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.