Need help with Long Term planning

[Guest guest]

After reading many posts here about what will happen to our children

when we are gone, and losing a friend over the holidays, I am trying

to get information together and write my own will and " life plan "

for our autistic son. I would also be interested in how anyone else

has involved family/friends in this discussion. There is not

another family in our circle which I believe could take on the full-

time responsibility in caring for our son, and don't want him to be

sent to a state hospital if something happened to us.

Can anyone recommend the following:

-Lawyers specializing in this area who are experienced in working

with families of special needs children

-Financial planners also experienced in long term health planning

for special needs kids

-Long term health care insurance (is this available for autistic

children or are they considered to have a pre-existing condition?)

-What are the reputable group homes in Texas for mentally

handicapped?

Sorry to post a dismal request, but it is a reality for us. I know

I won't always be here to take care of him.

Thanks much,