTISM WALK AT CIVIC CENTER PARK PARK WILL BE APRIL 25, 2009.
 

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First Annual Holiday Carriage Ride for Special Children

Posted on November 25, 2008 by Daryl Binkley

Many local charity events and/or organizations in our desert focus on helping older citizens—but, as the father of a three-year-old daughter, I believe organizations helping the younger citizens are extremely important, too. One cause that my wife and I believe needs as much support as possible is Autism. And if it seems that news about Autism is more and more prevalent, well it is. The unfortunate reality is—autism rates are increasing.  Some studies released in as early as 2007, stated that 1 out of 150 children will have some form of autism—and the rate for boys is even higher, at 1 in 94 (www.AutismStreet.org).

So for those living in the desert with autistic children (or grandchildren), and other special needs children too, Healing Horses, Therapeutic Riding Center in the Coachella Valley has an event for you and your younger loved ones.

Healing Horses will have a Holiday Horse drawn Carriage Ride for kids attending their Therapeutic Riding Center at the Empire Polo grounds on December 6 at 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Per the organization’s web site, “Healing Horses is a Non-Profit Corporation committed to improving the lives of Special Needs Children through the use of therapy horses.” While the organization specializes in children with Autism, the organization is open to special needs children in general as well.

There will also be a ribbon-cutting to show support for their sponsors. 

The Healing Horse’s goal is to improve the child’s “functioning in their homes, schools and communities by increasing their language, reducing negative behaviors, increasing core muscle strength, improving relationships with peers, parents, teachers and caregivers, peer play, joint attention, self care and overall self esteem and independence.” The organization is the only NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) certified center in the Coachella Valley

Gabriele Lawrence, cofounder together with Marcia Levine of Healing Horses encourages parents and their children with special needs to become members of the Coachella Valley Autism Society (CVASA). Gabriele said that “We have received some grant funding that allows us to keep our fees relatively affordable to CVASA members, for example an hour long session costs $60.00 per child, but for members of the CVASA, the co-pay fee is only $20.00.  But our goal is to get that to $5.00 or even less with more donations.”

Gabriele also told me that “every dollar that gets donated to the program directly affects the children either through supplies used in lessons, horse care, or the cost of the instruction that is given, as each individual child’s short and long term goals are focused on. We are 501(c)(3) so of course all donations are 100% tax deductible. All potential donors are invited to come out and see the program in action. We are located on the grounds of the Empire Polo Grounds via generous support from the club's Owner Alex Haagen, III who is one of our greatest supporters.”

If you are new to the desert, or have not been able to find local support regarding other families with autistic relatives in the desert, then get more information about Healing Horses, on the web at www.healinghorsescv.com or the Coachella Valley’s chapter of the Autism Society of America on the web at www.cvasa.org. Both organizations routinely have events to foster local family support.

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