Grants for Families With Autism

Autism is a disorder that causes communication, social and behavioral difficulties. It is one of the most common disabilities in the U.S.; 1 out of every 150 children is diagnosed as autistic, according to a 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study cited in "The New York Times." Early intervention is essential for the child to reach her full potential, but interventions, education and treatment costs can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are several grants available to help families of autistic persons afford treatment and maintain a decent standard of living.

Autism Family Resources

• Autism Family Resources offers grants of $500 to help families pay for therapy equipment or safety equipment for their autistic children. The grant money does not go directly to the parents; it is distributed to the school, doctor's office, or therapist's office and must be used to support the autistic child's needs. To qualify, the family must have a child with autism and an income of less than $50,000 per year.

  To apply for this grant, send Autism Family Resources a completed application form, tax returns demonstrating proof of need, and medical records supporting the child's diagnosis and treatment needs. Once it receives all materials, it takes three to four weeks to decide whether to issue a grant.

  Autism Family Resources

  3535 Eastside Hwy

  Stevensville , MT 59870

  autismfamilyresources.org

Modest Needs Grants

• Modest Needs is an organization dedicated to helping otherwise self-sufficient families overcome financial crises so that they don't fall into the cycle of poverty. This includes the families of disabled persons. The caretaker of a person with autism may qualify for a one-time Independent Living Grant. This grant pays a creditor for an expense related to taking care of the disabled person that the family cannot handle on its own, such as an electricity bill. To qualify for this grant, the person with autism must be receiving disability benefits and must be as self-sufficient as possible. Modest Needs offers up to $1,000 to cover emergency expenses; a household may receive up to three grants in a lifetime.

  To apply for a Modest Needs grant, complete an online application. Applications take an average of seven to 10 business days to be approved, although occasionally they can be approved in as little as 1 day.

  Modest Needs Foundation

  115 E 30th St, FL 1 New York, NY 10016

  212-463-7042

  modestneeds.org

Helping Hands Program

• The National Autism Association offers grants for medical treatment related to autism through the Helping Hands Program. To qualify, parents must have a child under the age of 18 who has been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder and need financial assistance to pay for treatment. Helping Hands only funds treatment; living expenses, toys, and other non-treatment expenses do not qualify for funding. This grant awards up to $1,500 per family. The money is distributed to the therapist or physician on behalf of the child; the family never directly handles funds.

  To apply for the grant, attach the family's latest tax return and the physician's report supporting the child's diagnosis to the application form and mail them to the National Autism Association. The Helping Hands Program only contacts successful grant applicants; enclose a self-addressed postcard to confirm receipt of materials.

  National Autism Association

  1330 W. Schatz Lane

  Nixa, MO 65714

  877-622-2884

  nationalautismassociation.org