Grants For Kids With Autism
Parents with a child who has been diagnosed with an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) learn that their child's life -- and therefore theirs -- will be challenging physically, mentally and financially. Because the diagnosis covers such a wide spectrum of symptoms treatment is far from standardized. What works for one family may not work for another. Adding to the frustration is that fact that treatments range from medical procedures to nutritional supplements to specialized teaching, with none guaranteeing results.
A recent article published by JAMA Pediatrics (Journal of the American Medical Association) estimated the lifetime cost of care for an autistic child with intellectual disability is $2.4 million. For a child without an intellectual disability, the cost is $1.4 million. These costs primarily consist of the expense for specialized education and the opportunity cost of lost wages for the parents.
Families who need help with the expenses of their autistic children can turn to several sources for assistance. However, much of that assistance is in the form of very small grants ($500 or less) and the competition for these grants is fierce.
Your Own Health Insurance
The first source of assistance that you should be checking is your own employer-sponsored or individually-purchased health insurance policy. Some insurance is actually very friendly to families with autistic children, and will provide far more assistance that you might expect.
When the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) was signed into law in 2010 it provided specific help for families dealing with autism spectrum disorder. Now health insurance policies cannot discriminate against these families because of their children's pre-existing condition. Health plans must provide behavioral health benefits as well as prescription medication benefits and such coverage cannot be limited with lifetime or annual dollar caps.
Grants and Other Assistance
Grants and other financial assistance can come from many sources although most are provided by non-profit organizations and charitable foundations.
1. The National Autism Association has a Helping Hand Program which will pay directly to your healthcare provider and assist with expenses for therapy treatments, nutritional supplements and biomedical services. And they go much further than financial information and support. This group also reaches out to families in a community setting. You can find a local chapter and get lots of information, advice, tips and moral support from other families in your same situation.
2. Act Today for Autism provides funds for families with multiple autistic children and those with more severe financial need.
3. The United Healthcare Children's Foundation funds medical expenses not covered by the family's regular healthcare policy.
4. Autism Cares provides financial assistance on a case-by-case basis for families with autistic children who are also suffering from a major economic crisis like a fire or a flood.
5. If you think you might be able to start your own program, get ideas for funding in Grants for Kids' Programs.
State and Local Organizations
There are also many state-specific and local organization and foundation programs that work only with families in a particular geographic area. Some of the organizations fund local programs to help families dealing with autism. Although these grants do not directly benefit families, they do provide communities with the funds to offer programs for the benefit of autistic children so that these children can participate in community life. If you join a local chapter of the NAA (National Autism Association) you can identify and learn more about such programs very quickly.
Social Security Administration
If your child suffers from developmental disabilities he or she could qualify for SSI, or Supplemental Security Income. Assistance is based on family income as well as on the severity of your child's disability. If you qualify, this is a monthly stipend that can be used to pay for any expenses that benefit the child. Contact the Social Security Administration to see if you may qualify and find out how to apply.
State Assistance
You should also consult with your local Department of Human Services to find out about any state-sponsored assistance for which your family may be eligible. This will especially apply to lower-income families, who might qualify for Medicaid healthcare assistance as well as other financial assistance programs. Regardless of your income level you should definitely take the time to complete the questionnaire available on the government website BENEFITS.GOV. After filling out a considerable amount of information you may be amazed (and delighted) to discover that you are eligible for programs and support you didn't even know existed! And check out the resources listed in Federal Aid for Childcare for more ideas.
Conclusion
When you have a child who is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder you may be looking at many years of care, including after your child has become an adult. The expenses are many and unfortunately resources can be few. Make sure you look into and apply for every single program for which your family and your child may be eligible. Be willing to accept help even if you find it difficult --- it will give you more time and perspective to experience the joy of loving and helping your child.
Parents with a child who has been diagnosed with an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) learn that their child's life -- and therefore theirs -- will be challenging physically, mentally and financially. Because the diagnosis covers such a wide spectrum of symptoms treatment is far from standardized. What works for one family may not work for another. Adding to the frustration is that fact that treatments range from medical procedures to nutritional supplements to specialized teaching, with none guaranteeing results.
A recent article published by JAMA Pediatrics (Journal of the American Medical Association) estimated the lifetime cost of care for an autistic child with intellectual disability is $2.4 million. For a child without an intellectual disability, the cost is $1.4 million. These costs primarily consist of the expense for specialized education and the opportunity cost of lost wages for the parents.
Families who need help with the expenses of their autistic children can turn to several sources for assistance. However, much of that assistance is in the form of very small grants ($500 or less) and the competition for these grants is fierce.
Your Own Health Insurance
The first source of assistance that you should be checking is your own employer-sponsored or individually-purchased health insurance policy. Some insurance is actually very friendly to families with autistic children, and will provide far more assistance that you might expect.
When the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) was signed into law in 2010 it provided specific help for families dealing with autism spectrum disorder. Now health insurance policies cannot discriminate against these families because of their children's pre-existing condition. Health plans must provide behavioral health benefits as well as prescription medication benefits and such coverage cannot be limited with lifetime or annual dollar caps.
Grants and Other Assistance
Grants and other financial assistance can come from many sources although most are provided by non-profit organizations and charitable foundations.
1. The National Autism Association has a Helping Hand Program which will pay directly to your healthcare provider and assist with expenses for therapy treatments, nutritional supplements and biomedical services. And they go much further than financial information and support. This group also reaches out to families in a community setting. You can find a local chapter and get lots of information, advice, tips and moral support from other families in your same situation.
2. Act Today for Autism provides funds for families with multiple autistic children and those with more severe financial need.
3. The United Healthcare Children's Foundation funds medical expenses not covered by the family's regular healthcare policy.
4. Autism Cares provides financial assistance on a case-by-case basis for families with autistic children who are also suffering from a major economic crisis like a fire or a flood.
5. If you think you might be able to start your own program, get ideas for funding in Grants for Kids' Programs.
State and Local Organizations
There are also many state-specific and local organization and foundation programs that work only with families in a particular geographic area. Some of the organizations fund local programs to help families dealing with autism. Although these grants do not directly benefit families, they do provide communities with the funds to offer programs for the benefit of autistic children so that these children can participate in community life. If you join a local chapter of the NAA (National Autism Association) you can identify and learn more about such programs very quickly.
Social Security Administration
If your child suffers from developmental disabilities he or she could qualify for SSI, or Supplemental Security Income. Assistance is based on family income as well as on the severity of your child's disability. If you qualify, this is a monthly stipend that can be used to pay for any expenses that benefit the child. Contact the Social Security Administration to see if you may qualify and find out how to apply.
State Assistance
You should also consult with your local Department of Human Services to find out about any state-sponsored assistance for which your family may be eligible. This will especially apply to lower-income families, who might qualify for Medicaid healthcare assistance as well as other financial assistance programs. Regardless of your income level you should definitely take the time to complete the questionnaire available on the government website BENEFITS.GOV. After filling out a considerable amount of information you may be amazed (and delighted) to discover that you are eligible for programs and support you didn't even know existed! And check out the resources listed in Federal Aid for Childcare for more ideas.
Conclusion
When you have a child who is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder you may be looking at many years of care, including after your child has become an adult. The expenses are many and unfortunately resources can be few. Make sure you look into and apply for every single program for which your family and your child may be eligible. Be willing to accept help even if you find it difficult --- it will give you more time and perspective to experience the joy of loving and helping your child.