Every child on the autism spectrum is so unique, which makes it hard to rely on any one “formula” to plan for their future. Over time, I’ve come to realize how important it is to take a well-rounded approach that covers all their needs—financial, emotional, social, and everything in between.
For me, planning isn’t about making sure every little thing is handed over on a silver platter. It’s more about building a stable foundation that can handle whatever life throws our way. Honestly, even if my child didn’t have autism, I’d still be working toward a secure, balanced future for our family.
Understanding the Financial Needs of My Child with Autism
The first thing I did was just write down everything my child might need financially, both now and in the future. It was a little overwhelming seeing it all on paper—therapy, specialized education, daily living expenses, and so much more. Even if some of it seemed out of reach or far off, just listing it helped me feel like I had a plan, or at least a starting point. I really encourage you to keep this list somewhere you can easily check back on. Writing it down, setting those intentions—it can be powerful and grounding, especially on days when the future feels uncertain.
Here is an example:
Building Multiple Revenue Streams and Passive Income for the Family
Looking back, I realized how risky it can be to rely on a single income, especially with the extra costs involved in supporting a child with autism. After writing down what needed to be done, I moved on to the second step: figuring out how to turn those plans into reality.
To create more financial stability, I began exploring ways to generate multiple income streams for our family. This diversification has helped us feel more secure during uncertain times and allows us to plan confidently for the future.
It's important to note that this second step is not an overnight process; it may take years of effort. That is why also investing time in studying what others do can save you both time and energy in the long run. As the saying goes, "Money is infinite, time is not."
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Starting my freelancing journey on Upwork really changed everything for me. Leaving a steady 9-to-5 wasn’t easy—I had worries about stability and whether freelancing would actually cover my expenses. But once I began, I was able to earn $xx/hour, which meant I was making the equivalent of two full days’ worth of office work in just one hour. This shift in income felt empowering. I had more control over my time and my financial goals, and it even opened up space to explore new opportunities I’d never have had in a traditional job.
Over time, I expanded my efforts to include passive income options like blogging and selling digital products on Amazon Merch, Redbubble, and other marketplaces. I also began investing in real estate properties, mutual funds, the stock market, and insurance policies that have an investment component.
I’ve seen others succeed with affiliate marketing on TikTok and selling products on marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee, proving just how many opportunities the internet provides today.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might sound cliché, but I encourage you to follow your passions and see what income opportunities arise. For instance, if you love photography, Google "How can I generate multiple income opportunities in photography?" You might be surprised at the paths that open up when you align your work with what you love.
To help you get started, explore my blogs for ideas on becoming a virtual assistant and other online opportunities. You may also want to check out some top blog posts about online businesses for more inspiration:
3. Emergency Fund: My Financial Safety Net
I've learned just how important emergency funds are for both our short- and long-term needs, especially when life gets unpredictable. Building this safety net can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re just making enough to cover your everyday expenses. But having that cushion is so vital for our financial peace of mind.
When I first started learning about financial literacy, I followed T. Harv Eker’s 6 Jars Wealth Management System, and it really helped me build a solid foundation. This approach made it easier to manage my finances in a structured way, giving me a clear breakdown of where my money should go each month.
To make saving more manageable, I set realistic goals. For my short-term emergency fund, I follow a helpful guideline: save up the equivalent of 6 months’ worth of your monthly income. So, for instance, if I bring in P50,000 a month, my goal would be to build an emergency fund of around P300,000.
To do this, I often think about a principle from the book The Richest Man in Babylon that suggests saving 10% of your income. I try to put that 10% into different investments, like time deposits or the stock market.
I know hitting these savings targets can take time, but I remind myself that every little bit counts. This is actually the third step in my journey, and it really works hand in hand with the second step of creating multiple passive income streams. As we focus on generating that income, it’s equally important to save funds so we’re prepared for whatever life throws our way.
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4. Making My Child Independent Through Education
A key part of creating a secure future for my child with autism is focusing on education that promotes independence. I’m committed to making sure he learns the basics, like reading, writing, and essential life skills. We do this now thru homeschooling with Catholic Filipino Academy. These foundational skills are so important for his growth and development.
Right now, I’m looking into options like the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) for the next steps in his education.
These programs offer flexible learning paths that can cater to his unique needs and help him gain practical skills.
By investing in his education now, I’m hopeful that he’ll become more self-sufficient and confident as he continues to grow. It’s all about setting him up for success and helping him navigate the world on his own terms.
READ ALSO: Schools for Autism : Our Journey to Finding the Right Education for Our Child with Autism
5. Setting Up Future Businesses for My Child
As I think about creating a secure future for my child with autism, I also consider the idea of setting up businesses that he might be able to manage one day. I’ve seen many parents start coffee shops, which is a great idea, but I’m leaning toward options that not only support him financially but also contribute to his well-being, like farming.
Farming feels special because it allows him to connect with nature and learn responsibility while doing something meaningful. I also want to explore rental income opportunities, like real estate or Airbnb, which could provide a steady source of income while teaching him valuable skills in managing properties.
By laying the groundwork for these ventures now, I hope to give my child the chance to thrive and find fulfillment as he grows. It’s all about creating a future that supports his independence and nurtures his passions.
6. Exploring Government Benefits
Accessing government benefits in the Philippines can be quite challenging, but there are some options available that can provide support. For example, if I’m an SSS (Social Security System) member and a pensioner, my child with a disability may qualify for a pension as well. This pension is equivalent to 10% of the member's monthly pension, which can be a helpful addition to our family’s financial resources.
7. Life Insurance for Parents
Life insurance is a key part of my child’s financial security. It provides a safety net in case something happens to me. Although it could be considered part of #2, I think it’s so important that it deserves its own spot on the list.
Choosing the right type and amount of coverage is crucial. I look for policies that are meant to provide long-term financial support, ensuring my child will be taken care of in the future. This step gives me peace of mind, knowing I’m doing what I can to protect my child, no matter what life throws our way.
To know my recommended insurance options, you can read more here: Autism and Insurance Choices: Insuring Your Child's Future
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8. Living in a Place That Supports My Child
Choosing the right place to live is such an important part of creating a secure future for my child with autism. I know that what “support” looks like can vary for everyone, but for me, it means finding a community where he can truly thrive.
I imagine a place where he has the chance to manage a business of his own, somewhere that feels peaceful and relaxing.
Safety is a big deal for us; I want to be in a neighborhood where I feel comfortable letting him explore and grow without constant worry.
Being part of a supportive community is just as important to me. I believe that having neighbors who understand our journey can create a warm and nurturing environment for my child and our whole family.
By choosing a place that reflects these values, I’m hopeful we can build a home where he feels supported and can truly flourish.
9. Talking with Family
While my husband and I really want to be self-sufficient and not rely on family members, relatives, or friends, I’ve come to realize that it can be beneficial to involve our loved ones in our planning. It doesn’t make us any less independent to think about how family could help in case something happens to us.
Having open discussions about our plans with trusted family members and friends can create a strong support network for our child. It’s not just about asking for help; it’s about sharing our vision and discussing how they might contribute, whether through their time, financial support, or even taking on caregiving roles in the future. This can really strengthen the safety net we’re building for our child.
One practical step I’ve taken is creating a Google Sheet to organize important financial information. This sheet includes details about our bank accounts, insurance policies, properties, and other vital information. It doesn’t need to be overly detailed, but simply listing where to find everything can be incredibly helpful for our family. This way, if the unexpected happens, they’ll know where to go and what to do, making things a little easier during a difficult time. It’s all about creating a safety net that supports my child while also preparing for whatever the future may hold.
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10. Updating My Plan Regularly
Life is always changing, and so are our needs. I make it a point to regularly review and update my plan as my child grows, ensuring it still meets their needs as they evolve.
I also keep myself informed about any changes in laws, benefits, and financial products that could impact our situation. This knowledge helps me adjust my plan accordingly, giving me peace of mind that I’m doing everything I can to secure my child’s future. Staying proactive about these updates ensures that we’re ready for whatever comes our way.
Final Notes from Spectrum Mommy - Future Planning
Embracing autism doesn’t mean resigning ourselves to passivity or simply accepting things as they are. Instead, it means actively seeking out ways to enhance the quality of life not only for our child but for our entire family. It’s about exploring opportunities, advocating for support, and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. Acceptance is the first step toward empowerment, guiding us to take action and create a fulfilling life together.
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