Long-Term Planning: Adulthood, Aging & Continuity of Care
Summary
Lifespan planning guide for autistic young adults (18+). Covers 20-40 year housing transitions (apartments to group homes), financial security (ABLE accounts/Special Needs Trust), trusted team building (5+ people), legal documents, health aging, parent death preparation, and annual December 31st reviews.
Key Points
- Life phases: 18-25 (foundation), 25-35 (career stability), 35-50 (peak earning), 50-65 (health prep), 65-75 (structured care), 75+ (full support)
- Housing lifecycle: 20s shared apartment, 30s accessible condo, 50s senior community, 60s group home with 24-hour staff, plan transitions before crisis
- Financial roadmap: Emergency fund $5-10k by 25, ABLE account ($18k/year tax-free), Special Needs Trust by 30 if inheritance, $50k+ by 35
- Trusted team (5+ people): Financial guardian, healthcare advocate, legal advisor, housing/daily support, social lifeline, formalize by 25
- Escalate for: Parent death/incapacity (activate team), unsafe housing (Medicaid waiver), no team by 30 (disability rights org)
Parents age out by 65-70. Autistic adults need 20-40 year plans covering housing transitions, financial security, healthcare aging, and trusted team building. This guide creates a "future system" with timelines, backup plans, and annual reviews. Goal: 5-year plan complete by age 25, trusted team of 5+ people in place, legal documents signed before age 21.
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