Autism Assistance Resources and Information

Funding Autism Treatment Trade Paperback Book Now Available

2011-12-19T12:27:00.000-06:00

The trade paperback version of Funding Autism Treatment is now available for only $6.99. The book--which describes numerous strategies for successfully funding autism treatment--can be purchased at

https://www.createspace.com/3735756.

AMRIT Foundation Funds Biomedical Treatment

2011-12-19T12:22:00.000-06:00

The AMRIT Foundation provides grants of up to $5,000 to fund biomedical treatments for children with Autism and related disabilities. For additional information or an application, send a email to info@amritfoundation.org.

Funding Autism Treatment PDF Book Now Available!

2011-11-26T21:23:00.005-06:00

My new PDF book is now available for purchase for only $4.99. MS Word versions are also available for those who prefer them. To order, send your contact information to autismassistanceinfo@yahoo.com in an email with "Funding Book" on the subject line. Don't forget to send me your funding success stories:)

Travel Grants to Attend the International Meeting for Autism Research

2011-11-26T21:18:00.003-06:00

The Autism Science Foundation awards several IMFAR Stakeholder Travel grants valued up to $1,000 to cover expenses related to attending the International Meeting for Autism Research. All autism stakeholders, including parents, individuals with autism and siblings eligible to apply. The application process opens in January. Recipients are announced in April. The next IMFAR meeting will be held May 17-19, 2012 in Toronto. For more information or to apply, visit http://autismsciencefoundation.org/what-we-fund/apply-for-IMFAR-travel-grant.

Scholarship Program Provides Financial Assistance to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

2011-07-31T23:23:00.000-05:00

The Canyon Rice Hope Scholarship provides grants ranging from $100 to $250 to developmentally disabled youth up to age 22. The funds can be used to pay for respite care or therapeutic supports. To apply for assistance, contact Jenny_L_Rice@yahoo.com.

Free Autism Training

2011-07-09T17:48:00.001-05:00

The Illinois Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (IATTAP), an initiative of the Illinois State Board of Education, offers free online autism training videos that cover the following topics:

· Ten Guiding Principles
· Assuming Competence
· Person-Centered Planning
· Characteristics of Autism
· Concrete Literal Learners
· Visual Learners
· Generalization of Knowledge
· Sensory Processing
· Rote Memory and Imitation
· Concern with Sameness
· Imaginative Play
· Social Skills and Perspective
· Inclusion
· Educational Challenges
· Establishing a Clear Communication System
· Visual Strategies
· Establishing a Daily Schedule
· Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
· Structure
· Self-Stimulatory Behavior
· Using Discrete Trial Training
· Identifying Reinforces
· Providing Opportunities to Make Choices
· Avoiding Talking Too Much
· Evaluating Programming
· Building Friendships for Children with ASD
· Teaming
· Collaboration
· Transition
· Planning for the Future

The training is appropriate for parents, family members, advocates, professionals and anyone else who cares about a person with autism and wants to learn more about research-based approaches to autism intervention.

IATTAP also offers a free course for CPDU credit that includes lectures, videos, research and other activities, as well as courses for undergraduate and graduate credit through Illinois State University.

Financial Assistance for Homeschooling Families of Children with Autism and Other Special Needs

2011-07-08T02:30:00.000-05:00

The Home School Foundation offers financial assistance for homeschooling families of children with autism and other special needs through its Special Needs Children's Fund. Grant funds can be used to pay for specialized materials, special therapies, equipment and testing. To qualify for grant assistance, families must be struggling with the burden of meeting their children's special needs and must have held membership in the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), an advocacy organization for homeschoolers, for at least six months.

Shepherds College Offers Postsecondary Education Programs for People with Autism and Other Disabilities

2011-01-01T23:01:00.000-06:00

Shepherds College, located in Union Grove, WI, is a three-year postsecondary educational program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Its stated mission is to "educate and train students with intellectual disabilities by equipping them with Appropriate Independence and inspiring a lasting awareness of God's plan for their lives." Shepherds College defines Appropriate Independence as "supported self-sufficiency that is aligned with the strengths of each individual and guided by Christian values."

Students at Shepherds College receive education, skills training and support that is designed to help them reach their full potential and live as independently as possible. Shepherds College offers programs in Culinary Arts and Horticultural Studies, along with curricula in Functional Academic Skills, Mobility Skills, Spiritual Life, Daily Living Skills and Social/Emotional Skills. Students work with LifeCoaches to and participate in a variety of activities to enhance their personal and spiritual development.

For additional information or to request an information packet, contact Chris Wright, Director of Admissions, at (262) 878-6351 or cwright@shepherdsministries.org.

Families Come First Program Provides Respite Grants for New Hampshire Families

2010-12-23T16:52:00.000-06:00

Families Come First, a program of the New Hampshire Catholic Charities Ministry for Persons with Disabilities, provides short term respite grants of up to $250 to help New Hampshire families coping with disabilities pay the cost of camps, personal care assistance, educational services or enrichment programs.

For additional information, contact:

Families Come First
Ministry for Persons with Disabilities
C/O NH Catholic Charities
PO Box 686
215 Myrtle Street
Manchester, NH 03105
(800) 562-5249 ext. 246 or ext. 233

Help the Autism Society of Illinois While Helping Yourself to Some Awesome Gift Cards

2010-12-17T08:31:00.002-06:00

Homeowners can help the Autism Society of Illinois raise funds while helping themselves to some awesome gift cards by signing up for the free Homeowner Advantage USA program using the link provided. Qualified homeowners agree to use a realtor affiliated with the program if they sell their homes during a specified period time. Homeowners earn gift cards whether they sell or not, and there is no obligation for them to sell. It's an easy way to help out a great organization while earning gift cards valued between $300 and $2,000. The Autism Society of Illinois provides resources, referrals, support and services to improve the lives of individuals and families in Illinois who are affected by autism spectrum disorders.

HollyRod Foundation Helps People with Autism Get Ipads to Help them Communicate

2010-12-12T18:08:00.004-06:00

The HollyRod Foundation is helping families of people with nonverbal and minimally verbal people with autism that meet income guidelines ($35,000 for single income families; $50,000 for two-income families) to obtain Ipads and gift cards to purchase apps to help them communicate more effectively. Unfortunately, the foundation has received far more applications for the devices than it can currently fund. Please make a donation to the HollyRod Foundation and help them give the gift of voice to a person with autism. For families who'd like to apply for a free Ipad, continue to check the foundation's Web site through December 31, 2010, as they will accept additional applications if sufficient funding comes through.

Harry Gregg Foundation Provides Grants to Assist New Hampshire Residents with Disabilities

2010-12-01T06:33:00.001-06:00

Harry Gregg Foundation provides grants ranging from $100-$1,000 to New Hampshire residents with physical, intellectual or emotional disabilities and their families. Funds can be used to pay for non-reimbursed medical, therapy, special equipment, environmental modifications, respite services, recreational activities, vocational educational assistance or driver training.

For more information, contact:

Peg Lewis, Grant Administrator
1 Verney Drive
Greenfield, NH 03047
(603) 547-3311 ext. 401

A.N.G.E.L. Inc. Offers Grants for Children with Autism

2010-11-28T08:49:00.001-06:00

A.N.G.E.L. Inc. awards grants of up to $500 per year to children with autism between the ages of 2 and 18 who reside in Wisconsin. For more information, click on the link. To send a gift or make a donation to A.N.G.E.L. Inc., click here.

EPSDT Offers a Full Range of Services for Virginia Residents with Autism

2010-11-27T01:52:00.001-06:00

The Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program is a comprehensive and preventive healthcare program for Virginia residents under the age of 21 who receive Medicaid. In addition to routine health screenings, the program provides coverage for ABA therapy, assistive technology, therapies (including speech, occupational, behavioral and physical), personal care, private duty nursing, hearing aids, medical formula and medical nutritional supplements, and one-to-one aides.

For more information, visit the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) or call (804) 786-6134. Click on the link to view the EPSDT Fact Sheet.

The Autism Grant Provides Scholarships to Dominion School for Autism

2010-11-26T02:58:00.000-06:00

The Autism Grant provides tuition grants for financially disadvantaged students to attend the Dominion School for Autism in Richmond, Virginia. Children benefiting from the grant must be 5 years old or younger as of the date of the application.

The mission of the Dominion School for Autism is to provide children with autism an individualized, ABA-based educational program in a loving and supportive atmosphere.

Click on the link to make a donation to The Autism Grant.

Autism Relief Foundation Offers Autism Therapy Grants

2010-11-25T03:33:00.002-06:00

The Autism Relief Foundation provides autism therapy grants ranging from $300-$1,800 to children and adults who have autism. The grants can be used to pay for medical treatment by a physician or naturopath; therapies—including speech therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, music therapy and hyperbaric therapy; summer camp or social skills groups; and respite care services.

You can make a donation to the Autism Relief Foundation via their Web site or by sending a check or money order to:

Autism Relief Foundation
1300 Ritchie Hwy
Suite B
Arnold, MD 21012

Sensory Friendly Films for People with Autism and Other Disabilities

2010-11-24T04:31:00.000-06:00

AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society have teamed up to offer Sensory Friendly Films for individuals and families affected by autism and other disabilities.

Selected AMC theaters will offer special screenings on a monthly basis in an environment that is friendly, welcoming and inclusive for individuals with special sensory concerns. Lights will be turned up and the sound will be turned down during sensory friendly film screenings in order to create a safe and comfortable viewing experience for the special audience. No previews or advertisements will be shown prior to the movies. Participants will be allowed to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks. In addition, audience members will be free to get up, move around, dance, sing or shout during the movie!

Tickets are $4-$6, depending on location. Upcoming sensory friendly films screens include:

December 11-The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
January 8-Gulliver’s Travels
February 12-Gnomeo and Juliette

Click on the link for a list of participating AMC theaters. To request that sensory friendly films be shown in your local AMC theater, send an email to 0411CommunityRelations@amctheatres.com.

AMC Entertainment’s Sensory Friendly Films initiative is a perfect example of a company engaging in smart business practices while simultaneously demonstrating its commitment to socially responsibility by creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for customers with autism and other special needs. Please contact AMC Entertainment to express your support for this program:

AMC Entertainment Inc.

P.O. Box 725489

Atlanta, GA 31139-9923

http://getsatisfaction.com/amc_theatres

I am hopeful that the success of this program will lead to its expansion into all AMC theaters, and that other companies, organizations and institutions will follow suit by offering products, services and facilities that are responsive to the needs of individuals affected by autism and other disabilities.

Chicago Children’s Theatre Play Created for Children with Autism

2010-11-23T03:15:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Children’s Theatre will present “Red Kite Round Up,” from February 1-20, 2011, in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion Choral Rehearsal Room at Millennium Park. “Red Kite Round Up” is a 40 minute multi-sensory adventure developed especially for children and early teens on the autism spectrum. As part of the immersive theatre experience, guides will take 10 children with Autism Spectrum Disorders on a digitally simulated outdoor trip where they can chase butterflies, hike trails, star gaze and more. The kids are actually encouraged to move, laugh, talk, sing and interact with specially trained teaching artists.

The space at Red Kite is designed to be friendly to children on the autism spectrum, with plenty to touch, see and hear. For example, participants can experience the sound and wind of the forest, feel the gentle spray of a river, pet fuzzy newborn chicks, and sing songs around a camp fire, among other things.

Social Stories are provided in advance in one of four formats, so participating children will know exactly what to expect. Once they arrive for the show, they will work with guides that are specifically trained to be responsive to each child who will work to accommodate the sensitivities of the child they are working with. Each child will interact with guides on their own terms, and any choice made by a child at “Red Kite Round Up” is celebrated and accepted. How cool is that!

“Red Kite Round Up” is the brainchild of Jacqueline Russell, founder and artistic director of the Chicago Children’s Theatre. She developed the project after over 1o years of working with children with autism as a teaching artist. Russell continues to work in classrooms with students with ASD, in addition to leading professional development workshops for educators and artists, and giving lectures and demonstrations for medical specialists, parents and educators.

“Read Kite Round Up” provides a wonderful opportunity to share a theatrical experience with a child on the autism spectrum where s/he can enjoy being a kid.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.theredkiteproject.org/home.html, send an email message to redkite@chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call Julia Beck at (773) 227-0180 ext. 15.

Children’s Charity Fund Provides Grants for Handicapped and Disabled Children

2010-11-22T00:27:00.000-06:00

The Children’s Charity Fund, Inc. provides grants to assist handicapped and disabled children with medical equipment and educational expenses. To apply for a grant, families of children with autism and other disabilities should complete an application, submit the requisite supporting documentation and return the completed, notarized application to the Children’s Charity Fund.

If you would like to support the work of the Children’s Charity Fund, you may send them a donation.

Contact information for the Children’s Charity Fund is:

Children’s Charity Fund, Inc.
6623 Superior Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34231
(800) 643-5787
(941) 925-9689
(941) 923-5947 fax
ccf21c@aol.com

Whole Foods Market Store Implements Hands-On Shopping Program for People with Autism

2010-11-21T13:01:00.005-06:00

The Whole Foods Market Store in Naperville, Illinois, located at 2607 W. 75th Street, Naperville, IL 60540, has implemented a helpful program called Hands-On Shopping for people with autism and other newly forming and special abilities.

The complimentary program provides a visual tactile tool for shopping and learning that is available to individuals with autism as well as anyone else who would like to utilize it. Resources available through the program include large, colorful laminated lists and attachable prompts that help individuals with special needs navigate their way through the store facility and organize their shopping.

Shoppers who use the Hands-On Shopping program can sign out one of three systems—miniature products, picture and word cards or word cards—from the store’s customer service desk. Once the item is located in the store, it is placed into a “shopping cart.”
The program was developed as a result of the advocacy of a store employee named Tarryl who is the mom of two children who have autism.

You can call (630) 579-7700 or send an email to bonnie.summers@wholefoods.com to reserve materials for your shopping trip in advance.

Currently, the program is only available at the Naperville store, but I am hopeful that the program will be wildly popular and successful and will soon be implemented in all of the company’s stores. I encourage you to contact your local Whole Foods store and ask the manager to implement the program there. I also would encourage you to contact the company‘s headquarters to let them know that this is exactly the kind of socially responsible program that both promotes customer loyalty and makes community outings positive experiences for citizens of all abilities.

The contact information for Whole Foods World Headquarters is:

Whole Foods Market, Inc.
550 Bowie Street
Austin, TX 78703-4644
512-477-4455
512-477-5566 voicemail
512-482-7000 fax

More companies, organizations and institutions need to follow in Whole Foods footsteps by finding creative ways to make their facilities more accessible and responsive to the needs of consumers with autism and other disabilities.

Autism Cares Foundation

2009-01-28T06:42:00.001-06:00

Autism Cares Foundation is a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization that intends to provide assistance directly to families and caregivers of individuals with autism. The foundation’s support is intended to enhance services provided by other agencies as well as provide additional support that may not be otherwise available. Autism Care Foundation may provide assistance with obtaining or maintaining home instructors or aides, life skill development activities, structured play opportunities, physical fitness activities, respite services, dietary needs, entertainment activities, special treatment protocols or other supports. For more information, contact info@autismcaresfoundation.org.

ASAC Recreational and Therapeutic Stipend Program

2009-01-14T05:54:00.000-06:00

The Autism Society of Acadiana Recreational and Therapeutic Stipend Program provides stipends for children and adults with autism who reside in the Acadiana, Louisiana, community with stipends of up to $150 to participate in day camps, swimming programs, therapeutic horseback riding and other recreational and/or therapeutic programs. For more information, contact Donna Andrus or call (337) 369-2885.

AutismLink

2008-12-29T09:05:00.000-06:00

AutismLink is an online community that provides information and resources for parents and family members of individuals who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). AutismLink also offers opportunities for people affected by autism to connect through message boards, chat rooms and a mentoring program for families of children who have been newly diagnosed with autism.

Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program

2008-12-28T09:31:00.000-06:00

The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program provides eligible special education students with the opportunity to attend private schools or public schools other than the one they would normally be required to attend. To qualify, students’ parents must be current residents of Georgia who have resided in the state for at least one calendar year, and students must have an IEP and have attended a Georgia K-12 public school the prior school year. Students who have autism are eligible to participate in the scholarship program. Further details are available by clicking on the link.

Lil MAC Autism Grant

2008-12-24T02:45:00.000-06:00

The Mitchell A. Callahan Foundation was formed to raise funds for families of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The foundation accepts applications for its Lil MAC Autism Grant in October and November. For further information or to find out how to make a donation, send a message to lilmac@lilmackids.org.

Autism Assistance Fund of Arizona

2008-12-21T00:43:00.000-06:00

The Autism Assistance Fund of Arizona provides financial assistance to low-income children and adults who have autism or Asperger’s. Grants of up to $400 are awarded to pay for medical, dental, behavior therapy, job training, education, summer camp and other expenses. Click on the link for information about how to obtain an application for assistance or a donation form.

Goh Foundation Scholarship Grant for Children with Autism

2008-12-20T00:40:00.000-06:00

The Goh Foundation Scholarship Grant provides up to $1,000 to families of children with autism under age six to help pay for independent evaluations/assessments, special education advocacy services, autism treatments, and parent training/seminars. California families with an income of $70,000 a year or less who have been denied funding from other sources.

Hannah’s Helping Hands Grant Program Open to Individuals with Autism

2008-12-19T02:49:00.001-06:00

Hannah & Friends, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults with developmental disabilities, provides funding for the Hannah’s Helping Hands (HHH) Grant Program. Hannah’s Helping Hands quality of life grants for families of adults and children with special needs who are residents of Rhode Island and Indiana, including the greater Michiana area. The grants, which range from $100 and $500, can be used for anything that improves the quality of life of the developmentally disabled person.

Autism Support Network

2008-12-18T00:02:00.000-06:00

Autism Support Network is an online community that connects individuals and families touched by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with each other. Autism Support Network also provides insight and support, and serves as a resource guide for autism treatments, strategies and therapies.

Utah Special Needs Scholarship

2008-12-17T05:44:00.000-06:00

The Utah Special Needs Scholarship provides tuition assistance for eligible special needs students enrolled in eligible private schools. To qualify, students’ parents must reside in Utah, and students must be between the ages of 5 and 21 and must have autism or another qualifying disability. In addition, students must have been enrolled in a Utah public school the prior school year, be eligible to receive special education services and have been admitted to an eligible private school.

The Autism Puzzle Foundation

2008-12-16T01:46:00.000-06:00

The Autism Puzzle Foundation offers grants to help families of children who have autism and reside in Vermont pay for therapy, equipment and toys through its Assistive Technology Project. Click on the link to obtain an application or learn how you can support the foundation.

Seeds of Hope Autism Support Fund

2008-12-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

Seeds of Hope is a Michigan-based organization that provides scholarships for families affected by autism who have children attending Jenison Public Schools through its Autism Support Fund. The scholarships can be used to pay for family counseling, intervention therapies and continuing education. Click on the link to obtain a scholarship form.

Aid for Autistic Children Foundation

2008-12-14T07:47:00.000-06:00

The mission of the Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc. is to provide funds to families that have exhausted their earnings and savings, as well government and other nonprofit financial resources, because of their desire to better the lives of their children or adult dependents who have autism. The foundation is willing to provide families affected by autism with up to $150,000 to pay down or eliminate any debt accumulated as a direct result of medical care or educational therapy for family members with autism.

National Autism Association of Pennsylvania Helping Hand Mini-Grant

2008-12-13T01:22:00.000-06:00

The National Autism Association of Pennsylvania (NAA-PA) offers financial assistance to families affected by autism through its Helping Hand Program. Grants of up to $300 will be awarded to Central Pennsylvania families to pay for autism interventions not covered by insurance or medical assistance. Click on the link to find out more about the grants or to make a donation to NAA-PA.

Autism Hangout

2008-12-12T00:09:00.000-06:00

Autism Hangout is an online community that offers information and social networking opportunities for family members, caregivers, educators, medical professionals and others whose lives are affected by autism. Autism Hangout is a great place to check out the last news, participate in discussions and meet others who are living with autism.

Easter Seals Provides In Home Services for Adults with Autism

2008-12-11T02:58:00.000-06:00

Easter Seals provides in home services and supports for adults who have severe physical or cognitive impairments. Adults with autism are eligible for services, including companionship/respite, homemaker/housekeeping, therapy, health services and personal care. In home care services that preserve dignity and self-esteem as well as promote increased independence are offered. Services provided include bathing, dressing, meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping, transportation and shopping. View the Easter Seals directory to locate a provider.

FSU Autism Project

2008-12-10T00:39:00.000-06:00

The Florida State University (FSU) Autism Project provides stipends for families affected by autism to attend training, educational programs and retreats. For information about obtaining a stipend or making a donation, call (850) 644-4367.

Ohio Autism Scholarship Program

2008-12-08T01:11:00.000-06:00

The Ohio Department of Education Autism Scholarship Program allows parents in the state whose children have autism to choose to send their children to special education programs outside of their school districts to receive the services outlined in their IEPs. The scholarships are for a maximum of $20,000 per school year.

LaPeer Autism Family Relief Fund

2008-12-07T00:01:00.000-06:00

The purpose of the LaPeer Autism Family Relief Fund is to help LaPeer County, Michigan, families affected by autism with care and treatment expenses. For more information or to make a donation, call (810) 664-0691.

SPEECH PATHways Foundation Can Help People with Autism Afford Speech Therapy

2008-12-06T04:34:00.001-06:00

SPEECH PATHways Foundation provides grants of up to $5,000 to applicants between the ages of 1 and 16 years old who reside within 30 mile radius of Carroll County, Maryland. Children who have autism are eligible to apply for the grants, which are focused on helping with communication disorders maximize their ability to communicate. Click on the link to obtain a grant application.

Give Me A Break Fund Provides Respite to Families Coping with Autism

2008-12-05T00:20:00.001-06:00

The Give Me A Break (GMAB) Respite Fund, a program of the Autism Society of Colorado, pays trained providers to temporarily relieve families of the daily care and supervision of a loved one with autism. For more information, contact Lorri Park.

Autism Pathway Foundation

2008-12-04T06:14:00.000-06:00

Autism Pathway Foundation provides monetary assistance and other resources for families affected by autism that reside in Loudoun County, Virginia. To apply for financial assistance or make a donation, contact Autism Pathway Foundation.

The Golden Fund for Autism

2008-12-03T05:02:00.000-06:00

The Golden Fund for Autism is committed to helping Long Island families of children who have autism access alternative treatments and therapies. For more information or to make a donation, contact The Golden Fund for Autism.

Autism Family Foundation of Northeast Ohio Grants

2008-12-02T07:07:00.000-06:00

The Autism Family Foundation of Northeast Ohio awards grants of up to $500 to families affected by autism. For more information, call Barb Hudak at (330) 864-4414 or Georgann Pinter at (330) 671-7731.

Affordable Speech Therapy for People with Autism

2008-12-01T07:32:00.000-06:00

Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center treats patients regardless of ability to pay. The clinic, located at Smith Hall, treats articulation, language, fluency, voice, eating and swallowing, and hearing problems. The clinic, which also provides assistive technology services, operates three socialization groups for children who have autism. The clinic operates on a sliding fee scale, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. For more information, call (304) 696-3640.

Easter Seals Provides Medical Rehabilitation to People with Autism

2008-11-30T08:39:00.000-06:00

Easter Seals provides medical rehabilitation in the form of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, audiology, early intervention and other therapies to people have autism and other disabilities. Services are provided in Easter Seals facilities, as well as homes and schools. Funding is provided by insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, Workers’ Compensation and other state programs. Clients may also self-pay or receive public support (if eligible). For more information, contact Easter Seals.

Colorado Helps Families Affected By Autism through Home and Community Based Support Waivers

2008-11-29T04:31:00.000-06:00

Colorado residents who are affected by autism can receive assistance through several Home and Community Based Support (HCBS) Waivers.

To qualify for waiver services, children and adults must meet financial, medical and program criteria. Applicant’s income must be less than $1,986.00 (300% of the Supplemental Security Income allowance) per month and must have countable resources of less than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. The applicant must also be at risk of placement in a nursing facility, hospital or intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded (ICF/MR).

Individuals approved for waiver services are eligible for all basic Medicaid covered services except nursing facility and long-term hospital care. Waiver services are provided in home and community settings. Services must be provided by certified Medicaid providers or by a Medicaid contracting managed care organization.

Colorado residents with autism may qualify for one of the following HCBS waivers: the Children with Autism Waiver, the Children’s HCBS Waiver, the Children’s Extensive Support Waiver, the Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver, the Supported Living Services Waiver or the Waiver for Persons Developmentally Disabled.

Following is a brief description of each of the aforementioned waiver programs.

Children with Autism Waiver-provides children with autism under age six with case management and behavioral therapies.

Children’s HCBS Waiver-provides disabled children through age 17 with case management and in home support services (IHSS).

Children’s Extensive Support Waiver-provides children with developmentally delays through age 17 with specialized medical equipment and services, community connection services, home modifications, personal assistance and professional services.

Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver-provides developmentally disabled children and youth in foster care who have extraordinary needs with cognitive services, communication services, community connection services, counseling and therapeutic services, emergency assistance training, independent living training, personal care services, self-advocacy training, supervision services and travel services.

Supported Living Services Waiver-provides developmentally disabled adults with specialized medical equipment and supplies, counseling and therapeutic services, dental services, day habilitation services, hearing services, home modifications, personal assistant services, supported living consultation, transportation, vision services and employment services.

Waiver for Persons Developmentally Disabled-provides developmentally disabled adults living outside of their family home with day habilitation, residential habilitation, transportation, specialized medical equipment and supplies, supported employment, skilled nursing, behavioral services, dental services and vision services.

For more information, call Michelle Cason at (303) 866-3895.

RiteCare Childhood Language Program Helps Children with Autism

2008-11-28T09:05:00.001-06:00

RiteCare Childhood Language Program, a program of the Scottish Rite Masons, helps children with communication disorders, developmental delays and other disabling conditions through its network of 170 clinics, centers and special programs throughout the U.S. Children with autism are eligible for services through the program. RiteCare clinics provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders. Pre-school children who have difficulty speaking or understanding the spoken word are eligible for speech therapy services. Some facilities also provide services to school age children and adults.

Sliding fee scales and financial assistance are available. Check with your local facility for more information.

Children’s Therapy Fund Grants Help Children with Autism and Other Special Needs

2008-11-26T09:30:00.001-06:00

The Children’s Therapy Fund provides grants to help Michigan families in need pay for diagnostic and therapeutic services to help their children reach their full potential. Grants from the Children’s Therapy Fund are available to fund physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, vision therapy, hippotherapy and other innovative pediatric therapies that enhance the quality of children’s lives.

Joseph Snyder Autism Fund

2008-11-19T07:16:00.000-06:00

The mission of the Joseph Snyder Autism Fund is to provide ongoing financial assistance to help parents of children who have autism pay for medical care, biomedical treatments and therapies that will allow their children to have a hope of a full recovery. For more information, contact info@josephsnyderautismfund.org.

McKay Scholarships for Students with Autism and Other Disabilities

2008-11-15T07:25:00.001-06:00

Children with autism who reside in Florida are eligible for the McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program. The program, part of the state’s school choice initiative, offers K-12 students who have autism and other disabilities scholarships to attend private schools of their choice.

Students who have an IEP, were enrolled in a public school in the state during the prior school year, whose parents file intent at least 60 days prior to the date of the first scholarship payment, and who have been accepted to a private school are eligible to receive a McKay Scholarship.

NeighborHeart Grants for Children and Adults with Autism

2008-11-10T07:01:00.002-06:00

NeighborHeart Quality of Life Grants are available to families caring for children and adults with autism that reside in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States (i.e., Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York). The $500 grants can be used for anything that improves the family’s quality of life, including therapy, medical treatment and travel, respite care, educational advocacy services, training fees and security improvements.

Click on the link to find out how you can support NeighborHeart by making a donation or volunteering.

Autism Support Daily Grant Programs

2008-11-04T23:08:00.001-06:00

Autism Support Daily assists Vermont families coping with autism through its two grant programs. Fall Harvest Grants of up to $400 are available to pay for therapy sessions, evaluations, supplements, prescriptions, medical treatments, laboratory testing, adaptive programs, communication devices, travel costs and other expenses. Applications are due by November 15, 2008.

Autism Support Daily also offers Back to School Sensory Support Grants. The grants are offered in the form of $40 gift certificates to be used at Southpaw Enterprises.

Autism Help Network Grants

2008-11-01T06:39:00.000-05:00

The Autism Help Network provides grants of up to $1,000 to provide therapy and non-experimental biomedical treatments to children who have autism. Families that have combined salaries of less than $45,000 per year are eligible to apply for the grants. To apply for a grant or make a donation to the Autism Help Network, send an email to office@autismhelpforyou.org.

Autism Resource Foundation Parent Partnering Program

2008-10-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

The Autism Resource Foundation, in collaboration with the HOPE Group, provides training and certification to Arizona families of children who have autism that enables them to receive compensation for working with other parents and their children with special needs. For more information, call Anthony Hale at (602) 324-9716 or send him an email.

Micro-Loans for Biomedical Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders

2008-10-23T00:29:00.000-05:00

Lend4Health facilitates community-based, interest-free loans for the biomedical treatment of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. Prospective loan recipients submit loan request forms through the Lend4Health site. Lenders make interest-free loans through Paypal.

Visit Lend4Health for more information about obtaining or providing a micro-loan to pay for biomedical treatments for children and adults who have autism.

Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in Take Charge of Your Health Carnival

2008-10-23T00:25:00.000-05:00

Autism Assistance Resources and Information participates in the October 2008 edition of the Take Charge of Your Health Care Carnival. Visit the carnival for some great posts on health care issues.

Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in Kids and Money Carnival

2008-10-23T00:23:00.002-05:00

Autism Assistance Resources and Information participates in the October 2008 edition of the Kids and Money Carnival. Visit the carnival and check out some great posts on kids and money.

Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in Rich Life Carnival

2008-10-23T00:22:00.001-05:00

Autism Assistance Resources and Information participates in Rich Life Carnival #14. Check out the carnival for tips on healthy living, self-improvement, personal finance and more.

Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in 10 Posts About Realizing Your Potential

2008-10-23T00:20:00.001-05:00

Autism Assistance Resources and Information participates in the October 2008 edition of 10 Posts About Realizing Your Potential. Visit the carnival and check out some great posts about healing, grow and self-actualization.

Autism Foundation of the Carolinas

2008-10-16T06:35:00.000-05:00

The Autism Foundation of the Carolinas provides financial assistance to families of children who have autism that reside in the Charlotte area. Contact the foundation for information about scholarships for families in need of financial assistance or to make a donation to the Autism Foundation of the Carolinas.

Tax and Public Benefit Eligibility Reforms Needed to Help Families Affected By Autism Avoid Poverty

2008-10-15T07:14:00.006-05:00

Today is Blog Action Day. Bloggers worldwide have united to blog about poverty. Many families affected by autism are currently facing poverty. Many more families are only a few paychecks away from financial ruin. I am hopeful that lawmakers and policymakers will read this post and make some changes to both public benefit eligibility criteria and tax laws. Families of children who have autism should be able to both obtain treatment necessary to improve their children’s lives and meet their other financial obligations. Parents should not have to choose between helping their children thrive and keeping a roof over their heads.

Autism treatment is expensive. The cost of ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy and other therapies, interventions and equipment used to improve the functioning and quality of life of people who have autism typically costs thousands of dollars. In fact, the cost of intensive autism treatment could easily exceed a typical family’s annual housing, transportation and food costs combined.

Not surprisingly, many families affected by autism cannot afford to provide the treatments their children need. Overwhelming autism treatment costs combined with gaps in health insurance coverage lead some families of children who have autism to refinance mortgages, sell cars, deplete savings, make hardship withdrawals from 401ks and file for bankruptcy. University of Missouri researcher Deanna Sharpe reported cases of families skipping meals in order afford autism treatment.

Families should not have to choose between eating or obtaining treatment for their children. Policymakers need to reevaluate eligibility criteria for public benefits, taking into consideration that families raising children with autism have excessive financial burdens that typical families do not incur. Special guidelines need to be implemented for families affected by autism, including raising income limits and using net income rather than gross income to determine eligibility for SSI, LIHEAP and other income-based financial assistance programs.

Many families of children who have autism have to give up an income because a parent must become a full-time caregiver. Child care assistance benefits need to be made accessible to families of children with autism so parents who are able to can pursue part-time employment and so parents can afford respite care when needed.

In addition, lawmakers need to consider the exceptional expenses of families coping with autism when making tax reforms. Dependent care tax deductions and flexible spending account eligibility need to be restructured to take into consideration the needs of families affected with autism. In addition, families need to be allowed to deduct the full amount of autism treatment as a medical expense—not just that portion which exceeds 7.5% of their adjusted gross income.

Policymakers and lawmakers need to become knowledgeable about autism and its financial impact on families. Furthermore, they need to be willing to make changes in laws, policies and the tax code to keep families who are struggling financially because of autism from slipping into poverty.

Ann Arbor Autism Foundation

2008-10-13T09:14:00.001-05:00

The Ann Arbor Autism Foundation provides financial support to individuals and families affected by autism who live in Washtenaw County, Michigan. The foundation provides scholarships to help fund the cost of educational, recreational, therapeutic and support services. Scholarship application deadlines are May 1 and October 1.

Click on the link if you would like to make a donation to the Ann Arbor Autism Foundation.

Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in Education Carnival

2008-10-13T09:10:00.000-05:00

Autism Assistance Resources and Information is participating in the 192nd Carnival of Education. Visit the carnival and check out posts about education news, issues and opinions.

Lowcountry Autism Foundation

2008-10-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

The Lowcountry Autism Foundation provides financial assistance for autism treatment to families in Beaufort County, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas. Funding can be used
to pay for developmental screenings, diagnostic evaluations, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, counseling and other services.

Click on the links to download an application for financial support or to make a donation to the Lowcountry Autism Foundation.

Benzer Autism Foundation

2008-10-10T07:11:00.000-05:00

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Benzer Autism Foundation provides assistance to children with autism who have immediate needs for housing, medical attention and assistance dealing with everyday situations. The Benzer Autism Foundation also has a number of programs for children with autism.

Click on the link to find out how you can make a donation to the Benzer Autism Foundation.

Parker Autism Foundation

2008-10-09T20:11:00.001-05:00

The Parker Autism Foundation provides scholarships and grants for children with autism who live in North Carolina to receive therapy or to participate in summer camps. Click on the link to find out how you can support the Parker Autism Foundation.

Autism International Foundation

2008-10-07T05:59:00.000-05:00

The Autism International Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance for services to children who have autism throughout the world. The foundation’s goal is to enable children on the autism spectrum to receive humane, state-of-the-art treatments, therapies and services.

In the U.S., the Autism International Foundation helps parents obtain assessments and connect with attorneys and advocates to help their children access legally-mandated services. Internationally, the foundation is currently supporting the efforts of the Armenian International Child Development Center, a model program that is providing intensive services to children on the autism spectrum in home and school settings.

Click here if you would like to support the work of the Autism International Foundation.

Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in the Festival of Frugality

2008-10-07T05:57:00.000-05:00

Autism Assistance Resources and Information is participating in the Festival of Frugality. Visit the festival and check out posts that can help you save money on all sorts of things. The money you save can be used to fund autism treatment.

Nonprofit Provides Funding for Early Intensive Autism Treatment

2008-10-06T20:38:00.001-05:00

Today’s Hope is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide families of children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders with access to early intervention services, specifically early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI).

According to the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), EIBI for children who have autism consists of 20-40 hours per week of individualized instruction. EIBI can be delivered in a home, clinic or school setting.

The average annual cost of EIBI is upward of $33,000. EIBI is generally recommended for 2-3 years to achieve optimal outcomes. EIBI is widely considered a highly effective treatment for autism.

The cost of EIBI can place it out of reach for many families. That’s where Today’s Hope comes in. This month, the organization will begin providing financial support to families to cover the cost of a variety of early intervention services for children who have autism for a period of three years. Today’s Hope will pay providers who meet its criteria for providing early intervention services with up to $1,000 monthly. Families that are selected to participate in the program will receive up to $36,000 in EIBI services over 3 years.

Today’s Hope will provide assistance to families that meet the following criteria:

Has a child recently diagnosed with autism up to 8 years old
Other financial resources have been exhausted
Struggling with the cost of multiple interventions, such as ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy

For questions about applying for services or supporting Today’s Hope, click here or send an email to info@TodaysHopeAutism.org.

Lekotek Makes Play Accessible to Children with Autism and Other Disabilities

2008-10-06T01:19:00.001-05:00

Lekotek helps children with autism and other special needs participate in, learn from and enjoy playing. Lekotek has 32 play and learning centers nationwide that make play accessible to children with disabilities through traditional toys, adapted toys, books and computers. Through play, children with special needs learn the skills necessary to build a foundation for literacy, mathematical reasoning and computer use.

Lekotek’s mission is to promote the inclusion of children with special needs into family and community life through the use of interactive play. Lekotek play sessions, lending libraries, Compuplay computer centers and community-specific programs are available to children with special needs and their parents, siblings, extended family members and caregivers.

Lekotek was founded in Sweden in the early 1960’s by two parents of children with disabilities who were seeking ways to help their children during their formative years. Their goal was to develop a program that would both foster their children’s development and facilitate their full inclusion in society. Their efforts resulted in the creation of the first Lekotek facility in Stockholm. Today, Lekotek centers are widespread in Scandinavian countries and are a mandatory component of the social welfare service delivery system in Sweden and Norway.

Each Lekotek site has its own fee schedule, and many sites offer sliding fee scales. For more information, contact your local Lekokek center or call (800) 366-PLAY. Click on the link if you are interested in starting a Lekotek site in your community.

Autism Assistance Resources and Information Participates in Tax Savings Carnival

2008-10-06T01:09:00.007-05:00

Autism Assistance Resources and Information is participating in the Taxtoberfest Blog Carnival. Check out the carnival for posts that can help you minimize your taxes and maximize your refund so you can use those tax savings to help fund your child's autism treatment.

O’Berry Center Foundation Family Support Grants

2008-10-05T06:22:00.002-05:00

O’Berry Center Foundation Family Support Grants are available to families affected by developmental disabilities who reside in counties in central and east North Carolina. Autism is classified as a developmental disability.

Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded to families who have exhausted other resources to purchase durable equipment such as communication devices, sensory integration equipment, recreational equipment and other assistive technology equipment and devices.

O’Berry Center Foundation Family Support Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. Application deadlines are December 1, April 1, June 1 and September 1.

For more information about applying for a grant or supporting the O’Berry Center Foundation, send an email message to monunc@nc.rr.com or call Dennis Mays at (919) 581-4015.

Special Needs and Money

2008-10-02T06:57:00.000-05:00

Autism Assistance Resources and Information is participating in the Second Carnival of Special Needs and Money. Kim Greenblatt is hosting the carnival, which features posts about finances for families coping autism and other special needs.

Autism X 6

2008-10-01T06:31:00.000-05:00

Autism X 6 is a documentary about the Kirton family’s experiences raising six children who have autism. Autism X 6 premieres tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on Discovery Health.

Funding Autism Treatment Takes Resourcefulness and Determination

2008-09-28T15:16:00.002-05:00

Parents of children who have autism know it is important that they provide their children with early and intensive treatment in order to help them thrive and improve their long term outcomes. Unfortunately, parents whose children have autism also know all-too-well that the cost of intensive autism treatment—which could include specialized assessments and evaluations, instruction, therapies, interventions, diets, equipment, materials and treatment-related travel expenses—could easily overwhelm budgets, deplete savings and place a family on the brink of bankruptcy.

A Los Angeles Times article cited $70,000 per child per year as a typical cost for autism treatment. The cost of a 3-year intensive autism treatment program has been estimated as high as $300,000.

Although the cost of autism treatment can be staggering, through a combination of resourcefulness and determination, parents can find funding to help pay a significant portion of the costs of autism treatment. Here are some strategies for funding autism treatment:

· Pare Down Personal Expenses- Eliminate all unnecessary personal and household expenses. Minimize any expenses that cannot be eliminated. The money you save by eliminating waste and reducing costs can be used to pay for autism treatment.

· Squeeze Every Cent Possible out of Your Health Insurance Plan- Find out which autism treatment costs your health insurance will pay. File timely, thoroughly documented claims for all covered evaluations, treatments, therapies and other expenses.

· Sign-up for a Medical Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)-Allocate the maximum dollar amount your employer will allow that you are certain you will use annually to your medical care FSA. The funds can be used to pay for autism treatment costs directly or to reimburse you for out of pocket treatment costs.

· Apply for SSI- If your child qualifies for SSI, the funds he or she receives could be used to pay a portion of the costs of autism treatment.

· See if You Qualify for Medicaid or Other State-Funded Health Care Programs- Medicaid or other state-funded health care programs could be used to pay for certain autism treatment costs.

· Apply for Financial Assistance from State and Local Human Services Agencies- Some states and municipalities offer direct payments, vouchers and other forms of assistance that could be used to fund autism treatment.

· Apply for Grants- A number of charitable organizations offer grants to help pay the costs of autism treatment.

Trusera Autism Community

2008-09-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

Trusera, an online health network where members can find and share real-world experiences, has an active autism community. Members can use the Trusera Autism Community to ask and answer questions, share stories, write journal entries, check out resources and connect with others whose lives are affected by autism.

Excellent Resources for Parents Raising Children with Autism

2008-09-25T07:15:00.001-05:00

Child-Autism-Parent-Café and its sister site Autism Concepts have excellent resources for families coping with autism. The sites provide a comprehensive collection of lifespan resources for families raising children who have autism. Child-Autism-Parent-Café also provides some information that is specifically for African-Americans who have children with autism.

Autism Foundation of Ingham County Grants

2008-09-24T07:36:00.000-05:00

The Autism Foundation of Ingham County (Michigan) offers grants to local families affected by autism. The grants can be used to pay for doctor and therapy appointments, therapy evaluations, equipment, conferences and respite care. Click on the link to find out how to apply for a grant or to offer support to the Autism Foundation of Ingham County.

Social Networking Community for Moms of Children Who Have Autism

2008-09-19T22:24:00.001-05:00

Moms Fighting Autism is a social networking community for moms of children who have autism. Moms coping with autism can use the site to upload photos, write journals and find friends. Both moms fighting autism and moms fighting intolerance toward people who have autism will find support at Moms Fighting Autism.

Children’s Disabilities Information

2008-09-17T06:57:00.000-05:00

Children’s Disabilities Information has an extensive collection of articles and resources designed to empower parents of children with disabilities and special needs. The site has a number of helpful resources for parents of children who have autism, including articles, book reviews, discussion lists and an annotated list of links to autism resources.

Fathers Autism Guide

2008-09-13T20:28:00.003-05:00

Dictionary for Dads has compiled a Fathers Autism Guide that provides some basic information about autism. Dictionary for Dads provides information and resources to help fathers make informed decisions about raising their children that are based on education, research and practical experience.

Click on the link to learn how you can support the work of Dictionary for Dads Operation Fund.

Use Passive Savings Programs to Fund Autism Treatment

2008-09-13T15:50:00.005-05:00

Passive savings programs are programs that allow you to save money with minimal effort. With passive savings programs, you earn cash rebates, rewards or credits for purchasing items you need or want. Shopping rewards, rebate programs, loyalty programs and affinity programs are types of passive savings programs.

Web sites that offer rebates for making purchases can be excellent passive savings programs.
The best thing about passive savings programs is they are an easy way to save money by doing things you normally do anyway—like shopping online, shopping in retail stores, buying groceries, filling prescriptions, eating out, traveling, and more.

Once your funds are available, you can use them to pay for autism interventions such as ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology or augmentative communication devices. The funds can also be used to pay for a college education as well as other expenses of your choice.

Click on the link to learn how to earn money to fund autism treatment through passive savings programs.

Fathers Network Offers Support to Dads of Children with Disabilities

2008-09-12T18:37:00.001-05:00

The Washington State Fathers Network (FN) is the only regional program in the United States that is devoted solely to supporting fathers of children with developmental disabilities and special health care needs. Although the organization is based in Bellevue, Washington, fathers of children who have special needs worldwide are able to benefit from the Fathers Network through its Web site.

The Fathers Network offers a variety of resources to assist fathers of children who have disabilities and other special needs, including workshops, trainings, news, inspirational stories, newsletters, curricula and an events calendar.

Click here for information on how you can support the work of the Fathers Network.

Develop and Implement an Autism Treatment Plan

2008-09-10T23:51:00.002-05:00

Once you have created an Autism Intervention Action Plan for your child, you can use it to develop and implement an Autism Treatment Plan.

Here’s how:

1. Use what you learned about how autism affects your child to determine which therapies, treatments and interventions you feel would currently be most appropriate and beneficial for your child. Write a rationale for each treatment you are considering to help you clearly communicate your reasons for choosing to pursue each treatment option—based, of course, on your child’s strengths, deficits, behaviors, capabilities and needs—to treatment providers, school personnel, service coordinators and funding sources.

2. Discuss your proposed treatment plan with loved ones and individuals who are knowledgeable about autism interventions that you respect and trust. Discuss the pros and cons of each autism treatment option you are considering. Carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each autism intervention you are thinking about implementing.

3. After you have finalized your basic autism treatment plan, prioritize the autism interventions you intend to implement. Place the therapies, treatments and interventions you believe are most essential for your child at this time at the top of your list.

4. From your own research, recommendations from other parents of children who have autism and referrals from physicians, therapists, consultants and specialists you trust, compile a list of potential service providers.

5. Contact the autism treatment providers you feel will best meet your child’s needs. Arrange to meet with the service providers whose qualifications, treatment approaches, fees and locations meet your requirements without your child present. Arrange for the autism treatment providers whom you would most like to have work with your child to actually meet your child. Make final decisions about which autism intervention professionals to work with after you have observed the prospective service providers interacting with your child.

Funding Autism Treatment with Health Insurance

2008-09-10T19:39:00.001-05:00

Depending on what type of health insurance plan you have (HMO, PPO, POS, etc.), your health insurance may fully or partially cover some or all of the evaluations, therapies, treatments and interventions your child with autism needs. A little investigation on your part will uncover whether and how helpful your health insurance plan will be as a funding source for autism treatment.

Analyze Your Health Insurance Policy

The first thing you need to do is conduct a bit of (health insurance) policy analysis. Read your health insurance handbook and statement of coverage, as well as any other document you can get your hands on that spells out exactly which services related to your child’s autism treatment your insurance will cover. Write down any questions you have and contact your health plan’s member services hotline to address your concerns.

Find out specifically what coverage and benefit limitations your plan has; how much your out-of-pocket costs (such as co-payments and deductibles) will be; whether your health insurance plan offers specific benefits for autism, the maximum number of therapy visits (speech, OT, PT) your plan allows on both annual and lifetime basis; whether your plan limits coverage for specific diagnosis codes; and which, if any, mental health service your health insurance plan covers.

Be sure to ask what procedures you need to follow in order to file a successful claim for covered services. Find out whether you need a referral, a prescription, a letter of medical necessity, support letters from therapists, school personnel, etc.

Inquire about procedures for filing an appeal if your claim is denied. Obtain the address, fax and phone numbers for your health insurance provider’s appeals department.

Keep Thorough Records

Once you’ve found out what is covered and what you need to do in order to file a successful claim, start a documentation file for keeping copies of all paperwork related to your child’s autism treatment. Keep copies of receipts, prescriptions, invoices, explanation of benefits (EOB) forms, letters of medical necessity and support letters from physicians, therapists, teachers, case managers and social workers.

Good recordkeeping practices will help you immensely in terms of managing your claims, appealing claim denials and preparing to file your income taxes.

Determination and Persistence Will Pay Off

Despite the well-publicized difficulties and frustrations some families have encountered while attempting to fund autism treatment through health insurance policies, it is very much worth your effort to find out which autism treatments your insurance will cover and to proactively seek payment of any eligible covered expenses by your health insurance carrier. Your dogged determination and relentless persistence will help you pay for the autism treatments and interventions your child needs in order to thrive.

For additional information and resources regarding funding autism treatment with health insurance, visit Blessed with Autism and Insurance Help for Autism.

Funding Autism Treatment with a Medical Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

2008-09-10T00:25:00.002-05:00

If your employer offers a Medical Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), sign up for them right away! Medical Care Flexible Spending Accounts, also known as Flexible Spending Arrangements, are excellent resources for funding autism treatment.

A Medical Care FSA be used to pay for diagnostic evaluations, co-payments, treatment and therapy fees, therapy equipment, over-the-counter and prescription medications, dietary supplements, medical travel expenses, disabled dependent care expenses, special education and specialized tutoring, among other expenses. For a full list of expenses that can be reimbursed by a Medical Care FSA, consult IRS Publication 502.

Autism treatment expenses that may be eligible (depending on your particular Medical Care FSA) for reimbursement for reimbursement may include ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, dietary supplements, diagnostic evaluations, assistive technology equipment, augmentative communication devices, tuition for therapeutic day schools and travel expenses for treatment in out-of-state facilities. Call the Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040 and check with your Medical Care FSA plan administrator for more information about which autism treatment expenses are reimbursable through your Medical Care FSA.

In addition to reimbursing you for out-of-pocket expenses for autism treatment, FSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that reduce your tax liability by reducing your taxable income. This may make you eligible for certain refundable tax credits.

This is how Medical Care FSAs work. If your employer allows you to place a maximum of $3,000 in a Medical Care FSA and you elect to take advantage of the full amount of the benefit, you will have the $3,000 deducted from your paycheck in equal installments. For example, if you are paid every other week and receive 26 annual paychecks, approximately $115.38 will be deducted from each of your paychecks. The funds will be deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis so your taxable income will be lowered by $115.38 per paycheck and a total of $3,000 for the year. Having a lower annual taxable income could help you qualify for tax credits, such as the earned income tax credit, the child tax credit or the additional child tax credit.

When you incur eligible expenses, you simply complete your particular FSA plan’s reimbursement form and submit it—along with receipts, invoices and any other required documentation— to your plan’s processing department. You may request reimbursement for eligible expenses as soon as you incur them, even if you haven’t yet paid for the service. Reimbursement is usually made promptly via direct deposit or check. Some Medical Care FSA plans provide debit cards that can be used to pay for expenses upfront. For more information, read IRS Publication 969.

Here are some tips for deriving maximum benefit from Medical Care FSAs:

1. Sign up for the maximum Medical Care FSA benefit amount you will actually use. If you do not use your entire benefit amount during your plan year, you will lose the unused portion. Create an itemized estimate of the amount you will spend on eligible medical expenses during the plan year before deciding how much you’d like to place in your Medical Care FSA.

2. Find out what type of documentation you need for each type of claim you will be submitting for reimbursement from your Medical Care FSA. Medical Care FSA plans generally request receipts, explanation of benefits (EOB) statements and itemized statements. To obtain reimbursement for some services, some plans may require prescriptions, letters of medical necessity, confirmations of appointments or other documentation. Be sure to keep copies of all documentation for your records.

3. Request reimbursement promptly after incurring an eligible expense.

4. Use all of the funds in your Medical Care FSA during your plan year.

College Resources for Students with Autism

2008-09-09T06:57:00.001-05:00

College Resources for Students with Autism provides information about college preparation, planning, scholarships, resources, supports and special programs for college students who have autism. The site offers tons of information to help students who have autism prepare for a successful college experience.

Funding Autism Treatment

2008-09-08T23:06:00.006-05:00

Funding Autism Treatment provides strategies and tips for finding financial assistance to pay for autism treatments, therapies, assessments and equipment. The site includes information about grants, financial assistance programs, government benefits, insurance, tax-advantaged accounts and other resources for funding autism treatment. Many of the funding strategies and resources described could be used to help fund treatment of other disabilities, medical conditions or illnesses.

Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity

2008-09-08T23:00:00.002-05:00

Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity provides financial assistance to Ontario residents under age 21 who have either a serious illness or a permanent disability. Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity assists with the costs of respite, developmental therapies, adaptive computer hardware and software, medical treatments that are not covered by government health plans or insurance, recreation that promotes a child’s involvement in the community, and educational programs, materials and instruction. Call (905) 852-1799 to obtain a request for assistance form.

Click here to make a donation to Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity.

Lend A Hand Society Provides Emergency Financial Assistance to People with Disabilities

2008-09-08T22:37:00.002-05:00

The Lend A Hand Society provides emergency assistance grants to people with disabilities in the Greater Boston area. Lend A Hand Society works with nonprofit community organizations to provide financial assistance for rent, utilities, medical supplies and equipment, eyeglasses and other necessities. Call (617) 338-5301 or email Lend A Hand Society for information on how to apply for an emergency financial assistance grant.

Donations may be made by sending a check to:

Lend A Hand Society
89 South Street, Suite 203
Boston, MA 02111

Lenox Baker Special Assistance Fund

2008-09-07T18:41:00.003-05:00

Easter Seals/UCP North Carolina provides one-time financial assistance to individuals with disabilities and their families who are residents of North Carolina or South Carolina through the Lenox Baker Special Assistance Fund. The fund provides assistance with the costs of equipment, medication and medical treatment. For further information contact Susan O’Neal at (800) 868-3787 ext. 119.

Special Needs Learning and Therapy Software at 50% Discount

2008-09-07T18:07:00.001-05:00

EnableMart offers Laureate Learning Systems software at a 50% discount on the retail price for parents of children who have autism and other special needs. Laureate Learning Systems publishes therapy and learning software for children and adults who have autism, language disorders, cognitive delays, developmental disabilities and other special needs. Parents of children who have autism or other special needs should call (888) 640-1999 to receive a discount when ordering Laureate Learning software from EnableMart.

Disaster Assistance for Indiana Residents with Disabilities

2008-09-04T15:59:00.000-05:00

The Arc of Indiana is providing disaster assistance to people with disabilities who have been severely affected by floods and tornadoes this year. You may apply for assistance by contacting a local chapter of The Arc of Indiana, a local agency that provides services to individuals with disabilities, an IMPG case manager, an Area Agency on Aging or a district office of the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services.

Contributions can be made to The Arc of Indiana Disaster Relief Fund by mailing a check to:

The Arc of Indiana
Attention: Disaster Relief Fund
107 N. Pennsylvania Street
Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Resources for Families of People with Disabilities Affected by Natural Disasters

2008-09-03T21:59:00.009-05:00

Here are some helpful resources for families of people who have autism, other disabilities or special needs prepare for and deal with the aftermath of natural disasters:

Stephen M. Shore has published a document about preparing people with autism and their supporters for natural disasters.

The Red Cross has prepared a booklet about disaster preparedness for people with disabilities.

Katrinadisability.info provides a collection of tips and information to prepare people with disabilities, caregivers and first responders to cope with natural disasters and other emergencies.

Family Village has compiled a list of links to hurricane relief resources for people with disabilities.

United Cerebral Palsy lists information, phone numbers and links for disaster relief assistance hotlines and organizations.

Financial Assistance for Families of People with Disabilities Who Have Been Affected by Hurricane Gustav and Other Natural Disasters

2008-09-02T22:59:00.004-05:00

Financial assistance from government and private sources is available to families of people who have autism and other disabilities that have been affected by Hurricane Gustav or other natural disasters.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides financial assistance to families that have been affected by natural disasters. FEMA provides assistance with the costs of temporary housing, home repairs, home replacement and home construction for families that have been displaced by a hurricane or other natural disaster. In addition, FEMA provides financial assistance for other necessary expenses and serious needs caused by a disaster. FEMA also provides crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance, legal services and information about tax breaks for families that have survived a natural disaster.

Click on the links for information about financial assistance available from FEMA or to apply for disaster-related federal financial assistance. Check out FEMA’s helpful list of resources for people who have been affected by specific disasters.

AutismCares provides up to $1,500 in assistance to families that have survived a natural disaster. Mesa Angeles Foundation provides grants and loans to families that have critical financial needs as a result of a natural disaster or other crisis.

Special Needs Network Back to School Inclusion Event

2008-08-23T10:16:00.000-05:00

The Special Needs Network, Inc. is hosting its 3rd Annual Back to School Inclusion Event from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2008, at the Ability First/Harry Mier Center, which is located at 8090 Crenshaw Boulevard in Inglewood, California. The purpose of the inclusion event is to give children who have disabilities an opportunity to interact with their typically developing peers in a social setting.

The event will feature activities for the entire family, including free dental and vision screenings, games, therapeutic music, dance and yoga, singing, sport circles, arts and crafts, sensory activities and a resource fair. There will also be giveaways of school supplies, backpacks and prizes. For more information, email events@specialneedsnetwork.net or call (323) 295-8358.

Elsie S. Bellows Fund Assistive Technology Grants

2008-08-22T00:28:00.001-05:00

The Elsie S. Bellows Fund provides funding for United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) affiliates to purchase assistive technology devices for people who have disabilities. United Cerebral Palsy affiliates submit Bellows Fund applications to the UCP national office on behalf of disabled individuals. Bellows Fund grants can be used to purchase a variety of assistive technology products, including augmentative communication devices, environmental controls and computer equipment.

For information on how to apply for assistance from the Bellows Fund, contact your local UCP affiliate or Jack Schillinger.

Carolina Children’s Charity Grants for Children with Special Needs

2008-08-21T11:20:00.000-05:00

Carolina Children’s Charity awards grants to children residing in the Lowcountry area of South Carolina who have a disability that is the result of a birth defect or disease. The grants can be used to pay for special equipment, medication, medical evaluation or testing, specialized summer camps and other similar expenses. Applications for Carolina Children’s Charity grants are accepted and reviewed throughout the year.

Click on the link to make a donation to Carolina Children’s Charity.

CafeMom is a Great Resource for Moms of Children Who Have Autism and Other Special Needs

2008-08-19T01:13:00.005-05:00

Meet other moms with similar challenges and interests. Check out CafeMom today! CafeMom is a wonderful resource for moms of children who have autism and other disabilities. CafeMom is a community that offers moms of children with and without special needs an opportunity to meet, connect and share with other moms who have similar experiences and challenges. I am especially impressed by CafeMom's many vibrant, active and supportive groups for moms of children who have autism, as well as other disabilities and special needs.