# @theconnectedparentsite on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DYm_v2HuEvP
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/65940127-theconnectedparentsite-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/f4ddaf46a7.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-21T17:36:59.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Julie Walters | The Connected Parent (@theconnectedparentsite) — https://gondola.cc/theconnectedparentsite

## Caption

Here is what most families don't realize ⤵️

It is easy to assume that if you have always been your child's caregiver and they continue to need support, you will always have the right to make decisions for them...

BUT, that is not how the law works!

The moment your child turns 18 they are legally an adult. That means you no longer have automatic rights to make medical, financial, or legal decisions on their behalf (and yes, that includes signing their IEP!), even if your child has significant support needs.

And the situations where this catches families off guard are serious...

A hospital may not be able to share medical information with you or allow you to make treatment decisions. A bank won't let you access your child's accounts. Programs and services may require your child's own signature.

In an emergency, providers may work with you informally but they are not legally required to.

And if you start the conservatorship process at 18, you are waiting months for it to be finalized with no formal authority in place in the meantime

I don't say this to scare you. I say it because knowing this early is the difference between being prepared and being caught off guard in a moment that is already hard enough.

If your child is already 18 and this is the first time you are hearing this, that is not a failure. Start today. 🫶

And P.S. Not every child with a disability will need conservatorship. There are other options that protect your child while honoring their autonomy. I'll cover that in an upcoming post, so follow along so you don't miss it!

#disability #autism #conservatorship #disabled #caregiver

## Stats

- **Views:** 2,120
- **Likes:** 105
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 4

## Tags

disabled, autism, disability, conservatorship, caregiver

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