The Autism Dad Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 2) (S8E15)
Show Notes: Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 2) — The Autism Dad Podcast
In this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, Rob Gorski continues the special needs financial planning series with guest Katy Bryan from Skylight Financial Group. Katy specializes in helping families of children with disabilities plan for the future and shares key steps to prepare for your child’s transition to adulthood.
Rob and Katy discuss why everything changes at age 18: managing assets under $2,000, understanding Social Security benefits (SSI/SSDI), and navigating Medicaid. They explore common questions around special needs trusts, guardianship, and power of attorney, and offer tips for finding a financial or estate planner with real disability expertise. Rob shares his own family’s journey—the struggles, learning curves, and how resources like vocational programs made a difference for his kids.
Highlights:
- Social Security (SSI/SSDI) eligibility after 18
- Managing assets and income to maintain Medicaid/benefits
- Special needs trusts, guardianship, and power of attorney
- The value of working with planners who “get” disability families
- Building a sustainable budget and future plan for your child
- How to access local job training and support resources
Guest Info:
Katy Bryan, Skylight Financial Group
Email: kbryan@financialguide.com
Thank You to This Week’s Sponsors:
Safe Place Bedding
Safe Place Bedding creates portable, durable beds for children and adults with special needs. Their new Safe Place Bedding 300 offers advanced monitoring for safer, better sleep. Learn more at safeplacebedding.com.
Autism 360
Autism 360 provides families with practical tools and expert guidance for therapy, education, and everyday life—personalized to help your child thrive. Discover more at autism360.com.
Connect with Rob:
Find more episodes, resources, and ways to connect at theautismdad.com.
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Disclaimer:
Catherine Bryan is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investor Services, LLC, member SIPC, OSJ, 1956 Carter Road, Suite 200, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, Phone: (216) 621-5680. California Insurance License #4175736.
The information in this podcast is not a recommendation and is not intended as financial, tax, legal, or estate planning advice. You should seek guidance from a qualified financial advisor, accountant, and attorney regarding your personal situation.