As we recognize Autism Awareness Month this April, I hope our community in Lexington will also embrace something just as important: planning for the future of our children and adults with special needs. As a parent of a child with special needs—and as an estate planning attorney—I’ve learned firsthand how worrying about the future can weigh on families. Many of us ask the same questions late at night: Who will care for my child if I no longer can? Will they have the resources and support they need to live safely and with dignity?

For a long time, these questions felt overwhelming. But what transformed fear into clarity for me was realizing that planning ahead is one of the most meaningful ways we can protect our loved ones. When families prepare for life’s uncertainties—illness, accidents, or incapacity—they lighten the burden for future caregivers and create stability for the people they love most.

In my work with families, I’ve seen how difficult things can become when no plan is in place. Without clear legal instructions, families may be forced into lengthy probate proceedings, or they may have to petition the court for guardianship or conservatorship during already stressful circumstances. These processes can take months and create confusion at a time when families need clarity, not additional strain.

Fortunately, a few essential documents can make an enormous difference:
• A Will, which names guardians and ensures parents—not a court—decide who will care for a child.
• A Trust, which helps families avoid probate and ensures resources are available immediately for all loved ones.
• A Special Needs Trust, which protects a child’s eligibility for vital benefits such as SSI and Medicaid while allowing them to receive supplemental support.
• A Power of Attorney and Healthcare Proxy, which give trusted individuals the authority to act in times of crisis.

As a Lexington resident and a Lexington-based business owner, I know that we are fortunate to belong to a community that values inclusion, compassion, and proactive problem‑solving. My hope this Autism Awareness Month is that families will take steps—no matter how small—to safeguard their child’s future. Planning ahead doesn’t remove every uncertainty, but it provides guidance, stability, and profound peace of mind.

Our special ones deserve nothing less.

— Attorney Pooja Arora, Lexington, MA

Leave a comment

All commenters must be registered and logged in with a verified email address. To register for an account visit the registration page for our site. If you already have an account, you can login here or by clicking "My Account" on the upper right hand corner of any page on the site, right above the search icon.

Commenters must use their real first and last name and a real email address.
We do not allow profanity, racism, or misinformation.
We expect civility and good-faith engagement.

We cannot always fact check every comment, verify every name, or debate the finer points of what constitutes civility. We reserve the right to remove any comment we deem inappropriate, and we ask for your patience and understanding if something slips through that may violate our terms.

We are open to a wide range of opinions and perspectives. Criticism and debate are fundamental to community – but so is respect and honesty. Thank you.