Lucknow: Understand your child’s abilities, set short-and long-term goals, build a support network, secure finances and carefully assess assisted-living facilities.These were the five key essentials experts shared with parents of children with special needs during an event in Hazratganj on Saturday.Experts urged parents to begin future planning early rather than make decisions out of fear or urgency. They emphasised the need to focus on independent living, housing and long-term safety in adulthood rather than solely on their child’s education and therapy.Families were advised to maintain a written record of the child’s diet, medical needs, communication style and daily routine to help future caregivers.Neena Wagh, founder-director of the Assisted Living Facility Organisations Consortium (ALFOC), said parents should focus on their child’s abilities rather than limitations, respect their choices and identify areas where support is needed.“Families must ask what support systems will be in place for the child when they are no longer around,” Wagh said.Addressing lifelong care, director Jitendra Solanki stressed the need to estimate future expenses, invest early and establish legal safeguards such as wills, trusts and guardianship arrangements to ensure financial security.
