A Cause for Autism

Adam Fishman
Jou1100
A Cause for Autism

Jeff Rupp is a representative from Delaney Financial Services, an organization that assists in financial planning for special needs. Autism Speaks is an organization dedicated to finding effective treatments and a cure for autism. The autism spectrum is broad, but living with any form of autism from mild to disabling can be difficult.
Whole Foods Market was host to both of these influential organizations Saturday for 5% Day for Autism Speaks. Whole Foods donated 5% of their net sales for the day to both groups. Autism Speaks had representatives handing out informational flyers to help educate people about Autism. There was also a panel group of people living with autism who answered questions.
Jeff Rupp, a towering clean cut gentleman lectured to a small intimate audience on the patio of the market. The focus of Mr. Rupp’s lecture was to inform us of the financial demands and how to plan for someone living with special needs. Raising a child in general is expensive but raising a child with a disability is even more straining. Mr. Rupp introduced himself as a financial advisor from Delaney Financial Services.
Mr. Rupp stated that “out of approximately 72.3 million families, two in every seven of them have a child with special needs.” Mr. Rupp explained that caring for a child with special needs will involve planning in education, medical, guardianships, wills, and special needs trusts. The current federal law states that inheritance of more than $2,000 to a disabled individual disqualifies them from federal based assistance. Special Needs Trusts (SNT) is a means of protecting a disabled person’s eligibility for federal assistance. This program acts as a direct gift privately or professionally managed by a corporate trustee, assets in the trust do not actually belong to the beneficiary; therefore it does not cause the disabled to be disqualified from government assistance.
Mr. Rupp stated that “government benefits are paid to a disabled child (under 18) based on family income.” “Once a child turns 18 they’re awarded benefits based on their own assets and income.” In addition to receiving benefits from the federal government, you can also receive “financial aid” from state programs, community resources, social security benefits, and private foundations.
Mr. Rupp suggested getting a life insurance policy and investing in mutual funds and stock. “Investing in mutual funds or stock over the long-term will provide returns that a disabled individual can live off of for their adult life.” Life insurance policies are tax free as long as an estate is not named beneficiary.
Education is the most important aspect to planning for a special needs future. The Individuals with a Disability Education Act requires free public education ages 3-21. It allows education to be provided for a disabled person as close to home as possible with children who do not have disabilities. The act provides supplemental services such as speech therapy or aide and requires assessments during the child’s educational journey.
Mr. Rupp has been with Delaney Financial Services for six years. I asked what made him get into this type of work. “I started out as a financial consultant for MetLife; I decided I wanted to help families with special needs children because my own son is disabled.” “I find the work to be more rewarding.” Do you think what you’re doing truly helps and benefits the children and their families? “I’ve seen firsthand families whose lives have been turned around completely because of our assistance.” “Most families aren’t aware of all the programs they have access to, I feel privileged to help them.”
Joshua Nagle is a 15 year old boy living with Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism where the disabled lack social interaction and empathy. His mother Karen Nagle said “it’s great to have the support of the community and organizations like Autism Speaks, a lot of people don’t understand what autism is, hopefully this will enlighten them.”
Kevin Shelton is the father of a seven year old boy living with autism. I asked him how he felt about Mr. Rupp’s lecture. “I was already aware of a lot of the programs and assistance provided by the government, I came out today to support the cause.” Treatments and a cure for autism is still an ongoing process. Stay active in your community and see what you can do to help.