When an autistic child is approaching the age of majority, guardianship may be mentioned as an option to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the child. Should parents obtain guardianship and/or conservatorship if an adult child with autism spectrum disorder seems incapable of looking after themselves and making decisions about important matters like financial affairs? Full adult guardianship is not something courts regard lightly, it essentially means the person under guardianship—the ward—is stripped of many, in some cases most, of their legal rights to act independently.

Should a parent be appointed as the autistic child’s guardian, they may be exercising most of the ward’s personal rights. The court could terminate your child’s right to vote, make decisions about where they want to live, and limit their right to consent to medical care. While courts make every effort to ensure guardians act in their wards’ best interest, and encourage wards to participate in decision making, full guardianship is a drastic measure that will take away many of your child’s rights.

Click the button below to view resources and law firms located in the Tampa/Hillsborough County area.