WARNING! If you have a child with a disability, you will probably get separated from them eventually.

I am sure that many people don't want to hear this. The tragic reality is that adults with disabilities often get separated from their parents. This doesn't have to happen to your child, but you have to be realistic and focus on creating a future for them. I know many of you don't want to think about it, but most parents pass away before their children with disabilities. This is the life you've chosen, so you need to be prepared for your fate. <br><br>So, what should you do? You should start planning ahead now. If your child will need support for their entire life, apply for those programs now. If you need to be your child's guardian, apply now. Don't put it off. The process can take years. <br><br>If your child needs an income in order to live, figure out how they will get that income. Will they get an SSI check? Will you set up a trust for them? Will you protect their eligibility for disability services? <br><br>Above all else, arm yourself with information. This is your life now, so you need to learn. Do you know the law surrounding your child's disability? You need to know the law if you are going to fight for your child's future. Do you know your child's rights? Do you know your rights? What about your child's rights as an adult? How will you ensure that those are protected? <br><br>What about your child's education? This is a very important part of their future, so you need to take it seriously. Do you know your child's rights in school? Do you know how to advocate for your child? Do you know how to create an IEP that will give your child a strong foundation for the rest of their life? <br><br>These are things you need to learn if you want your child to thrive. You need to learn more than the average parent if you want your child to be ok. If you want your child to have a good life, you need to put in the work. This is not optional. Many parents with average kids can go through life without learning much, but you cannot afford to do that. You need to learn so that you can fight for your child's future. <br><br>So, use the internet! Use the resources available to you. Make friends with other parents of disabled kids. If you rely on professionals for advice, you will fail your kid. You need to trust yourself and take control of your child's future. This is the only way to ensure a good life for your child.