The study found that many families of autistic children are exposed to significant financial risk because they have not taken necessary steps to plan for the future.
“No one expected the problems and challenges to be so severe for families living with autism,” says MassMutual’s U.S. Insurance Group senior vice president John Chandler. “The numbers are stark and point to the pervasiveness of this public health crisis. The good news is that with increased awareness and the right help this is one piece of the autism puzzle that parents can begin to solve.”
The survey found that of parents having children with autism:
- 74% fear their children will not have enough financial support after the parents die (compared to 18% of parents with children who are developing typically);
- 52% say that caring for their child drains the family’s current financial resources (compared to 13%); and
- 47% say the cost of care has a financial impact on how typically-developing siblings are raised.
Parents of children living with autism are very concerned about their children fitting into society. Few feel their child will be able to:
- make his or her own life decisions (14% compared to 65% of typical parents);
- have friends in the community (17 % compared to 57%);
- have a spouse or life partner (9% compared to 51%);
- be valued by their community (18% compared to 50%);
- participate in recreational activities (20% compared to 50%); or
- have strong religious affiliations (19% compared to 36%).
Parents of children with autism have financial concerns, fearing their child will not be able to obtain or hold a job and are likely to need a place to live provided for them. They also worry about future health concerns, including whether their child will have a primary care doctor who understands his or her needs, whether the child will regularly exercise, and whether the child will have adequate health insurance coverage.
The researchers found that many insurance companies don’t cover treatment and services for people living with autism. Generally, families must cover the lifelong cost of care and treatment for their family member with autism. Often parents feel that their children with autism who function at a higher level or who have Asperger’s are overlooked for benefits. But the report says that the reality is that such individuals do require support to be successful in life.
Few families have taken steps to ensure their child’s financial future, with only 50% looking to a professional for financial advice, 38% designating a guardian or creating a will, 17% establishing a special needs trust, and 24% identifying living arrangements if the parent is no longer living.
Resources:
Easter Seals website: Easterseals.com
