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Why Does He Listen to Everyone Except Dad? Profound Autism with Mike Carr
Description
What happens when a family depends on Medicaid to support a loved one with profound autism and that funding becomes uncertain?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr discusses autism funding options and financial planning strategies that families may want to understand as they prepare for adulthood and the transition out of school services.
Drawing from his family's experience supporting his son with profound autism, Mike provides a high-level overview of several potential sources of support, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid waiver programs, HCS and CLASS waivers, ABLE accounts, and special needs trusts.
He also explains why families may want to research waiver programs and waiting lists well before their child reaches adulthood. For families navigating severe or profound autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and complex support needs, planning early can give them more time to understand eligibility requirements and available services.
Mike also discusses the practical differences between ABLE accounts and special needs trusts, along with some of the considerations families should understand before choosing a financial planning strategy.
This episode is an educational starting point, not individualized financial or legal advice. Programs, eligibility requirements, funding levels, and waiting lists can vary by state and may change over time.
In This Episode
• Preparing for uncertainty around Medicaid and autism services
• SSI and SSDI for autistic adults
• Medicaid waiver programs
• HCS and CLASS waivers
• Other Texas waiver options
• Why waiver waiting lists matter
• ABLE accounts and qualified disability expenses
• Special needs trusts
• Planning for the transition to adulthood
• Supporting autistic adults in their communities
📧 Questions for Mike: mike@autismlabs.com
🎙️ ABOUT AUTISM LABS
Autism Labs provides practical information and real-world conversations for parents, caregivers, and families supporting autistic children and adults. The podcast explores profound autism, communication, behavior, caregiving, adult services, transition planning, and the challenges families face across the lifespan.
Website: https://www.autismlabs.com/
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