The Rowan County Chapter of the Autism Society of North Carolina will host a session on financial planning for special needs families at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16.

The meeting will be in the Christian Forum Room at First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St. Visitors should enter through the door to the right of the courtyard.

Andrew Spafford, associate planner with A Special Needs Plan, will speak and answer questions. Child care will be provided but must be scheduled by Friday at RowanChapter@autismsociety-nc.org. The program is free and open to the public.

“Financial planning is something that families with special needs have to plan for for the rest of their lives. Andrew Spafford will educate families on different resources that are available and steps families need to take to ensure their loved one is taken care of now and into their future,” said Alice Lawson, president of the Rowan County Chapter.

The Rowan County Chapter meets the third Tuesday of every month at First United Methodist Church. The chapter was formed by local parents and care providers who have experience with autism. It is supported by the Autism Society of North Carolina, which has as its mission “to provide support and promote opportunities than enhance the lives of individuals within the autism spectrum and their families.”

For more information, contact Lawson at RowanChapter@autismsociety-nc.org.