No matter how difficult parenting is in the moment, parents can always consider that the day to day grind and worry of parenting will lessen when our children leave the home, marry and have kids of their own. That’s not to say we don’t always worry about our children, but our sense of responsibility over their well-being and basic survival is minimized.  That’s not the case for parents who are raising a child with some type of long term special need.  Parents of children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, and other diagnoses must begin to think about the future of a “life after we’re gone” early on in their child’s life.  This can be a source of stress and very likely, panic, as parents consider financial, housing and guardianship long term needs.  This week on Caregivers’ Circle Tim Ames , Executive Director of Plan Institute whose mission is to improve the lives of those living with disabilities, their families, and the communities, offers tips on how to prepare and plan for our children beyond our own lifetime.