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Close Topic OptionsHow To Obtain Guardianship For Adults With Autism
How Obtain Guardianship Adults Autism - Psychology, Special Needs, Health - Posted: 20th Apr, 2011 - 2:39pm
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How To Obtain Guardianship For Adults With Autism
So you have a child who is over 18 with autism, he is unable to express his emotions well or live by himself and you automatically think you are his/her legal guardian. Well, it's not the case since the person is now considered an adult. There is a process that needs to be taken if you are in the US:
QUOTE Once a child turns 18, he or she is legally considered an adult and therefore, permitted to make his own choices. For children who have difficulty managing their emotions, expressing themselves, and executing day-to-day self-care tasks, like many on the autism spectrum, this freedom may not be a safe option.
Many parents of teens with autism are learning they are not automatically considered their child's legal guardian just because that child has a disability. If you feel guardianship is the best option for your family, you have to go through the court system to be assigned this role, which will give you the right to make decisions about issues such as your adult child's schooling, health care and living arrangements. The decision to assign a legal guardian to a person over 18 is not taken lightly and it involves paperwork, time and money.
One mother of an 18-year-old with autism in northern New Jersey says, "I just can't believe how overwhelming the process was. I spent a lot of time on the phone, gathering and copying paperwork, and talking to my lawyer and my son's court-appointed lawyer. It was a part-time job."
Though the process can be lengthy and time-consuming there are some things you can do to prepare.
Each state has its own process for filing to become a legal guardian. Be sure if you are reading information online that it comes directly from your state's official website. Most states have the step-by-step process on their website, complete with options for guardianship, forms to be printed, and necessary phone numbers.
You will need your child's medical and school records so if this paperwork isn't already organized, now is a good time to get it in order. Fill it chronologically so you can locate information quickly. Source 9
Many parents of teens with autism are learning they are not automatically considered their child's legal guardian just because that child has a disability. If you feel guardianship is the best option for your family, you have to go through the court system to be assigned this role, which will give you the right to make decisions about issues such as your adult child's schooling, health care and living arrangements. The decision to assign a legal guardian to a person over 18 is not taken lightly and it involves paperwork, time and money.
One mother of an 18-year-old with autism in northern New Jersey says, "I just can't believe how overwhelming the process was. I spent a lot of time on the phone, gathering and copying paperwork, and talking to my lawyer and my son's court-appointed lawyer. It was a part-time job."
Though the process can be lengthy and time-consuming there are some things you can do to prepare.
Each state has its own process for filing to become a legal guardian. Be sure if you are reading information online that it comes directly from your state's official website. Most states have the step-by-step process on their website, complete with options for guardianship, forms to be printed, and necessary phone numbers.
You will need your child's medical and school records so if this paperwork isn't already organized, now is a good time to get it in order. Fill it chronologically so you can locate information quickly. Source 9
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Post Date: 20th Apr, 2011 - 2:39pm / Post ID: #
Autism Adults Guardianship Obtain How
Name: AUTmom
Comments: I have a 23 year old who I have legal guardianship. The amount of papers and money spent in lawyer fees was ridiculous to reach where I am today but glad that is now all over.
TOPIC: How To Obtain Guardianship For Adults With Autism