New York State Autism Reimbursement Grants

Approximately one in one-hundred ten children in the United States is believed to have one of several autism spectrum disorders, according to the New York State Department of Health. Autism is one of several developmental disorders that usually appears first in early childhood. Symptoms vary among children, but in most, a child's ability to communicate and interact with others is severely impaired.



Grants are available in connection with autism, from a number of sources which can be of value for children, households and educators in New York State.

Safety Grant

• The Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America issues safety grants to families, to help defray the cost of safety equipment that is often needed for families who have children with autism. The goal of the Society is to provide assistance to families who are clearly in need of financial help to access this type of equipment.

  Applicants may be of any age, and membership to the ASA is not required. Applicants must be from one of the following counties: Albany, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington.

  Diagnosis is specific to one of the Autism Spectrum Disorders and a letter from the treating physician or licensed psychologist is required.

  The ASA issues grants for a maximum of $500 to families, at the most, once a year. They have a $5,000 budget for these safety grants.

  Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America

  101 State St.

  Schenectady, NY 12305

  albanyautism.org

New York State Department of Health Grants

• This New York State Department of Health page lists grants that are available, some of which apply to autistic children and related special services. These grants are, in general, for programs, rather than for individuals, and usually involve the public sector or 501 (c)3 charities. Because the grants listing on this page is in constant flux, it is not practical to list specific grants, as most currently listed have a short deadline threshold.

  However, the site is a practical one to go to for organizations which work with autistic children, and funds for research and specific to caring for the needs of autistic children are allocated from grants listed on this website from time to time specific to New York State.

  health.state.ny.us/funding/

Act Today!

• A certain amount of recovery is possible for many children with autism, through vigorous efforts on the part of parents, education and therapy.

  ACT Today! provides grant money for families that cannot afford or access the treatments their autistic children need. Act Today! provides grants for safety equipment such as protective helmets, as well as for social skills training, and various treatments.

  Specific items covered by this grant include: Bio-medical treatment, speech therapy, occupational therapy, social programs, Auditory Integration Training (AIT), fencing for the home and prescriptions/medications. Grants awarded range between $100 and $5,000. Households with incomes below $100,000 are considered first.

  act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php

Helping Hand Program

• The Helping Hand Program provides families with financial assistance for in getting necessary biomedical treatments, supplements and therapy services for their autistic child. It states that the purpose of the grant is to help families who are "in dire financial need".

  Applications are accepted only during specific time frames during the calender year.

  Children must be 18 years old or younger, born in the United States, and diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. A one-time grant of up to $1,500 is provided. Money is provided to service providers, but not directly to families.

  National Autism Association

  Helping Hand Project

  22136 Westheimer Pkwy. #104

  Katy, TX 77450

  877-622-2884

  nationalautismassociation.org/helpinghand.php