Education Grants For People With Autism
Autism can be both a very difficult and very expensive condition with which to live. Fortunately, there are many organizations that understand the financial hurdles involved in getting the most out of life when living with autism spectrum disorders.
While the following listings are neither endorsed nor validated by the Sarah Dooley Center, they are generally recognized as some of the top educational grants available for those living with autism. They are presented for your edification and convenience.
Helping Hand Program – NAA (National Autism Association)
The grant offered by the Helping Hand Program can be used to secure therapy and educational services, as well as biomedical treatments, required supplements, and more. This grant is not intended for expenses like family trips, play area equipment, respite care, or other types of entertainment. To qualify, your child must:
- Be between the ages of birth and 18 years.
- Live in the US.
- Have a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
The maximum amount of the one-time grant is $1,500. The grant is paid directly to the service provider or vendor.
The Autism Grant
This grant is a scholarship for tuition that is available to children with autism from financially disadvantaged families. The Autism Grant is intended to help very young children (ages 2-5) get an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for long-term improvement in the child’s ability to reach their full potential.
DJF (Daniel Jordan Fiddle) Foundation
The mission of the DJF Foundation is to provide grants for programs that are focused on adults with autism spectrum disorders. The DJF Foundation offers annual assistance for residential, educational, vocational, family-related, and recreational programs. Grants are awarded solely at the discretion of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
ACT Today!
A national non-profit 501(c)(3), ACT Today! raises awareness for autism spectrum disorders, while also helping to provide treatment and support services for families impacted by autism. The grants are intended to help children succeed to their fullest potential. For more information, you can contact the organization at info@Act-Today.org.
The Bubel Aiken Foundation – Let’s ALL Play
The Bubel Aiken Foundation provides scholarships for children with autism, allowing them to participate in inclusive programs aimed at improving access for education, recreation, and other endeavors. The Foundation works with programs leaders who are implementing a more inclusive curriculum, better access through modifications, and programs that focus on inclusion of those with disabilities of all types.
Financial assistance awards and scholarships are disbursed to the program or organization upon approval by the Foundation. Grants are limited to $1,000 per 12-month period. Families with and annual household income of $75,000 or less are eligible to submit an application.
Autism Support Network
This program offers scholarships or grant opportunities for families who are suffering a financial hardship in getting appropriate schooling and educational opportunities for children with autism. Grants may also be used to cover biomedical treatments, therapy, and medical services.
Grants are offered once each quarter and total up to $1,000 each. Families may only participate once per 12-month period. Application deadlines are July 1st for the following school year and applications have a typical turnaround time of about 45 days. This grant requires an explanation of the reasons for seeking private or special educational services. Restrictions include:
- Child must be of school age
- Must have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
- Household income must be under $45,000 annually
NeighborHeart Quality of Life Grants
NeighborHeart seeks to help families offset some of the financial burden of caring for a family member with autism. The grants provided by NeighborHeart can be used for a variety of purposes, such as family support, respite services, education, therapy, or a number of other services.
In order to qualify for this $500 grant, your household must:
- Be located in the Mid-Atlantic States (New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or Washington DC).
- Have a total household annual income of no more than $30,000.
- Have at least one member that has been diagnosed with a physical or developmental disability.
- These grants can be used at the family’s discretion for nearly anything relating to the care of a disabled family member.
There are many other types of grants and scholarships available for children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Families should not feel as though they must shoulder the financial burden of autism on their own. Whether it’s education, recreation, or some other need, there are many resources available to help. For more information on resources for children and adults with autism, contact the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism at 804-521-5571.