What happens to my child when I'm not here?

Hey family, Michael here…

Last week, I was featured in an article on MomBlogSociety.

The topic? The question that keeps most parents up at night:

"What happens to my child when I'm not here?"

If you've ever laid awake at 2 AM thinking about this, you're not alone.

As a father of two (one neurodivergent), this question haunted me for years.

Not because I didn't care. But because I didn't know where to start.

Between managing therapies, coordinating IEP meetings, keeping up with daily routines, and trying to maintain some sense of normalcy for the whole family, the idea of planning 10, 20, 30 years into the future felt overwhelming.

So I did what a lot of parents do: I put it off.

Until I realized: Not planning IS a plan. It's just a bad one.

Why Families Avoid This Conversation

Here's what I hear from parents all the time:

"I don't even know where to start."
"It's too overwhelming to think about."
"I'll figure it out later."

But here's the truth:

Without proactive planning, families face:

→ Loss of critical government benefits (SSI, Medicaid)
→ Gaps in care during family transitions or emergencies
→ Financial and housing instability
→ No clear guidance for future caregivers

I learned this the hard way. And I decided I didn't want other families to go through what we did.

That's why I created The Autism Voyage®, and why I became an insurance professional focused on helping families like ours.

What Planning Actually Looks Like

Planning doesn't mean you have to figure everything out today.

It means starting the conversation.

Here are the 4 areas every family should address:

1. Financial Planning
→ How do you protect assets without jeopardizing SSI or Medicaid eligibility?
→ Should you set up a Special Needs Trust? An ABLE account?

2. Legal Protections
→ Who has guardianship if something happens to you?
→ Do you have powers of attorney and medical agents in place?

3. Care Continuity
→ Who knows your child's routines, preferences, and needs?
→ Have you written a Letter of Intent for future caregivers?

4. Insurance-Based Strategies
→ How do you fund a Special Needs Trust with life insurance?
→ What happens if YOU can't work due to caregiver stress or burnout?

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Last week, I was featured in an article about this exact topic.

Here's what I told them:

"The families who plan ahead sleep better at night, not because they have all the answers, but because they've taken steps to protect what matters most."

You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.

That question I mentioned at the beginning, "What happens to my child when I'm not here?"

It still keeps me up some nights.

But now, instead of fear, I feel prepared.

And that makes all the difference.

P.S. Not sure if your coverage protects your child's future?
I work with 10 families per quarter to audit their life insurance, disability insurance, and beneficiary designations. [Book your free 15-minute coverage review here] and we'll walk through your coverage and planning gaps together.

P.P.S. Want to read the full article? [Check it out here: MomBlogSociety]

Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical, medical, financial, tax or legal advice. Please consult licensed professionals who understand your individual situation.