Financial Planning for Autism with Lynda Kommel-browne
The David Kaufer Podcast: The Lighter Side of the Spectrum
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Show Notes
David welcomes autism advocate and financial advisor Lynda Kommel-browne, a mom of five whose youngest, Winston, is a non-speaking autistic speller. They discuss advocacy, fighting for inclusion in public school, and Winston’s strengths, including advanced math, acting roles, and rapid foreign-language acquisition (Spanish and Chinese). The conversation focuses on early financial and estate planning: building a team, pursuing Medicaid/state benefits and respite care, and describing needs on a child’s worst day. Lynda explains ABLE accounts (tax-advantaged, broad disability expenses, $20k/year contributions, $100k benefit threshold) versus special needs trusts (often funded with life insurance). They address guardianship vs supported decision-making and share parent confessions about delayed planning.
Lynda can be reached by phone via her office number: (203) 226-1559 or mobile: (917) 374-6948
Topics
00:58 Meet Lynda Kommel-browne: Advocate + Wall Street to Special Needs Planning
03:28 Linda’s Family Story & Why Planning Early Matters
05:43 Planning for “Three Lifetimes”: Team, Timeline, and Peace of Mind
07:28 Winston’s Journey: From Early Diagnosis to Finding Communication
09:10 Spelling/Letterboards Breakthrough (Learning on Zoom)
10:32 School District Battles, Presuming Competence & Paving the Way
12:10 College Dreams: Linguistics, Languages, and Accessible Campuses
15:45 Staying in Public School + Using Apex for STEM Accommodations
21:03 Big-Picture Planning: Divorce, Building a Team, and Special Needs Credentials
24:50 Family Roles, Guardianship Plans, and Funding a Dignified Adult Life
26:51 Practical Tools Next: Benefits, ABLE Accounts, and Why You Can’t Wait
29:00 Finding Help for Medicaid & Public Benefits Paperwork
29:55 Applying the Right Way: Describe Your Child’s “Worst Day”
32:30 Why Starting Early Matters: Medicaid, State Programs & Respite Care
36:16 ABLE Accounts 101: Limits, Investing Early, and What You Can Spend It On
40:49 Special Needs Trusts Explained: Trustees, Life Insurance, and Estate Planning
47:07 Autism Fact or Fiction: Presume Competence + ABLE Accounts Aren’t Just for the Wealthy
49:06 Parent Confessions: Planning Wake-Up Call & Guardianship vs Supported Decision-Making
53:22 Final Takeaways & How to Reach Lynda (Don’t Wait to Start)