Only one percent of the world’s population has an autism condition. And according to Autism Speaks, the cost of catering to autistic persons in America reached $268 billion in 2015. It will increase to $461 billion by 2024 if there is no adequate support and interventions across the lifespan.
Furthermore, adult services for Americans with autism cost an estimated $175 to $196 billion per year compared to $61 to $66 billion per year for children.
Although autism is not spread worldwide and is known by almost everyone, people still misunderstand the concept of the condition.
However, there are several programs & grants for people with autism worldwide. And these grants focus and aim to dedicate themselves to making the lives of those affected with autism easier.
They achieve this by creating an awareness of the condition in the open world. Additionally, the US has enough federal grants & programs for people with autism to enable them to know how to handle their situations in their everyday activities.
Moreover, autism is a disorder that affects virtually everyone, even children, without some of them knowing their condition. As a result, some groups also came together to organize grants for a child with autism.
Subsequently, the government might also realize the goodwill of these autism programs and offer them special federal grants for autism to speed up and carry on with their duties in making life better for autistic persons.
So if any household member is autistic or you know someone with autism, read this article for the ten best grants/programs for people with autism in 2024. These grants/programs will help minimize the cost of caring for people with autism.
Table of contents
- Requirements to Apply For Grants For Autism Persons
- How to Apply For Grants For Autism Persons
- List of The 10 Best Grants For Autism Persons in 2024
- What Are The 10 Best Grants For Autism Persons in 2024?
- #1. Autism Science Foundation
- #2. Autism Society of Iowa Chapter (Applicable to Students only)
- #3. The Asperger/Autism Network
- #4. Aceing Autism Services Inc
- #5. Gha Autism Supports
- #6. The Autism Project
- #7. Have Dreams
- #8. The Miracle Project
- #9. One World For Autism
- #10. KFM Making A Difference Autism Scholarship
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Requirements to Apply For Grants For Autism Persons
Kindly note that the Application for Autistic Funding should also be signed by the parent, as only one parent can apply for autism funds from the BC government.
Here are the documents you will need when applying for an autism grant.
- Birth Certificate.
- Application for Autism Funding.
- Current BC service card/Driver’s license (as proof of residency).
- The BCAAN Clinical Outcome form or the (Private) Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder form.
Read Also: 21 Private Grants for Individuals With Disabilities in 2024
How to Apply For Grants For Autism Persons
There’s no particular order to apply for grants for people with autism. However, look for existing grants you qualify for and can apply to.
Depending on the grant you’re applying for, it’s important to follow its application guidelines carefully. Meanwhile, it’s best to only apply for grants that fit your needs instead of trying to make sure all that you need would fit a single grant.
Helpful Tips For Autism Grants Applications
From doctor’s appointments to therapy sessions, after school programs, and lots more, catering to a child with autism can get overwhelming for families with autistic children or adults. The expenses can also drain one financially. Hence the reason you should consider applying for grants for people with autism.
Applying for scholarships and grants can be confusing and challenging at the same time. To assist families with this disability in the application process, below are helpful tips to guide you.
1. Assess the application.
Financial aid applications are often detailed and lengthy in terms of their requirements. They will request information like IEPs, payment statements, tax statements, etc. So, ensure you assess the application so that you can provide the requested information in the format requested.
2. Know the grant you’re applying for.
Understand that there are various grants for people with autism, and some of them are for multiple types of therapies or services. So, make sure that you apply for the grant that will benefit your family. Do not apply for one that would not offer assistance for the program or therapy you are interested in.
3. Be straightforward and truthful.
Some grant applications may request some personal information about the child from the parents. Thus, talk about your child and how essential this grant will be for your child and family. Be sincere about the situation. You can even include your child’s picture, as it helps to make your application more personal and it creates a connection with the people reading it.
4. Ask for recommendation letters.
Although some applications do not require recommendation letters, they will still accept them. Recommendation letters provide extra information about your family from someone else’s perspective. So we suggest that you consider making provision for this during your autism grant application process.
5. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed the first time.
Many families apply for grants every year, and it is impossible for organizations to give each of them financial help. If you aren’t among the beneficiaries, do not be discouraged! Keep applying and also apply for other financial assistance. For record’s sake, you can make a copy of each application you fill out since they usually remain the same each year.
6. Beware of deadlines.
If you’re asking for recommendation letters or any documentation that needs time, ensure you request them early enough. Please fill out the application and submit it before the deadline. If you submit an application after the deadline, it could be denied.
See Also: 25 Free Government Grants for Cancer Patients In 2024
List of The 10 Best Grants For Autism Persons in 2024
Here’s a compilation of the ten best (federal) grants/programs for individuals with autism.
- Autism Science Foundation
- Autism Society of Iowa Chapter (Applicable to Students only)
- The Asperger/Autism Network
- Aceing Autism Services Inc
- Gha Autism Supports
- The Autism Project
- Have Dreams
- The Miracle Project
- One World For Autism
- KFM Making A Difference Autism Scholarship
Check Out: 10 Best Home Repair Grants For Disabled Persons in 2024
What Are The 10 Best Grants For Autism Persons in 2024?
Let’s delve deeper into the best grants, including federal programs for people with autism, in 2024.
#1. Autism Science Foundation
ASF was established in 2009 as the Autism Science Foundation. This program/grant for autism was established to provide grants for children and adults with autism.
Additionally, this program aims to educate the public about autism spectrum illnesses. To this day, the Autism Science Foundation has contributed slightly under $3 million to the study of autism.
The Autism Science Foundation offers grants for a child with autism—they collaborated with other organizations to develop a virtual video-based community.
And this community teaches families intervention skills to deal with the challenging behaviors shown by children with autism.
#2. Autism Society of Iowa Chapter (Applicable to Students only)
The Autism Society of Iowa Chapter offers grants and scholarship opportunities to deserving autism students in Iowa.
So, consider applying for the Zach Paulsen Memorial Scholarship for fields like Automotive Technology, Collision Refinishing, Diesel Technology, Marine Technology, Motorcycle Technology, HVAC, or Plumbing & Heating.
Again, students interested in studying subjects other than those mentioned should research the broad scholarship for an Iowa resident with an autism spectrum disorder.
The Autism Society of Iowa Award Program offers grants for up to $500 to be used toward completing an approved post-secondary educational or occupational program of study.
Check Out: 15 Best Grants for Adults with Disabilities in the UK | 2024 Application
#3. The Asperger/Autism Network
The third on our list of (federal) grants/programs for people with autism is the Asperger-Autism Network (AANE).
Based in Watertown, Massachusetts, it collaborates with families, individuals, and professionals to offer grants for autism to any child/person coping with the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Additionally, this network is a resource for education, information, advocacy, & community sorrow for autism spectrum disorder and other neurological diagnoses.
AANE was one of the first Asperger-focused organizations in the United States when it was established in 1996.
Meanwhile, AANE’s website includes materials for adults battling autism and for the family and friends of those on the spectrum.
#4. Aceing Autism Services Inc
Aceing Autism Services Inc. encourages the physical and social development of children on the autism spectrum through cost-effective tennis programs.
Meanwhile, this organization was established in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2008. And its goal is to use the tennis game to provide social & developmental benefits to children diagnosed with autism disorder.
Further, Aceing Autism Services works with the government to provide federal grants/programs for individuals with autism.
Since it was founded, this organization has grown to encompass 73 programs across 29 states, during which it has assisted over 1,300 children.
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#5. Gha Autism Supports
People who live on the autistic spectrum can receive support and grants from Gha Autism Supports regardless of their location. Gha Autism Supports is a nonprofit organization based in Albemarle, North Carolina.
A group of parents who came together to raise money for a home for their autistic children established it in 1978. Therefore, it offers grants & programs for a child and adults with autism.
Because of the organization’s growth, it can now offer educational, residential, and vocational services to about one hundred people.
Also, Gha Autism Supports provides services to people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), beginning in childhood and continuing throughout their lives.
#6. The Autism Project
The Autism Project (TAP), established in 1997, is primarily concerned with helping children and young people with ASD.
TAP is an organization founded by parents, experts, and community members. They run a program that offers help and grants for families & social groups for individuals diagnosed with autism, alongside a summer camp.
Besides providing vacation grants for persons with autism, the TAP website offers a variety of educational resources. These include information sheets and tool kits for users to access and download.
Additionally, TAP offers possibilities for professionals and parents to continue their education. They also do consultations for organizations that work with schools and agencies.
Read Also: 15 Best Grants for New Businesses in Wales | 2024 Requirements
#7. Have Dreams
Have Dreams was founded in 1996. The organization’s mission is to assist those on the autism spectrum in “socializing” and “learning to function independently.”
This is to help them realize their full potential and become contributing community members.
Further, Have Dreams is a nonprofit organization that provides grants and after-school and weekend programs for children and adolescents of elementary, middle, and high school ages.
In addition, they provide various programs for adults on the autism spectrum. The organization also offers training opportunities for professionals, employers, educators, and family members.
#8. The Miracle Project
Besides providing programs & grants for autism, The Miracle Project has a lot to offer to those on the autistic spectrum. This project creates and offers musical theater, cinema, social skill improvement, and expressive arts programs for people with autism spectrum disorders.
Furthermore, the Miracle Project gives autistic people a chance to exchange creative peer-to-peer experiences.
It also encourages them to use creative expression to improve their self-awareness, confidence, communication, social, and employment skills.
Those interested in participating in The Miracle Project can find programs suited for participants ranging from 5 years to adults. Additionally, this organization allows schools to take part in training and workshops.
See Also: 15 Best Grants for Solar Panels in Scotland | 2024 Requirements
#9. One World For Autism
One World for Autism is a nonprofit organization established in 2007 as a coalition of parents, educators, therapists, medical providers, and community residents.
Its goal is to better the lives of those on the autism spectrum and living in Prince George’s County, Maryland, alongside the outcomes for those individuals.
This organization offers support groups for families alongside social skills groups for children & adults that focus on maintaining healthy relationships. Thus, it’s among the best programs/grants for people with autism.
#10. KFM Making A Difference Autism Scholarship
Finally, on our list of the top programs & grants for a child with autism or autistic adults is the KFM Making a Difference Autism Scholarship.
It is a non-profit organization that was established and founded by Kerry Magro. At age four, he was diagnosed with autism.
But he is now a motivational speaker, has advanced degrees, and is an advocate for people who fall anywhere on the autistic spectrum.
Because he has such a strong interest in education, he devised a scholarship and grant program for people with autism.
And since then, he has worked with several other organizations to make it happen. For students to apply, they need to submit a CV, two essays, and a cover letter with a bio that is 250 words long.
Read Also: Top 15 Grants For Minority Women In 2024 | Requirements & Application
Frequently Asked Questions
You can get many benefits from autism grant programs, especially for children. They include:
1. Disability living allowance
2. Housing benefits and help with council tax or rates
3. Carer’s allowance
4. Income support
5. Child tax credit and working tax credit
While some autistic individuals may struggle with driving, others may be capable. To lease a Motability Scheme vehicle, you must be eligible for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) ‘s Rate Mobility Component.
It is against the law for insurers to deny coverage to anyone with ASD based on a disability, says the Disability Discrimination Act of 2005.
People with autism are allowed to operate motor vehicles in all 50 states. However, they must meet and pass the requirements for those not on the spectrum to be eligible for a driver’s license in their state.
Many people with autism can find satisfying jobs in various professions, ranging from education & retail to healthcare & technical services.
People with severe autism spectrum disorders or classic autism typically cannot undertake jobs requiring major interpersonal engagement. Thus, it is challenging for people with autism to communicate successfully or receive communication.
The ADA recognizes autism as a disability. And autism affects adults and children. Some are eligible for Social Security benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income and disability benefits (SSI).
Conclusion
Autism might be a rare illness among millions of people. But it might develop into something worse if not properly taken care of.
So, the role played by major nonprofit organizations in the US in providing grants & programs for a child with autism and autistic adults should be lauded and serve as a breaking point for those diagnosed with the health condition.
References
Recommendations
