It’s one of the hardest things to think about as a parent:
What will happen to my child when I’m no longer here to protect them, fight for them, or support them?
💔 So many of us are stuck in survival mode—fighting the day-to-day battles with EHCPs, services, and appointments. But for families of autistic or disabled children, planning ahead isn’t just important… it’s essential.
Here are some things every SEND parent should start thinking about—no matter how young your child is:
✅ Make a Will – and make sure it includes instructions for guardianship, financial support, and future care.
✅ Consider setting up a Discretionary Trust – this can allow your child to inherit without it affecting their benefits.
✅ Talk to a solicitor who understands disability and SEND – they can help protect your child’s long-term rights and support.
✅ Write down everything – your routines, your child’s needs, what calms them, what triggers them. It can become a lifeline for future carers.
✅ Talk to family members – let them know what support might be needed, and what plans are in place.
It’s not easy. It’s not nice. But it’s necessary.
Because the love and protection you give now should still be there—even when you’re not.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re building tools and resources at AskEllie.co.uk to support families with exactly this kind of planning—so you don’t have to leave it until it’s too late. 💛
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