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Government Grants for Children With Autism

Government grants for children with autism typically consist of money that is given to organizations like the National Autism Association. These professional organizations then redirect the funds to help the families of children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. The funds are not given directly to the families but are used to help the families pay for things like medical costs or therapies for their autistic children.

  1. Helping Hand Program

    • The National Autism Association offers grants to families in financial distress of $1,500 per child, as of 2010. This is a one-time grant, meaning that the family cannot receive another grant for that child at a later date, even if they experience another time of financial struggle. The application must be mailed with a copy of either the family's tax return or other proof of income, as well as with a letter from the child's physician to document the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. If awarded, the money is never sent directly to the family, but instead is directed to institutions that provide medical care or therapy for the child. This is to ensure that the funds are used appropriately and only to help in the care of the child.

    United Healthcare Medical Grants

    • The United Healthcare Children's Foundation offers grants to families of children with autism, ages 17 and younger, for services required in their treatment that are not covered by their insurance plans. Applicants cannot be insured with Medicare, Medicaid or SCHIP to qualify for this grant. The grant serves to reimburse families for medical or therapeutic expenses, but only up to $5,000 in one year (or 85% of the balance the family owes). No individual will receive more than $7,500 in her life, even if new applications are submitted. The child must live with the applicant more than 50% of the time and be listed as a dependent. If approved, the family will continue to pay necessary medical bills that their insurance does not cover, but will submit those bills to the company for reimbursement.

    ACT Today

    • Autism Care and Treatment (ACT) Today provides grants for specific requests from families of children with autism spectrum disorders. Applicants must provide information about their incomes, but this company takes into consideration the "family story" as well and does not necessarily eliminate applications based on income. If more than one child has autism in the family, they will each require their own applications. The family is responsible for estimating the cost of the services they require, but the funds are paid (if awarded) to the providers of those services and not to the families themselves.

    Additional Options

    • Some grants are provided on a smaller scale, such as the Talk About Curing Autism grant for residents of California only. The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism provides grants to residents of some New England states, southern California, as well as some other regions and has its application process online rather than by mail. The Council for Exceptional Children website offers links to grants and scholarships for children with special needs.

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