Choosing a Guardian When Your Child Has Behavioral Challenges: Insights from a Portland, Oregon Guardianship Lawyer
Most parents never wake up thinking, “Today I will pick the person who raises my kids if I cannot.” Yet that is exactly what happens by default when no guardian is named: a probate judge, guided only by paperwork, decides who steps into your shoes. For any child this is unsettling. For a child living with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other behavioral challenges, the risks are even higher.
Navigating the "Autism Cliff": A Portland, Oregon Special Needs* Planning Attorney Explains What Parents Need to Know
Families with a child on the autism spectrum often experience a stark change when that child reaches age 18, a transition sometimes referred to as the "autism cliff." Many of the supportive services relied on during childhood, such as specialized education programs, may shift or end altogether in adulthood. This can leave parents concerned about how to maintain consistent care and ensure their child's ongoing well-being.