My son is of 19 years old, is mildly autistic, has a bit slow comprehension of instructions given to him. lives in his own world , and left schooling due to bad academic grasp. very docile in nature. Can u advise on any life grooming path/procedure for him...

Ans: It sounds like your son may be struggling with some social and emotional challenges related to his hearing and speech problem, and it's understandable that this could impact his ability to communicate and socialize with others. As a psychologist, I would recommend the following suggestions to help counsel your son:

Validate his feelings: Let your son know that you understand that it can be difficult for him to navigate social situations with his hearing and speech challenges. Validate his feelings and reassure him that he is not alone in feeling this way.

Encourage social interaction: While your son may be comfortable at home, it's important to encourage him to interact with others outside of the home as well. This could be through community events, volunteering, or joining social groups for individuals with similar challenges. Gradually exposing him to new situations can help him build confidence and develop new skills.

Focus on strengths and interests: Encourage your son to pursue his interests and strengths, whether it's in academics, music, or any other area. This can help him develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Explore therapy options: Counseling or therapy can be an effective way for your son to work through his challenges and develop coping strategies. Consider exploring therapy options, such as speech therapy, social skills training, or cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can be tailored to meet his specific needs.

Use positive reinforcement: When your son makes progress, offer positive reinforcement and encouragement. Celebrate his accomplishments, even if they are small, to help build his confidence and motivation.

Remember, counseling and support is a process that takes time, patience, and persistence. Be sure to approach your son with empathy and understanding, and work together to develop a plan that supports his well-being and personal growth.

Ans: A school working with students will work at the pace of your child adapting and always keeping in mind his needs. All children miss their parents and that’s fine. Sending him communication by emails, telephones, audible messages are options in between your visits to keep in touch with your son. Skills are built over months, you could contact the school for his IEP and skill development plans. You can always give your inputs and trust the educators who are professionals to do best for your child.

Ans: Dear Parent , I could feel pain from your message . There are many such c ases where children are addicted to Mobile for games or watching videos of no use. In fact scientists compare mobile addiction with Opium like addiction where users stay on mobile for as long as 15-20 hrs a day. Why don't you ask him for getting into development of Mobile apps by learning coding ..? Or even ethical Hacking if you are sure he is not getting not wrong direction. Or in worst case , get him into some businesses like Selling Mobile and its accessaries. He needs to use his negative qualities into positive strengths through soft counselling only.

Ans: Hrishikesh Sir,

Apologize for the late reply.

Congratulations to your son for finishing his CBSE with success despite having autism. Also good to hear that your son has started doing computer studies in Excel data. He CAN and will be successful in his career and life.

First of all, which course/nature of work will be more suitable for your son depends upon:

(1) His Visual Thinking Power. If he has good visual thinking power, some of the jobs (illustrative examples) that will be more suitable for him are Computer Programming, Engineering Drawing/Computer Aided Drawing, Commercial Art, Lab Technician, Video Game Designer, etc.

(2) Non-Visual Thinking Power: Statistician, Clerical Works, Inventory Control, Electrical-Electronic-Chemical Engineering, Library Science, Copy Editor, Any specialized field in Accounting, etc.

(3) Non-verbal: Data Entry Jobs etc.

The above will help you to choose the right course for your son.

Next Step: MOST IMPORTANT: The best source to know about the Employment Opportunities in Govt. Departments for your son is, approaching the LOCAL EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE which can / SHOULD provide you a detailed information/data for autistic children under the RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2016.

And Just for your information Sir, I have reproduced an article from the ECONOMIC TIMES Newspaper.

The enactment of Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, had increased reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for disabled from 3 to 4% and the number of benchmark disabilities from 7 to 21. An expert committee under the DEPwD secretary was formed to review the government posts which could be opened up for the new categories of differently-abled. The expert committee finalized its report in November 2019 (Source: Economic Times).

All the BEST to your Son for his Bright Future, sir.

Convey my regards to your beloved Son.

To know more on ‘ Careers | Education | Jobs’, ask / Follow Us here in RediffGURUS.

Ans: You have shown deep care for your son’s future. Building security for a special child requires both financial and emotional planning. You already have a good base of Rs 1.5 crore assets, plus a supportive daughter. I will share a complete approach to protect your son’s future even when you are not around.

» Current Family Situation
– You are 63, entering retirement stage.
– Your son, age 29, is autistic and dependent.
– Your daughter, age 25, is employed and independent.
– You have Rs 1.5 crore in assets.
– Main goal is lifelong care for your son.

» Importance of Structured Planning
– A special child needs stable income, care, and legal protection.
– Money alone is not enough.
– Proper structures avoid misuse or mismanagement later.
– The daughter’s role needs clarity to avoid stress.
– Legal and financial safeguards are crucial.

» Asset Allocation for Long-Term Care
– Assets must generate steady income for your son.
– Direct cash to him is risky due to vulnerability.
– Assets should be in safe and monitored structures.
– Balanced allocation in deposits, debt funds, and equity funds is wise.
– Growth component ensures money lasts lifelong.

» Income Stream Creation
– Plan for a monthly income stream covering his living needs.
– This income should adjust for inflation.
– Safer instruments can be used for regular payouts.
– Growth assets should back long-term sustainability.
– Avoid locking everything in fixed return products.

» Role of Insurance Policies
– If you have any LIC or old investment-cum-insurance, surrender and reinvest.
– Such policies give poor returns and low flexibility.
– Reinvest into mutual funds through Certified Financial Planner.
– This builds better wealth for your son’s needs.

» Trust Structure for Protection
– A private trust can secure your son’s future.
– You and your wife can be initial trustees.
– Your daughter or a reliable relative can continue as trustee.
– Assets move into the trust for son’s benefit.
– This ensures control, monitoring, and proper use of funds.

» Will and Estate Planning
– Write a clear Will naming trustees and guardians.
– Will should define how wealth will flow for son.
– Daughter’s share should also be specified.
– This avoids confusion and disputes later.
– Register the Will to give legal strength.

» Role of Daughter
– She should be trustee or guardian after you.
– Discuss with her openly about responsibilities.
– Provide her with clarity about how assets will support her brother.
– Avoid giving her full control without structure.
– Balance love and responsibility with legal safeguards.

» Long-Term Care Costs
– Estimate son’s monthly care cost today.
– Add future cost inflation for 30-40 years.
– Ensure investments cover this comfortably.
– Keep a healthcare buffer for medical expenses.
– Do not rely only on daughter’s support.

» Health and Contingency
– Secure health cover for yourself and wife.
– This prevents depletion of son’s fund.
– Build an emergency reserve separately.
– Never keep all money locked in long-term assets.
– Liquidity ensures flexibility during crisis.

» Tax Planning for Efficiency
– Avoid over-dependence on fixed deposits due to high tax.
– Use debt funds and balanced mutual funds for efficiency.
– Remember tax rules: equity LTCG taxed 12.5% above Rs 1.25 lakh.
– Debt fund gains taxed as per slab.
– A Certified Financial Planner can guide on best mix.

» Emotional and Social Planning
– Register son in government disability schemes.
– Explore lifetime care programs for differently-abled.
– Build a support network of relatives or NGOs.
– Document his medical, social, and care details.
– This helps anyone managing after you.

» Step-by-Step Immediate Actions
– Make a Will immediately.
– Start creating a private trust.
– Review all old LIC or low-return products.
– Reallocate into mutual funds with balanced risk.
– Discuss responsibilities with daughter.
– Keep emergency funds ready.

» Finally
– You already have a strong asset base.
– With right structures, your son’s future can be safe.
– Trust, Will, and proper investments will protect him.
– Your daughter can play supportive but not burdened role.
– Professional guidance from a Certified Financial Planner ensures correct execution.
– You can live peacefully knowing your son will always be looked after.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment