The Autism Society of Nebraska Offers Individual Enrichment Grants

The Autism Society of Nebraska provides individual enrichment grants in the amount of $100 to Nebraska residents who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Grants may be used to help pay for therapies, equipment, items, lessons or activities that enrich the life of a person with autism. Recipients must be a member of the Nebraska affiliate of the Autism Society of America.

Resources for Military Families That Are Impacted By Autism

May is Military Appreciation Month.

Military families that are affected by autism face some unique challenges. In celebration of Military Appreciation Month, Autism Assistance Resources and Information (AARI) is sharing some resources that are especially designed for military families that are coping with autism.

Lists of Resources for Military Families Affected by Autism

These Web pages contain links to resources for military families that are affected by autism.

Autism Speaks

TRICARE 

Resources for Military Families That Are Impacted by Autism and Other Disabilities

This Web page contains links to a variety of resources for military families that are impacted by autism and other disabilities, including toolkits, videos and the Department of Defense Plan My Move tool.

Special Needs Resources

Department of Defense Education Authority (DODEA) Special Education Publications for Military Families 

Assistive Technology: Assessment, Devices, and Available Services

Communicating Effectively: Building A Strong Relationship

Early Intervention Services: Transitioning to PreschoolServices for Children with Disabilities

Individualized Education Program (IEP): Your Role in theProcess

Moving: Things to Remember When Relocating

Moving with Children and Teens

Parent Handbook on Special Education

Parent Rights and Responsibilities: Insights into Your Rights and Responsibilities

Pre-referral Interventions: Steps Before a Special Education Referral/Assessment

Resolving Disputes: Your Role in Reaching Resolutions

Transition: Planning for Life After High School

ATMF Grant (ACT Today! for Military Families Grant)

ACT (Autism Care and Treatment) Today! for Military Families offers grants of up to $5,000 to active military families that are impacted by autism. There is no income limit for the grants, however, applications from families with an income below $100,000 are reviewed first. Grants could be used to fund effective treatments, assessments and necessary life supports. 

Resources for Teaching Kids with Autism About Memorial Day

Teaching kids about the history and meaning of Memorial Day and why we celebrate it is important. The following resources could help parents and educators make helping children with autism learn about Memorial Day in a fun, informative and engaging way.

This cartoon video about Memorial Day is filled with facts and detail and would appeal to both children and adults who have autism.

This engaging shorter video is fast-paced, engaging and has a documentary feel.

Books are great tools for teaching kids with autism. These books are steeped in facts and have a strong visual element that people with autism, as well as other visual learners, will find appealing.

This post contains affiliate links. All products mentioned on this page were selected because AARI believes our readers will find them interesting, meaningful and useful. AARI recommends helpful books and other products regardless of whether they are part of an affiliate program the blog participates in. For more information, read our Editorial Policy.





 

These Web sites describe fun activities you could do to help children with autism learn about Memorial Day:

https://www.military.com/memorial-day/celebrating-memorial-day-with-children.html

https://themilitarywifeandmom.com/5-simple-ways-teach-your-kids-about-memorial-day/

Free Liftetime Pass to Recreation Sites for People Who Have Autism

Highline Trail along the Garden Wall at Glacier National Park.

United States citizens  who have autism and other permanent disabilities qualify for a free, lifetime admittance pass to over 2,000 recreation sites, including national parks, that are managed by federal agencies.

There is a $10 fee to process applications for the America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass, which provides entrance for the pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at participating federally operated recreation sites around the country.

At some locations, the Access Pass can be used to obtain a discount on expanded amenity fees, such as camping, swimming, boat launching and guided tours.

AutismOne 2018 Conference Registration Scholarships May Still Be Available

The AutismOne 2018 Conference, which began on May 23, 2018, will continue through May 27, 2018. It is being held at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard, IL. In addition to the conference itself, AutismOne is sponsoring other activities including a Dad’s Night Out and a Live Karaoke Band performance tonight, and a gala event on Saturday, May 26, 2018. Reach out to the organization’s scholarship coordinator to inquire about whether conference registration scholarships are still available.

Product Resources That Help Minimize Undesirable Environmental Noises for People Who Have Autism, Sensory Issues and Noise Sensitivities

Many people who have autism are sensitive to loud noises. Unfortunately, loud noises are difficult to avoid in some environments. However, earplugs and noise cancelling ear muffs can provide some relief from undesirable noises.

Check out these product resources that could be helpful for people who have autism, individuals with sensory issues or folks who just don’t like loud noises. 

This post contains affiliate links. All products mentioned on this page were selected because AARI believes our readers will find them interesting, meaningful and useful. AARI recommends helpful books and other products regardless of whether they are part of an affiliate program the blog participates in. For more information, read our Editorial Policy.

Products That Help Reduce Environmental Noises

Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs, which were featured on Shark Tank, are small inconspicuous. They filter out specific frequencies and reduce noise levels by up to 22 decibels (22 dB).

Snug Kids Earmuffs come in a variety of colors and adjust to fit infants as young as six months old. Their noise reduction capacity is 25 decibels (25 dB).







For people who want even more noise cancelling power, these Homitt Earmuffs can reduce environmental sounds by 34 decibels (34 dB).








Decibel Defense Professional Safety Earmuffs may be the right choice for you if you are seeking industrial strength noise reduction. With the capacity to reduce noise levels by 37 decibels (37 dB), they can reduce the sound of an average conversation to slightly above that of a whisper.

MyGOAL Inc. Offers Grants for Families That Are Affected By Autism

MyGOAL Inc. offers two grant programs for families that are affected by autism. 

The MyGoal Family Enrichment Grant enables families to participate in socialization and educational opportunities. The purpose of the grant is to enhance the quality of life of people affected by autism by enriching the body, mind and spirit.

The MyGOAL Family Grant Award Program is a need-based grant for treatments that may not be covered by other funding sources. The $1,000 grants can be used to pay for medical treatments, nutrition interventions and personal needs.

Autism Escapes Provides Free Flights for Medical Travel

Autism Escapes serves as angel network for families of children who have autism. The organization arranges free flights on private jets for families whose eligible children need to travel for medical purposes. To qualify for assistance, children need to have an autism spectrum disorder and a comorbid condition (e.g., seizure disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, etc.). 

Financial Assistance to Purchase Adaptive Equipment for Children and Adults with Autism

The JT Townsend Foundation (JTTF) provides financial assistance for children and adults with disabilities who live on Florida’s First Coast to pay for adaptive equipment that will improve their quality of life. Individuals with autism are eligible to apply for assistance.

Autism on the Seas Foundation Offers Vacation Grants for Families That Are Affected By Autism

The Autism on the Seas Foundation provides two types of financial assistance for families that are affected by autism to participate in a cruise vacation. 

The foundation's Vacation of Assistance Program awards varying amounts of assistance to people who have autism and their immediate family members to participate in specially staffed cruises.

The foundation also offers Vacation Grants that are sponsored by donations from individuals, families, and businesses through its “Sponsor a Family” Program.

Free Personalized Songs for Children and Teens Who Have Autism

The Songs of Love Foundation creates free personalized original songs for children and teens who are facing medical, physical or emotional challenges. The songs are professionally produced with lyrics containing the child’s name and reference to his or her favorite activities, things, people, and pets. Songs are available in the language and musical style of the child’s choice. Children and teens who have autism are eligible to request a song.

Children Who Have Autism Can Receive A Free Custom Made Weighted Blanket

Ben’s Blankets makes custom-made weighted blankets for children who have disabilities. Each blanket is lovingly crafted from high quality materials and made to measure according to the recipient’s height and weight. The recipient’s name is embroidered on the blanket, which can be personalized with their favorite color, pattern or sports team. Scholarship blankets are available at no charge to children whose family income is less than $50,000 per year. Discounted and retail priced blankets are available to children whose family income exceeds that amount. Children who have autism are eligible to request a blanket.

Grant Helps Pay for Portrait of Families That Are Affected By Autism

Special Kids Photography of America (SKPA) provides families of children who have special needs with funds to help pay for photography sessions and one print through its Smiles for Katie Family Photo Grant program. Families that are affected by autism are eligible to apply for a grant.

Deliver the Dream Offers Free Retreats for Families That Are Affected By Autism

Deliver the Dream hosts free monthly retreats throughout Florida for up to 15 families at a time that are coping with an illness, crisis or disability. Deliver the Dream hosts retreats specifically for families that are affected by autism. The camp-like retreat weekends provide families with an opportunity to relax, enjoy time together, make new friends, and form support networks with other families that are experiencing similar challenges. For more information, contact Deliver the Dream.

Wings Initiative Prepares Children with Autism to Fly

The Arc’s Wings for Autism/Wings for everyone program prepares people with autism to fly on airplanes by giving them an opportunity to participate in a dress rehearsal for the experience.

The program allows families affected by autism or intellectual/developmental disabilities to practice entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, going through security and boarding a plane.

Airport, airline and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) participate in the program, which helps alleviate stress, fear and anxiety for participating families.

This video gives a glimpse of the program in action.

For more information about the program, contact The Arc.

Here are some additional resources for families affected by autism and other disabilities:

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2015/05/11/what-parents-children-with-disabilities-should-know-before-traveling.html

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/meg-harris/top-ten-tips-for-flying-w_b_5569604.html

Bright Steps Forward, Inc. Provides Grants to Florida Children Who Have Autism and Other Disabilities

Bright Steps Forward, Inc. provides financial assistance to children with neurological or developmental disabilities who reside in the Florida counties of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. The grants could be used to pay for special education services and therapeutic interventions. Children who have autism are eligible to apply for funding.

Books Especially for Moms of Children Who Have Autism and Other Special Needs

This page contains affiliate links. All books listed on this page were selected because AARI believes our readers will find them interesting, meaningful and useful. AARI recommends helpful books and other products regardless of whether they are part of an affiliate program the blog participates in. For more information, read our Editorial Policy.


Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms and moms-to-be out there, and an Extra Special Happy Mother's Day to every mom who has a child with autism or other special needs!

Here are some books that provide encouragement, insight and inspiration to moms who have children with autism and other disabilities.

People Who Have Autism Can Apply for a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Scholarship from Special Spirit Inc.

Photo by dee at Morguefiledotcom.

Special Spirit Inc. is an inclusive therapeutic equine center, based in Shadow Hills, CA, that offers therapeutic horseback riding lessons, inclusive camps and equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning programs (EAP/EAL). Special Spirit Inc. offers scholarships for therapeutic horseback riding lessons through its Jenny Ginway Mistrano Scholarship Fund. Individuals who have autism are eligible to apply for scholarships from the organization.

Anna's Celebration of Life Foundation Provides Funding to Enhance the Lives of Children and Adults With Special Needs

Anna’s Celebration of Life Foundation provides funding to purchase necessary, life enhancing gifts for children and young adults with special needs. Young people who have autism are eligible to apply for assistance from the foundation. Applications must be under age 18 (22 if they are still enrolled in high school) and must either reside in or receive medical treatment in Indiana. The foundation funds requests for items, devices or services that enhance the life of a child, including therapeutic tools, devices and technology.

Zane's, Inc. Provides Financial Assistance for Children and Adults with Special Needs

Zane’s, Inc. provides financial assistance to children and adults with special needs who reside in Northeast Ohio. Individuals who have autism are eligible to apply for grant assistance. The funds can be used to pay for camps, therapies, respite services, assistive or adaptive equipment, and communication devices.

Friends of Jacob Foundation Awards Grants to Children Who Have Autism

The Friends of Jacob Foundation awards grants of up to $3,000 to children under age 18 who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Applicants must be Michigan residents and demonstrate financial need.

My Gym Challenged America Provides Grants to Children With Disabilities

My Gym Challenged America (MCCA) awards grants of up to $500 to children under age 18 with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. Children with autism are eligible to apply. Grants could be used for a variety of purposes, including rehabilitative therapy, assistive devices, medical equipment and sensory items.

ACTION FOR AUTISM (AFA) Academy provides scholarships for families who need financial assistance in order for their child who has autism to participate in AFA Academy programs. AFA Academy operates in the St. Louis area.

Andrew's Gift Provides Grants to Improve the Lives of People Who Have Autism

Andrew’s Gift provides grants to individuals who are affected by autism who live in Dauphin, Cumberland or Perry counties in Pennsylvania. The grants can be used to pay for therapies, summer camps, horseback riding lessons, safety equipment, and other products, services or programs that directly improve the life of an individual who has autism.

The Founders Center Offers Autism Grant

The Autism Grant provides tuition scholarships for individuals enrolled in or pursuing enrollment in programs at the Founders Center.  The Founders Center operates programs in Virginia. Contact the Founders Center for more information about scholarship opportunities available to the program.

KOTM Provides Free Respite Care to Utah Families Affected by Autism and Other Disabilities

Kids On The Move (KOTM) provides free respite care to Utah families who have a child with a physical or behavioral disability. Families affected by autism qualify for respite care services. Eligible families will have a child age birth to 12 who does not use 100% oxygen, who is not excessively medically fragile, and who has no history of sexually inappropriate or aggressive behavior. The program gives caregivers a 3.5 break on weekend nights.

Grottoes of North America Humanitarian Foundation Provides Dental Care Assistance to Children with Special Needs

The Grottoes of North America Humanitarian Foundation provides assistance with dental care expenses to children with disabilities through its Dental Care for Children with Special Needs program. Through the program, children under 18 who have cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and intellectual disabilities are able to receive assistance with dental treatment costs. Some children who have autism may be eligible for assistance through the program. The program provides assistance to both insured and uninsured patients. If you have questions or would like additional information, contact the foundation.

Giving Angels Foundation Provides Grants to Children With Special Needs

The Giving Angels Foundation provides grants for essential therapies, life-changing equipment, essential family bills and specialized camps for children under age 21 who have a physical disability or illness. Some children who have autism may be eligible for grants. Grants are usually limited to $500. Applicants with a household income of up to $50,000 will be considered for grant awards.

Children Who Have Autism May Qualify for Financial Assistance from The Arya Foundation to Help Pay for Medical Equipment

The Arya Foundation provides financial assistance to help families purchase medical equipment and supplies for children with special needs. To qualify for a grant of up to $1000, children up to age 18 who live in the St. Louis area must be referred by a social worker or case manager. Children who have autism are eligible to apply. Grants from the foundation could be used to purchase a variety of supports, including communication devices. For further information, contact the foundation.

Families Affected By Autism May Qualify for Financial Assistance from Friends of Man

Friends of Man provides assistance to people with disabilities in need. Within Colorado, Friends of Man provides assistance with a wide variety of needs, including food, clothing, eyeglasses, prescriptions, therapy and daycare. Outside Colorado, assistance is limited to prostheses, medical equipment and mobility equipment. Families affected by autism may qualify for assistance from Friends of Man. To be considered for assistance, ask a church or agency to submit an application on your behalf.

CaptureProof System Could Help Families Monitor the Health of Nonverbal Children with Autism

CaptureProof is a free visual symptom tracker that allows you to track your health and monitor medical conditions by securely capturing, comparing and sharing medical photos, videos and documents with your physicians.

CaptureProof could be especially helpful for parents and caregivers of children who have both autism and epilepsy, or who are either nonverbal or minimally verbal. This link shows you how the system could benefit patients who have autism, epilepsy or other neurological conditions.

The video below explains how the system works.

Both the CaptureProof app and account are free to patients.

PAUSE4Kids Scholarships Pay for Services for Children with Autism and Other Special Needs

PAUSE4Kids offers scholarships of up to $500 to children with special needs who live in the area served by Ventura County SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area). Children with autism are eligible for assistance through the program. Families with limited financial resources or compelling special circumstances will receive funding priority. The scholarships must be used for services that are not covered by the applicant’s insurance.

Partnership for Patient Assistance (PPA) Could Help Families Affected By Autism Obtain Free Prescriptions and Medical Care

The Partnership for Patient Assistance (PPA) is a free service connects consumers with over 475 public and private prescription assistance programs and free and low cost clinics. The service could be of great benefit to families affected by autism who are uninsured or underinsured, as well as those who have other comorbidities, such as epilepsy, that may require costly medications and treatments.

Parker's Purpose Foundation Provides Grants to Families Affected by Autism and Other Disabilities

The Parker’s Purpose Foundation provides grants of up to $1000 to families who have a child 18 years old or younger who has a life-altering illness or disability and that have an immediate financial need due to an unforeseen medical expenses. Families that reside in Ohio receive priority consideration. Families of children who have autism are eligible to apply for financial assistance.

Individuals Who Have Autism and Epilepsy Can Seek Assistance from the Danny Did Foundation

The Danny Did Foundation offers financial assistance to help qualified individuals purchase devices to help reduce the possibility of SUDEP in people who have epilepsy. People who have both autism and epilepsy can apply for assistance through the program. For more information about the Danny Did Grant Program, contact the foundation.

C.A.R.E. Grants Provide Financial Assistance to Families Affected by Autism

The California Autism Resources & Evaluation (C.A.R.E.) Foundationprovides grants to families affected by autism. The C.A.R.E. Grant Program helps families affected by autism pay for medications, supplements, evaluations, therapies (e.g., speech, OT and ABA) and autism summer camps.

C.A.R.E. Grants are open to families that have a child who has been diagnosed with autism, live in the United States and have an annual household income of less than $75,000.

The Dream Factory Could Make Dreams Come True for Children with Autism

The Dream Factory Inc. grants dreams to children ages 3-18 who are critically or chronically ill. The organization strives to instill hope and happiness in children with serious illnesses by making their dreams come true. Children with a chronic or critical illness that is documented and affirmed by a treating physician are eligible for consideration. Because autism is considered a chronic illness, children with autism are eligible for referral. 

To qualify for dream fulfillment, children must live in a community that is served by a Dream Factory chapter, and they must be able to communicate their dream to a representative of the organization. The Dream Factory accepts referrals from children, parents, legal guardians and treating physicians. Click on the link to find a local chapter.

Fund it Forward Provides Funding for People with Autism and Other Disabilities to Obtain Adaptive Equipment

Fund it Forward accepts applications for life enhancing medical devices or equipment from people with a diagnosed disability or medical condition. People who have autism are eligible to apply.

Fund it Forward will provide medical and adaptive equipment, including augmentative communication devices, bath chairs, feeding chairs, enclosed beds and sensory equipment. Recipients are expected to engage in fundraising activities as part of the application process.  Contact the organization for additional information.

Aidan's Red Envelope Foundation Provides Grants for Children with Autism and Other Disabilities

Aidan’s Red Envelope Foundation provides grants of up to $5,000 to families of disabled children in the Southern California area. The grant can be used to pay for therapy, equipment or other approved items, services or activities that enrich the lives of disabled children. Families of children with autism are eligible to apply for grants from Aidan's Red Envelope Foundation. For more information, contact the foundation.

Give A Voice Program Provides Communication Devices to Nonverbal and Minimally Verbal People Who Have Autism

The National Autism Association (NAA) provides communication devices to individuals with autism who are nonverbal or minimally verbal through its Give A Voice Program.

The program equips recipients with an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, software, a carrying case and a protection plan. Applications are currently being accepted.

The Foundation for Autism Resources (FAR) Provides Funding for ABA Therapy

The Foundation for Autism Resources (FAR) provides financial assistance to help Indiana families fund ABA therapy by helping them access providers and obtain insurance coverage, and by providing supplemental funding to bridge the gap between the cost of therapy and what insurance will cover.

To qualify for assistance from FAR, children must be ages 2-12, enrolled in Indiana Children’s Special Health Care Services and have a diagnosis of autism, Asperger’s syndrome, PDD-NOS, childhood disintegrative disorder or Rett syndrome. In addition, families must make a commitment to receive 30-40 hours of weekly ABA therapy.

Contact FAR for additional information about applying for financial assistance for ABA therapy.

Monroe County Autism Foundation Provides Financial Assistance to People Who Are Affected by Autism

The Monroe County Autism Foundation provides financial assistance to individuals and families that affected by autism.

For more information, contact the Monroe County Autism Foundation, P.O. Box 6123, Bloomington, IN 47407.

Chelsea Hutchison Foundation Grants Could Help People Who Have Both Autism and Epilepsy

According to a recent study published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, approximately 20% of people who have autism will eventually develop epilepsy. A study published in the Journal of Child Neurology in 2011 confirmed that people with both autism and epilepsy have a higher mortality rate. Some of those deaths are due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation provides grants for seizure-response dogs and movement monitors that can help alert parents that their child is having a seizure and reduce the likelihood of SUDEP occurring. Seizure-response dogs can alert others and summon help during a seizure, secure a safe space for a person experiencing a seizure, help an unconscious individual regain consciousness and transport vital information and medication. The dogs can even detect the warning signs of a seizure and alert others before a potentially life-threatening situation arises. Epilepsy movement monitors can alert patients and caregivers in the event of a seizure so they can act quickly when a seizure-related emergency arises. These resources would be particularly helpful for people who have both autism and epilepsy who are nonverbal or minimally verbal. 

Contact the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation for information on obtaining a seizure-response dog or movement monitor.

To learn more about SUDEP, visit the following links:

https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/sudep/index.htm

https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/early-death-and-sudep/sudep

Visit the link below to access a list of resources for people with both autism and epilepsy that has been compiled by Autism Speaks:

https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/epilepsy

SuperSchade’s Foundation Provides Summer Camp Grants for Individuals with Special Needs

Children and adults with autism and other special needs can apply for a summer camp grant from the SuperSchade’s Foundation. Applicants ages 22 and younger who meet the foundation’s income criteria are eligible to apply

Lawyers Autism Awareness Foundation Provides Therapy Grants to Families Affected by Autism

The Lawyers Autism Awareness Foundation (LAFF) provides need-based grants of up to $1,000 to assist families of children with autism in paying for speech, occupational, physical and ABA therapies.

Applicants must have a primary diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and be residents of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties in Florida.

Different Needz Foundation Provides Grants to Individuals with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

The Different Needz Foundation helps individual with autism and other developmental disabilities obtain the equipment and medical services necessary for them to improve their quality of life.

Grants can be used for services and equipment, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical equipment, wheelchairs, lifts, adaptive equipment and specialized summer camps. Applications are available in January. Funds are awarded in May.

Aubrey's Warriors Foundation Provides Funding Assistance to Families of Children With Special Needs

Aubrey’s Warriors Foundation assists families of children with special by funding medical treatment, therapies, rehabilitative equipment and other supports. The foundation takes special interest in providing assistance to families in Walton County, Georgia.

Contact the foundation for information on applying for assistance.

Building Blocks For Kids Provides Grants for Children with Autism and Other Disabilities

Building Blocks For Kids (BB4K) provides grants for children with autism and other disabilities. BB4K grants can be used to fund a number of services and supports to improve the quality of life for children with special needs, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, aqua therapy, specialized intensive therapy, home modifications, communication devices, medical equipment, transportation assistance and adaptive clothing.

To qualify for a grant, children need to be under age 18 and either live in or have strong ties to the Cincinnati area. In addition, the cost of the treatment or support they need must be significant, not covered by insurance and unable to be funded by resources available to the child’s parents.

Gardiner Scholarship Program Provides Therapy Funding for Children with Autism and Other Disabilities

The Gardiner Scholarship Program provides funding for Florida students with autism and other disabilities to design a customized education program through the purchase of approved products and services. Scholarships can be used for a variety of supports, including speech and occupational therapies, instructional materials and tuition at an eligible private school.

State residents with qualifying disabilities and an IEP who are eligible to enroll in grades K-12 or who will be age 3 or 4 before September 1 can apply for scholarships of up to $10,000. Contact one of the following Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFO) for application instructions and deadlines:

A.A.A. Scholarship Foundation
Phone: 888-707-2465
info@aaascholarships.org

Step Up for Students
Phone: 877-735-7837
info@stepupforstudents.org

Jacob’s Touch Foundation Provides Autism Treatment Funding

Jacob’s Touch Foundation provides autism treatment grants of up to $5,000 to families residing in the Tampa Bay area.

Grants may be used to pay for speech therapy, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, medical costs directly associated a child’s diagnosis of an  or educational costs directly associated with a child’s ASD diagnosis. To qualify for the grant, children must have a documented diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, demonstrate financial need and live in Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco counties. Parental commitment and involvement in their child’s treatment is given consideration during the grant selection process.

The deadline for submitting applications is May 15, 2018.

Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities (MCCD) Provides Treatment Funding

The Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities (MCCD) helps families of kids with disabilities obtain funding for medical treatments and therapies not covered by insurance. The organization works with families in Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Families applying for assistance in Illinois and Wisconsin are requested to commit to a fundraising campaign that would generate funds back to MCCD equaling a minimum of 20% of the amount of their 12 month grant. Families applying for assistance in Ohio are encouraged to commit to between 4 and 15 hours of time (or the equivalent in sales and donations), depending on the amount of grant assistance they receive.

Contact MCCD to ask questions or request additional information.

Resources to Help Prevent Wandering-Related Tragedies Among Individuals with Autism

     

Wandering behavior is common among children with autism. Photo by hotblack at Morguefile.com.

Elopement behavior in children with autism is both immensely common and extremely stressful for their families, caregivers and teachers According to Pediatrics, 49 percent of parents surveyed reported that their child with an ASD had attempted to elope at least once. Some 26% reported that their child with autism had gone missing long enough to cause concern. A staggering 65% of those children had been in danger of traffic injury during an elopement incident; 24% had been in danger of drowning.

Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent resources available to help families, caregivers, educators and first responders take steps to children with autism from eloping and recover them quickly if they should happen to wander off.

The National Autism Association (NAA) offers both digital and tangible tools to keep kids who wander safe. The NAA Be REDY booklet contains a caregiver checklist, a Family Wandering Emergency Plan, a first responder profile form, a wandering-prevention brochure, a sample IEP letter, a student profile form, emotion identification cards and wandering quick tips.

NAA offers a free Big Red Safety Box to families affected by autism. The Big Red Safety Box includes a copy of the Be REDy booklet, two GE Wireless door/window alarms equipped with batteries, one MedicAlert bracelet or pendant, one shoe tag, five adhesive stop sign visual prompts for doors and windows, two Safety Alert window clings for doors and windows, one red Safety Alert wristband, and one Child ID Kit from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

NAA offers a Big Red Safety Teacher Toolkit to school administrators, teachers or aides who work with students who have autism. The Big Red Safety Teacher Toolkit includes a Be REDy booklet for teachers, four window/door alarms with batteries and five laminated adhesive stop sign visual prompts for doors and windows. 

NAA also publishes a Be REDy booklet for first responders. The toolkit contains resources to help first responders prepare for wandering incidents in the communities they serve.

The NAA has a dedicated safety page where you can learn about wandering and elopement, ways to prevent children from engaging in the behaviors and what to do when an incident arises. 

The Autism Wandering Awareness Alerts Response and Education (AWAARE) Collaboration is a working group comprised of national non-profit organizations whose mission is to prevent wandering and deaths in the autism community. The member organizations are NAA, the Autism Society of America, AutismOne, Autism Speaks, the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, the HollyRod Foundation, and Talk About Curing Autism (TACA).

The AWAARE Collaboration provides safety tips, safety resources and recommendations for tracking technology. AWAARE also educates stakeholders about wandering and works on wandering-related policy issues.

Autism Speaks has a page dedicated to wandering, which includes tips for preventing wandering and wandering-related tragedies, steps for preventing wandering at your child's school, and links to wandering-prevention resources for parents and first responders.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) provides information for first responders, as well as tips and resources for parents and community members.

Families Affected by Autism Are Eligible to Apply for Assistance from the Maggie Welby Foundation

Families affected by autism are eligible to apply for grants and scholarships from the Maggie Welby Foundation.

The foundation offers grants for children and families that have a financial need for a particular purpose. Grants may be used to help families pay bills and medical expenses. They may also be utilized to help a child access athletic or other opportunities they would not otherwise be able to participate in. Grants are awarded in July and December.

The Maggie Welby Foundation also offers scholarships for children in grades K-12. Children with autism and other special needs are eligible to apply for scholarships from the foundation. Scholarships are awarded in July and December.

Contactthe foundation for more information.

Smart911 Could Help Families Affected By Autism Save Time and Lives During An Emergency

Smart911 is a free service that allows families to provide detailed information about their households to their local 9-1-1 center and first responders. Smart911 Safety Profiles can provide as much or as little information as a family is comfortable disclosing. 

The following clip from Good Morning America illustrates why every city, town and village in America should be using the system, as well as how every family could benefit from it. 





For families that have a loved one with autism or other disabilities, the service is a real asset that can save time and lives in the event of an emergency. Imagine if your child eloped or went missing. You could save precious minutes that could lead to your child being swiftly located by having a photograph and description of your child already on file with first responders.

The following audio of a 9-1-1 call from a mom whose missing  5 year old daughter was found unharmed because first responders were able to act quickly because she had submitted a Smart911 Safety Profile.




Many families affected by autism wisely teach their children with autism how to call 9-1-1 as part of their emergency preparation plans. But what if your child was nonverbal or minimally verbally, or verbal but unable to speak clearly because of fear, anxiety or panic in an emergency situation?

The following audio shares how having a Smart911 Safety Profile on file helped first responders save a stranded woman even though the 9-1-1 operator she’d could not hear her speaking over the telephone.

I strongly encourage families affected by autism to create a Smart911 Safety Profile, especially if your child wanders, elopes, behaves aggressively or has other complicating conditions such as mental illness, anxiety, epilepsy or aggressive behavior. Some of the helpful information you could include with your profile are maps of your property, floor plans, photographs and lists of words or phrases your child finds comforting or calming.