Article Archives: Articles by Shannon Nash

Shannon King Nash, the proud mother of an autistic boy takes you through her journey of loving, caring and helping a child with special needs. Approximately one out of five children under the age of 18 has a developmental disability or neurological disorder – some 10 million children. Most people know a child that is suffering from some disability, but many don’t know where to turn for helpful information. In the Special Needs Journey, Ms. Nash covers a myriad of issues affecting children with special needs in the hopes of inspiring everyone to see the beauty of all children. From diagnosis, treatments and therapies, special education, and coping with daily life, this column will empower parents, family members, professionals and friends to help these children reach their fullest potential.


Special Needs Journey Columns

:: December 1, 2004. Holiday Activities for Families With Special Needs Children. more

:: November 1, 2004. Giving Thanks. Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks for the many wondrous things we have in our lives. Good health, food, friends, family, and for many the official start of the holiday season, are just a few things people feel thankful for on this late November holiday. But perhaps the most important thing you have to be thankful for is your special needs child. more

:: October 6, 2004. Special Needs Stories: My Story, by Shannon Nash. April 24,1998 was the happiest day of my life. I had just given birth to a wonderful 8 lb. 11 oz. beautiful baby boy. more

:: October 2, 2004. 5 Tips for Halloween. Ghosts and goblins, witches and warlocks -- It’s Halloween time again. We’re giving you 5 tips to help make this a fun and exciting Halloween for your special needs child. more

:: December 15, 2004. Special Needs Trust: Estate Planning Is Crucial for Ensuring the Future of Your Autistic Child. more

:: June 8, 2003. Isn't it Autism? Ten Tips for Parents who Suspect Autism (Part II). Autism is no longer the rare “Rain Man” disorder. New reports place autism as occurring in one in 250 children – that’s more common than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell or childhood cancer. more

:: April 1, 2003. Isn't it Autism? Tips on recognizing signs of autism in your child. We knew something was wrong with our son when he was 2 years old. Although from all outward appearances he seemed normal, something internally was a little off. more


Family Finance Articles

:: March 10, 2005. Top Ten Tax 411 Tips For New Parents. Excerpt from Taxes 411: Your "Hip Guide" to Taking Control of Your Taxes and Finances, and Building Your Net Worth (2005 iUniverse, Inc.). For more about Taxes 411, visit www.taxes411online.com. > more

:: December 15, 2004. Choosing a Professional. Many attorneys claim to do special needs trusts when in fact they simply add a sentence or a few provisions to a regular trust - so finding a specialist is key. But an attorney need not break the bank. A special needs trusts may cost between $1,000 - $2,000, with many attorneys offering payment plans. Of course the cost may vary by state and by complexity of the estate plan. more

:: October 15, 2004. Top 10 Financial Tips for African Americans, Part I- Tips 1-5. Remember those New Year resolutions where you pledged to get your financial house in order – like, “I will get rid of those credit cards,” or “I’m going to pay that car note off early?” Well, it's now September and you’re probably operating exactly on schedule, right? > more

:: March 15, 2003. Taxing Times Call for Tax Savvy Parents. Finding the right dependent deduction for maximum benefit. > more

:: March 15, 2003. Tax Tips for Families with Special Needs Children - (Tax Year 2002). April is National Autism Awareness Month! It’s a cause for celebration indeed if it weren’t for that pesky day that strikes the fear in the hearts of every procrastinator – April 15th. But this year, special needs parents have a lot of tax savings, courtesy of Uncle Sam, and they couldn’t of come at a better time. > more

:: March 15, 2003. Tax Tip for Families with Single Parents- (Tax Year 2002). Single parents have special tax issues that bear mentioning. The following is a list of issues that apply uniquely to single parents. > more

:: March 15, 2003. Tax Tip for SAHMs: Homemaker IRAs - (Tax Year 2002). It’s a fact. Women live longer than men. The average woman lives to the age of 79.4. That’s past the average working age of most Americans. For many of these women, retirement planning has become crucial. But retirement planning is no longer just for the working mom. With a homemaker IRA, stay at home moms (SAHMs) can save for the future too. > more

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