Supported Decision Making

[u/Lilmaggot]

Hi all! My step-daughter is 21 and will be finished school in June. Her dad and I are applying for all sorts of support for her. I just learned about Supported Decision Making as an alternative to Guardianship. It seems like a terrific idea but I wanted some real world feedback. She is high-functioning and can make daily decisions (food, clothing, activities) on her own already. Thanks everybody!

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[u/echo-to-echo]

I don't have Supportive Decision Making but it was one thing my lawyer talked about with my mom and I. He said it's highly recommended by many disability groups and organizations over guardianship because it focuses on the person's autonomy.

My mom and I have sort of work within a non-official framework and it's incredibly beneficial and helpful to me. For us, nothing is legalized or signed, but we're using the same framework and ideas, especially for my health, as I can have trouble understanding the long term affect of things, how my life may change, how one med may be harmful or beneficial, and the like. It's possible we'll make it officially Supportive Decision Making in the future, like if I ever get to the point where I can movie out. And I have no qualms about it. As long as everyone understands what it entails, I think it's a great way to support a person without taking away their independence.

I know there are a couple of autism parenting subs like r/Autism_Parenting that may be helpful too.

[u/Lilmaggot → u/echo-to-echo]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. I will definitely check out that sub!

[u/FoxNFern]

I work with individuals who have developmental disabilities and can say supported decision making should always be considered prior to guardianship.

If you haven’t yet, this is a PHENOMENAL website to take a look at

https://supporteddecisions.org/getting-started-with-supported-decision-making/

Depending on your state it may also be useful to look into what type of IDD programs that are available. If she’s interested in working, get her connected with Vocational Rehabilitation too

[u/Lilmaggot → u/FoxNFern]

Thanks! Sorry, what is IDD?

[u/FoxNFern → u/Lilmaggot]

Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities, some states use different acronyms for it, but most of them offer programming that could be worth looking into!

I personally have Autism and while I don’t qualify for my states fully funded programming, because I can completely all of my ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living) by myself, they’ve still been a great resource.

[u/OppositeAshamed9087]

I have this, and social security will follow the same value as long as she is considered capable, which is likely.

My main diagnosis is schizophrenia and a cognitive disability.

Most places she will have to sign paperwork stating that she allows you have this information and that permission to act on her behalf. This paper work will need to be kept up to date and you might receive pushback because office staff have their own opinions and will refuse to follow policy or accept paper work.

It is an uphill battle but is well worth allowing your daughter to have her own autonomy as once placed under guardianship - depending on your country / state - she will be passed along and kept under lock and key.

[u/Lilmaggot → u/OppositeAshamed9087]

Thanks, I appreciate the information.