Families who have a child with autism often struggle financially. Not only do we have higher expenses for care and services of our children, but we also tend to have lower income. This is because either one parent stays home to the caregiver, or if both parents work, they may be at a lower level than they would like because they need to maintain their flexibility and more reasonable work hours. So how can you obtain funds to help you afford the services and technology that your child needs? Autism grants may be an answer.
I’ve been on this autism and ADHD journey with my son J for more than a decade, and I only recently learned about autism grants. There are so many available, and I had no idea. I wish I would have known when he was younger because I could have applied to one or more to help us. Fortunately, I know about them now because we will be looking into grants and scholarships soon for college or vocational school for him. That would be a great help with funding his secondary education!
What are autism grants?
The Oxford Dictionary defines a grant as a “sum of money provided by an organization for a particular purpose.” These are funds gifted that do not need to be repaid, but they do have specific eligibility criteria. Autism grants are given by organizations to help children and adults with autism.
Usually, you have to apply for a grant and may be required to provide documents that prove your financial need (if that is required) and other eligibility. Autism grants are available to help families in so many ways, such as:
- Funding your child’s education for a specialized school or if they seek secondary education like vocational school or college.
- Purchasing iPads and other technology that your child may need.
- Covering the cost of summer camp for your child.
- Paying for therapies that insurance doesn’t cover.
- Funding augmentative communication devices and other medical equipment needed.
- Helping to cover recreational services such as swimming lessons and other activities.
- Assisting with the cost for a service dog.
Who are generally eligible for them?
Each grant has its own criteria for eligibility that is determined by the organization offering the grant. You will need to read the requirements carefully. Many are based on financial need, but not all of them are. Families with a child who has autism are affected financially, so many will meet financial eligibility criteria.
How do you apply for grants?
To have the best chance of receiving a grant, follow these tips when applying for one:
- Read the application carefully before you begin completely any paperwork. Be sure your family situation or child meets all the criteria for the grant.
- Gather all the documentation you will need for the grant application. That could include tax documents, current and/or past individualized education plans (IEP), diagnosis information, paycheck stubs and more.
- Understand that the application may ask for personal information about your child and family situation. They want to learn about your child and how the grant will help them. Some organizations will even accept a photo of your child to give them a personal connection with your application.
- Ask others for recommendation letters. Some applications will require a recommendation; others won’t. These could be from a current therapist, teacher, school administrator, pastor or other trusted source who can attest to your child’s need for the grant.
- Be sure to apply before the deadline. Grant applications usually have a specific deadline, so make sure that you submit yours before the posted deadline.
- Try again if you don’t receive a grant. You may not obtain the first one you apply for so continue to submit applications if your child needs funds.
Autism grants available
Several autism organizations have lists of autism grants available. To check out the latest grants available, visit the following websites.
- American Autism Association list of grants and scholarships. They include autism grants for education, recreation and even service dogs. Need help locating local grants? You can contact their Autism Help Hotline.
- Autism Speaks list of family grants.
- Outreach Autism Services Network list of grants available from non-profit organizations.
- The Autism Community in Action (TACA) autism grants spreadsheet.
Have you ever applied for an autism grant for your child or family? What was your experience like and what advice do you have for other parents? If so, leave a comment below so that we can share and encourage one another!
