News
Release
For
Immediate Release
New Guide Provides Information for Siblings
and Caregivers of Adults with Autism
December
4, 2006
LAWRENCEVILLE,
NJ - Attorneys at Hinkle, Fingles & Prior, attorneys
at law have collaborated with a statewide autism agency
to produce a new guide for siblings of adults with
autism.
"Legal
Considerations in Planning for Individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Siblings and Other
Caregivers" is a 20 page booklet designed to
help brothers and sisters of adults with autism assume
decision-making and other responsibilities on behalf
of a family member with autism.
Co-written
by attorneys Ira M. Fingles, Esq. and S. Paul Prior,
Esq., both of whom have a sibling with a disability,
the booklet provides vital information about services
and financial planning, including sections on guardianship,
special needs trusts, accessing adult services and
public benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social
Security and Supplemental Security Income.
"Because
my brother has autism, I know firsthand about the
need to plan ahead and prepare for the role of guardian,
but if not for my work as an attorney in the field,
I would not be prepared to make decisions on his behalf,"
said Paul Prior. "This guide is intended to help
others like me take on the responsibilities associated
with being a guardian."
The
booklet was produced for the New Jersey Center for
Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC),
a statewide not-for-profit agency based in Ewing New
Jersey. COSAC provides information, referral, support,
training and technical assistance to families with
child with autism and professionals who work in the
field of autism. COSAC recently established an Adult
Resources Center to help more families with adult
children.
Prior
and Fingles are partners at Hinkle Fingles & Prior,
Attorneys at Law. The multi-state firm operates offices
in Lawrenceville, Marlton, and Florham Park, NJ and
Yardley and Plymouth Meeting, PA. They specialize
in disability law.
To
request copies of the booklet, which is free of charge,
contact the law offices at 609-896-4200.
Contact:
Paul Prior, Esq., Hinkle, Fingles & Prior, Attorneys
at Law, (609) 896-4200. email paul@hinkle1.com. For
COSAC, contact Leslie Long (609) 883-5411.
