Use these steps to prepare to welcome a child with special needs into your family.

Like any new parent, you won’t have all the answers at first.

Adding a child to your family through birth or adoption is an exciting event, filled with hope for the future and anxiety about the impending changes in your life. Learning that your child will have special needs can add to that anxiety.

Remember, all parents need to prepare for their child’s future. Your journey with your child with special needs will require more steps, but you’ll take those over time. Just like any other family, you will want to prepare and budget for day-to-day care as well as future needs. Here are some immediate things to consider:

• Educate Yourself
  Learn everything you can about your child’s disability and the type of care they will require. It may seem like a lot of information at first. Try not to get overwhelmed. Everything you read will not be completely accurate or apply specifically to your child, but you will begin to get an overview of the situation. Throughout your child’s life you will want to refer to your research as you recognize different developmental stages and need more specific guidance about what to expect and how you can support development. Discussing what you’ve learned with your spouse or partner and sharing your thoughts and feelings will help you build a nurturing environment for your child.
• Build a Foundation of Support
  The saying goes: it takes a village to raise a child. When it comes to a child with special needs, the concept definitely applies. Find support and advocacy groups relevant to your child’s needs. By joining a community of other families raising children with special needs, you’ll have support and guidance for your journey. This is also a good time to search your community for service providers who can offer the types of physical, emotional, and medical services you and your child will need.
• Create a Budget
  Raising a child with special needs may require you or your spouse or partner to change your work schedule to provide necessary hands-on care or bear the financial burden of hiring special help. As a result, your income may be reduced for the first several months or longer. In addition, you may need to make home renovations to accommodate your child’s needs for equipment or technology services. Creating a budget can help you effectively manage your money and meet these and other necessary expenses for the life and care of your child.
• Learn About Government Support Programs
  Children with special needs often require additional services and healthcare beyond what you might anticipate. There are government programs to help offset some of these costs to make it possible for you to give your child the care they need. You or your child may qualify for support through the Social Security Administration or Children’s Health Insurance Program. Research how to apply for these and any other programs you find. Be sure to check for state-sponsored programs, as well as nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations.
• Speak with a Financial Advisor
  Anytime your family situation changes, it is a good idea to talk with a financial advisor to update your long-term savings strategy. You will want to find an advisor who is experienced in working with parents of children with special needs. Because your child may never be able to support themselves, one priority is to begin saving now for their future support.Ask your financial advisor about setting up a special-needs trust and an ABLE account. These are financial instruments specifically designed to help parents provide for the long-term care of their children with special needs. You should also discuss adding or increasing your life insurance, creating or adjusting your will, and appointing a legal guardian for your child.

Planning to add a child to your family is a special event in your life. Considering the things listed here will help you be better prepared to welcome a child with special needs into your life. Like any new parent, you won’t have all the answers at first. In time and with the support of others, you will become comfortable caring for your child and experience the special joys and enrichment that comes with parenting them.