Setting up a "Disability Trust" for ASD son

[2006hildy]

I need a will and possibly think a Disability Trust for Autistic Spectrum Disorder son is the way to go.

Any lawyers out there who have ASD children? What have you done?

I am in the initial stages of gathering information for my will. I have contacted the National Autistic Society and specialist solicitor of course.

This has been said" This is a type of discretionary trust that can be set up for a person who is disabled (according to the definition outlined by the government). As well as the benefits already mentioned under discretionary trusts, the benefit of a disability trust is that it is not taxed in the same way as other trusts. Whereas other trusts are affected by periodic taxes which happen every 10 years or so, taxing a trust for 6% of the total amount at that time, those charges don't apply to a disability trust."

There are two siblings (in total) and three cousins.

What do you think? What are the pros and cons of a "Disability Trust"?

Our resources are limited. Overall, I prefer to invest in my child now to lessen the effects of the disability later iyswim.

What I mean is if I had a spare £50 per month I'd hire a tutor or therapist instead.

Hi Star, I know what you mean. Hopefully we will have a house to leave our boys though.

I want to be the therapist or tutor. What's the best route? The ASD degree at Birmingham?

Hilly, I don't personally rate that degree but others here do. Having said that it will give you access to a lot of useful information.

Have you seen this? www.simplestepsautism.com/product/

Gosh another thing to think about.I haven't ever thought this far ahead ...

Shayo,

There's a current wave of sales pitches to this tune, making their way around support groups. I have some issues with it ethically tbh.

However, no harm in investigating, especially if you can avoid tax by planning ahead.

StarlightMckenzie thanks we are older parents eldest child in uni.We regularly update our will.Never did this cross our mind,I woke hubby up to show him and i swear he started crying I've just told him to chill.what we have been doing is making sure we provide our loved ones as in the older ones as well with as much as we can through life experiences travel education.We are investing a lot in our DD as in love time and all the things therapy ABA ,OT that could and do help.My hubby says he cant believe that he might not be there for her.I've told him to shut it now .This has saddened me I'm now beginning to feel times running out!not on her but on me.

Shayo, when did you get the Dx?

Thanks starlightMckenzie we have not yet got aDx but I can assure you it is what it is .The professionals are not as yet decided if its delayed speech or autistic traits or autism.our daughter is nonverbal makes sounds and babbles can communicate by dragging you there i am not sure how much she understands but know she understands some words .She has become very affectionate great sense of humour,sensory issues although not as much as before.will be 3 in two weeks time ,says words then doesn't use them after some time will say mumma when shes stressed about something which isn't often .We are having speech therapy ABA privately OT cranial .two half days at a great nursery,portage,she goes to play at the park nearly every day.Shes well loved happy.i know the system well enough and know how to get things ...as in the LOUDEST ones get the most.so while the so called professionals are deciding we just got on with it and thank God we did shes so much happier. We have a meeting with the consultant in feb so we hope to get that label then i need the label to get as much support as possible.
sometimes, i do get confused i worry that she might not speak .but we hope she does someday soon.