I recently had a chance to interview Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage, on his personal journey after discovering his child has autism and how he became a resource for others.
Pereira overcame obstacles when finding out his son was diagnosed with autism. He experienced stages of denial and confusion, but learned to turn this life change into becoming a help for others who have been through or are going through the diagnosis and are unsure of what to do next. He created The Autism Voyage to act as a guide through ensuring caretaking plans are in place for a child with autism and their long-term needs are met.
Why can an autism diagnosis feel so overwhelming for families?
An autism diagnosis doesn't come with a roadmap. Parents are suddenly thrust into a world of IEP meetings, therapy schedules, insurance battles, and financial decisions they never anticipated, all while processing the emotional weight of what this means for their child's future.
As a father of two, one with autism, the moment that hit me hardest wasn't the diagnosis itself. It was the question that followed: "What happens when I'm not here to explain my child's needs?"
That fear, combined with the immediate demands of coordinating care, navigating school systems, and managing financial strain, creates a paralyzing overwhelm. You're trying to plan for today while worrying about decades from now, and no one tells you where to start.
But here's what makes it even more challenging: trying to be a functioning parent when you're exhausted. The sleepless nights, the constant vigilance, the emotional toll, they all compound. And when you're running on empty, trying to research resources, compare therapy options, and make critical decisions becomes exponentially harder. You need information and support the most precisely when you have the least energy to search for it.
Add to that the isolation many families feel. Friends and family may not fully understand. Support systems are fragmented. And the sheer volume of information online is both helpful and overwhelming, it's hard to know what's reliable or relevant to your specific situation.
That's why I created The Autism Voyage, to help families cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters gaining clarity, not fear.
What are some things parents and caregivers should do once they receive a diagnosis?
First: breathe. You don't need to have everything figured out immediately.
Start by understanding your child's unique needs and strengths. Every child's diagnosis is different, so avoid the trap of comparing your journey to others or feeling like you need to do everything at once.
Next, build your team. You'll need professionals who understand the diagnoses, therapists, educators, and eventually, an estate attorney and financial advisor who specialize in special needs planning. An insurance professional can help you review coverage gaps and long-term protection strategies. No single professional can address everything, so think of this as assembling a collaborative support system.
From a planning perspective, review your insurance coverage early. Does your health plan cover the therapies your child needs? Is your life and/or disability income insurance adequate if something happens to you? Are your estate documents, will, trust, guardianship designations, updated to reflect your current state?
Finally, and this often gets overlooked, take care of yourself. Parenting a child with autism or any other neurodivergent condition is a marathon, not a sprint. If you burn out trying to do everything perfectly, you can't show up for your child in the long run. Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential.
Planning isn't about perfection. It's about taking the first step.
What are some of the often-overlooked needs of children with autism?
One of the most overlooked needs is long-term financial security. Parents focus, rightfully, on immediate therapies and school support, but they don't always think about what happens when the child turns 18, enters adulthood, or when the parents are no longer around.
Special needs trusts, guardianship arrangements, and insurance strategies aren't just legal paperwork, they're the foundation for a child's future independence and care. Without proper planning, a child could lose eligibility for critical government benefits like SSI or Medicaid because of an inheritance or poorly structured life insurance policy. Understanding how to protect benefit eligibility while still providing financial security is crucial.
Another overlooked need: sibling support. Siblings of children with autism often take on caregiving roles later in life, but families don't always prepare them, emotionally or financially, for that responsibility. Having conversations early and including siblings in planning discussions can make a significant difference.
Finally, the whole family's wellbeing. When parents are stressed, burned out, or financially strained, it affects the entire household, including the child with autism. Planning for the child's future also means planning for the parents' mental health, financial stability, and the family's overall resilience.
It's not just about the child. It's about creating a sustainable support system for the long haul.
Michael Pereira is the founder of The Autism Voyage®, a blog and educational platform helping families raising children with autism, related developmental conditions, and other neurodivergent diagnoses navigate the emotional and practical realities of long-term planning. Drawing from his experience as a father of two, one of whom is neurodivergent, Michael brings a unique perspective that blends lived experience with professional insight. Through The Autism Voyage®, he curates trusted content, expert collaborations, and family-centered resources that simplify complex planning topics. In his professional work, Michael focuses on insurance-based strategies as part of a broader, team-driven approach to helping families prepare for the future. His mission is rooted in education and empowerment, providing families with clarity, confidence, and connection as they plan for what lies ahead.
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