Grants for Mentally Disabled Children

Large grants are available for parents of children with mental disabilities at both the federal and state level. Medical documentation of a recognized cognitive impairment is required to successfully apply for these grants.

History

• In the 1950s, parents of children with mental disabilities lobbied the government for grants. These grants were approved, because mentally handicapped children have special needs that often require extraordinary financial commitment on the part of parents. Early grants were primarily issued for children with down syndrome.

Screening

• Parents are required to submit documentation to a review panel in order to receive grants for a mentally disabled child. In the case of at least one government grant, the application is reviewed and graded according to socio-scientific merit.

Benefits

• Grants are often given out based on the financial need of the parents. Theoretically, this allows a mentally disabled child who comes from a low income family to have opportunities similar to that of a disabled child born into a wealthier family.

Significance

• Grants have helped children with mental disabilities get the social services they need. Because of this, many individuals with mental handicaps are able to integrate into society.

Problems

• Parents do not receive funding for certain disabilities after the child reaches a certain age. For example, additional education for autistic children is funded until the age of 7. As caring for a disabled child is often a life long responsibility, this can put undue financial strain upon a family. Parents of children that are no longer covered for grants by the government can apply for grants from private institutions.