Financial Assistance for Autism Every Family Should Know

Raising a child with autism can be rewarding, but it can also put a strain on your finances. Many families face challenges in covering therapy and medical bills.

• 28% of families with autistic children experience significant financial difficulties due to autism care.
• Between 6% and 10% have had to file for bankruptcy because of these expenses.
• Nearly half of families with autistic teens struggle to afford necessary items, and many skip medical care because of the high costs.

Financial assistance is available through government programs, grants, and charities to help ease these burdens.

Key Takeaways

• Many families with autistic children have money problems. They can get help from government programs, grants, and charities.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and SSDI give different money help. The help depends on your income and if you qualify.
• State programs and insurance plans are not the same everywhere. Check your local resources and insurance to get the most help for therapies like ABA.
• Grants and nonprofits give extra money for therapy, equipment, respite care, and summer camps. Apply early and keep your papers ready to help your chances.
• Crowdfunding can help raise money for autism costs. It works best if you have a good support group and share clear, personal stories.
• Housing, utility, and transportation help programs keep families safe at home. They also help families get the services they need.
• Respite care gives important breaks for caregivers. You can get it through Medicaid waivers, state programs, nonprofits, schools, and insurance.
• Technology grants and scholarships help pay for communication devices and education. This makes life better and less expensive for autistic children.

1. Government Support

Government programs give different types of Financial Assistance to families with autistic children. You can get help from these main choices:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SSI

SSI sends money every month to families with disabled children, including autism. This money helps pay for things like food, clothes, and a place to live.

Eligibility

To get SSI, your child must meet health and money rules:

1. Your child needs medical papers showing:
   • Trouble with social interaction
   • Issues with talking or using gestures
   • Repetitive actions or interests
2. Your child must have:
   • A big problem in one mental area, or
   • Noticeable problems in two areas, like learning, talking to people, paying attention, or self-control
3. Your family must have income and resources under SSA limits. These limits change based on family size and money.

Collect medical records, school papers, and income proof early. This helps make things easier.

Application

You can apply for SSI by:

• Filling out the Child Disability Report online or at the SSA office
• Giving medical and school records
• Going to a disability interview if asked

The SSA looks at your application and may take three to five months to answer. If you do not get approved, you can ask them to check again.

Monthly Payment Amounts:

• Most families get $650 to $794 each month for a child with autism.
• The amount depends on your income, state help, and living situation.
• Some states give extra money, from $10 to over $200 each month.

Medicaid

Medicaid gives health coverage to children with autism in families with low income. Medicaid pays for doctor visits, therapies, and treatments.

Services

Medicaid pays for:

• Behavioral treatments like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Speech, occupational, and physical therapy
• Respite care and help for caregivers
• Personal care and case management
• Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) services

Many families use Medicaid for therapies that private insurance does not pay for.

Waivers

Some states have Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. These waivers give extra help to children with autism, such as:

• More therapies
• Assistive technology
• Rides to appointments
• Job help for older children

To get waivers, your child must have the right diagnosis and need help with daily life. Some states let families with higher incomes get waivers. Wait times for waivers can be long, sometimes two to four years. While you wait, you may still get basic Medicaid help.

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps you buy food if your family meets income rules. SNAP gives you money each month on an EBT card to use at grocery stores. This program helps pay for food, especially if your child needs special diets.

Many families can get more than one kind of Financial Assistance. You can apply for SSI, Medicaid, and SNAP at the same time.

TANF

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) gives short-term help to families with low income. TANF is a federal program. It helps parents take care of their children at home. You might get monthly cash, child care help, or job training.

TANF is not just for autism, but families with autistic children can still get it if they meet the income rules. Each state runs its own TANF program.

The amount of money and rules are different in every state. Some states give extra help, like rides or emergency money. TANF wants to help you find a job and keep your family safe.

Ask your local social services office about TANF. They can tell you what help you can get and how to apply.

SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) helps if a parent has worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSDI does not look at your current income.

If you have a child with autism, you may get SSDI if you or your spouse have enough work credits. To get SSDI for a child with autism, you must show your child has trouble talking, understanding, and making friends. Your child also needs to show repetitive actions or interests.

Your child must have big limits in learning, social skills, or handling feelings. You need medical and school records to prove these problems.

Children under 18 usually get SSI, but SSDI can help if a parent gets disability benefits. When your child turns 18, SSDI can help based on their own disability.

Keep all medical and school records. These papers help when you apply for SSDI or SSI.

State Programs

Many states give extra Financial Assistance for autism costs. States like Ohio, California, and Massachusetts have strong support. These states make insurance companies pay for treatments like ABA therapy, speech, occupational, and physical therapies.

Here are some ways state programs help: Most states have laws that cover autism treatments. Some states, like Illinois, give early help and child care. CHIP pays for therapy and medicine if you cannot get Medicaid.

Medicaid waivers give more therapy, respite care, and support. Private grants and nonprofits give more help for therapy, equipment, and daily needs.

States like Mississippi and Alabama have less help, so you may need to look for national programs or charities. Always check your state’s website for the newest programs and rules.

Use local advocacy groups and social services to find and apply for state programs. They can help you with the process and answer your questions.

2. Financial Assistance Programs

Families can get extra help from grants, charities, and nonprofits. These programs pay for therapy, equipment, and daily needs. Here are some choices you should know about:

National Grants

You can apply for big national grants for families with autistic children. These grants help pay for therapy, school, and living costs.

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks gives Family Services Grants. You can use these grants for therapy, technology, or respite care. They also give toolkits and resources for more support. You need to show proof of diagnosis and financial need to apply.

MyGOAL

MyGOAL gives 25 grants each year in the United States. Each grant is $1,000 and given once a year. You can use this grant for therapy, medical bills, or special equipment. MyGOAL helps families who have trouble paying for autism care.

Autism Care Today

Autism Care Today helps families pay for therapy, treatments, and safety equipment. You can get grants up to $5,000. The program helps children who need ABA therapy, speech therapy, or special devices. Autism Care Today looks at your application and asks for proof of diagnosis and financial need.

Local Charities

Local charities help families in your area. They work with schools and community centers. You can get help with therapy costs and communication devices. You can also join community events. Many charities give educational resources and support groups.

Local charities know about resources for your community. Ask them for information about Financial Assistance and events.

Nonprofits

Nonprofits give many kinds of help to families. You can get grants for therapy, technology, and respite care.

Some nonprofits, like the Organization for Autism Research, give scholarships to students with autism. Local autism chapters and centers offer counseling and help you find resources.

• Most nonprofits ask for:
• Proof of autism diagnosis
• Proof of financial need
• Personal identification
• A statement about your needs

Each program has its own rules, like age or where you live. Always check the nonprofit’s website for deadlines and forms.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding gives you a way to raise money for autism-related expenses by asking for help online. Many families use crowdfunding to pay for therapy, medical bills, special equipment, or even travel for treatment. You can create a campaign on popular platforms and share your story with friends, family, and the public.

Popular Crowdfunding Platforms:

• GoFundMe
• GiveSendGo
• Fundly
• YouCaring (now part of GoFundMe)
• Facebook Fundraisers

How to Start a Crowdfunding Campaign:

1. Choose a platform that fits your needs.
2. Write a clear and honest story about your child and your family’s needs.
3. Add photos or videos to help people connect with your story.
4. Set a realistic fundraising goal.
5. Share your campaign on social media, by email, and with local groups.
6. Thank your donors and give updates on your progress.

Use simple language and focus on your child’s needs. People respond to stories that feel personal and real.

What Can You Fund with Crowdfunding?

• ABA, speech, or occupational therapy
• Communication devices or tablets
• Home safety equipment
• Travel for medical appointments
• Respite care for parents

Success Rates and Challenges: Crowdfunding can help, but not every campaign reaches its goal. Medical campaigns have a success rate of about 65%.

Campaigns for autism and other psychiatric conditions often do not do as well. These campaigns are less likely to reach their goals.

Some people think this happens because of stigma or a lack of understanding about autism. You may need to work harder to share your story and explain your needs.

Tips for Better Results:

• Ask friends and family to share your campaign.
• Join autism support groups online and ask for advice.
• Update your campaign often with news and photos.
• Be honest about how you will use the money.

Crowdfunding works best when you have a strong network. If you do not reach your goal, you can still use the money you raise for your child’s needs.

Crowdfunding is not a sure thing, but it gives you another way to find help. Many families use it along with grants, charities, and government programs.

3. Medical and Therapy Costs

Insurance

1. Check Your Insurance Plan
   Most insurance plans in the U.S. pay for autism therapy. Federal rules say insurance must cover therapies like ABA. Over 200 million people have insurance that pays for ABA therapy. Fully insured plans follow state laws and usually pay for ABA. Self-funded plans from big employers may or may not pay for ABA. About 45% of these plans include ABA. Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in most states for kids under 21. Big insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, and Aetna often pay for ABA therapy. The details can change by state and plan. All states have some insurance rule for autism therapy. Coverage limits and who can get help are different in each state. Always look at your plan for details and things it does not pay for.
2. Understand Out-of-Pocket Costs
   Even with insurance, you might pay some costs yourself. Without insurance, ABA therapy costs a lot. The average cost is about $120 for one hour. If your child gets 10 hours each week, you could pay $62,400 a year. If your child gets 40 hours each week, it can cost $249,600 a year.

Ask your insurance company for a list of autism services they pay for. Find out what you must pay.

Therapy Aid

3. Apply for Therapy Grants
   Many families need help to pay for therapy. You can find grants for ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. Some grants have age limits or only pay a certain amount each year. MyGOAL gives up to $1,000 for therapy or equipment. Autism Care Today gives up to $5,000 for therapy, safety equipment, or devices. United Healthcare Children’s Foundation gives up to $5,000 for therapy and medical costs. Anchor of Hope Foundation gives Financial Assistance for therapy, education, and equipment not paid by insurance. Friends of Man gives grants for therapy and equipment. You must apply through a sponsor.

Each grant has its own rules. You may need to show proof of diagnosis, financial need, or a doctor’s note.

4. Look for Local and State Programs
   Some states and local groups give extra help for therapy costs. Medicaid waivers can pay for more therapy or special services. Local charities and nonprofits may help with therapy bills.

Copay Help

5. Get Help with Copays and Deductibles
   Copays and deductibles can add up fast, even with insurance. Some groups help families pay these costs:

You can use FSAs or HSAs to save pre-tax money for copays and therapy costs.

Ask your therapy provider if they know about local programs or sliding-scale fees for families who need help.

Prescription Support

Paying for prescriptions and therapies can be hard. There are ways to get help with these costs. Here are some options for support:

1. State-Based Early Intervention Programs (Ages 0-3)
   • Every state has early help for young kids with delays. These programs help with talking, moving, thinking, and feelings. You can get therapy and sometimes help with prescriptions. Your doctor can check your child and send you to these services.
2. School-Based Intervention (Ages 3-22)
   • Public schools give special help for kids with autism. If your child qualifies, the school makes a plan called an IEP or 504 plan. These plans may include therapy and help with medicine. School staff can help you ask for tests and watch your child’s progress.
3. Clinical Therapies
   • Some kids need therapy outside of school. This includes speech, occupational, and physical therapy, plus ABA. Some clinics help you find programs that pay for therapy and prescriptions. Your doctor can send you to these services and help set goals.
4. Counseling and Behavioral Support
   • Counseling helps kids and families with stress and behavior problems. Some programs help kids who hurt themselves or act out. Therapists may suggest speech therapy, behavioral therapy, or tools like picture cards. These supports can help lower the need for some medicines.
5. Prescription Assistance Programs
   • Many drug companies have programs to make medicine cheaper. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about these options. Some nonprofits and state groups also help pay for prescriptions. You can apply if you meet their rules.

Here is a table that shows main types of support for prescriptions and therapies:

Always ask your doctor, school, or therapist about programs that help with prescription costs. Many families do not know about these resources until they ask.

You can also look for local nonprofits or advocacy groups. They often know about special programs near you. Some groups help pay for devices or equipment that need a prescription.

Prescription support programs can help your family a lot. You do not have to pay for everything alone. Ask your care team and local groups to find help.

4. Daily Living and Housing

Housing Aid

It can be hard to find safe and cheap housing for families with autistic children. There are programs that help pay for housing or find a good place to live. Here are some choices you can try:

You can also look for group homes or supported living in your state. These places help with daily life and teach your child to be more independent. Many states have waiting lists. Apply early and ask local groups for help.

Call your local housing office or disability services to learn about programs near you. They can help you apply and find the best choice.

Utilities

Paying for things like heat, water, and electricity can be tough when you have extra medical bills. Utility help programs can keep your home safe and warm. Here are ways to get help:

• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Gives money to help pay for heating and cooling.
• Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program: Gives cheaper fuel for families who need help with heat.
• $1 Energy Fund: Gives emergency money for utility bills.
• LIURP (Low Income Usage Reduction Program): Teaches families how to save energy and lower bills.
• ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative): Connects families in Pennsylvania to utility help for autistic people.

These programs help you keep your lights and heat on. Many utility companies have payment plans, longer time to pay, and phone bill discounts. This help is important for families who need a safe home for their children.

Ask your utility company if they have special help for families with disabilities or medical needs. You might get extra help in emergencies.

Transportation

Getting to therapy, school, or doctor visits can be hard without good transportation. There are ways to get help with rides:

Many cities teach people how to use buses and trains. These programs show you how to read bus times, plan trips, and pay for rides. Some drivers learn how to help autistic riders, so trips are safer and easier.

Ask your school, disability office, or autism group about ride programs near you. They can help you find the best way for your family to get around.

Respite Care

Taking care of a child with autism can be tiring. You might feel stressed or very tired. Respite care gives you a break from daily care. It lets you rest or do other things while someone else watches your child.

What is Respite Care?
Respite care is short-term help for families. A trained helper stays with your child for a few hours or days. You can use this time to run errands, go to work, or relax. Respite care can happen at your home, in a center, or at a camp.

Why Does Respite Care Matter?
You need time to relax and care for yourself. Respite care helps lower stress and stops burnout. Your child also gets to meet new people and learn new things in a safe place.

Ways to Get Respite Care Funding
Here are some ways you can pay for respite care:

1. Medicaid Waivers
   • Many states have Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waivers.
   • These waivers pay for respite care for children with autism.
   • You must apply at your state’s Medicaid office. Waitlists can be long, so apply early.
2. State Disability Programs
   • Some states have programs that pay for respite care.
   • You can call your local Department of Developmental Disabilities or Health and Human Services.
   • Staff will help you with the application.
3. Local Nonprofits and Charities
   • Many nonprofits give grants for respite care.
   • Groups like Easterseals, United Cerebral Palsy, and The Arc can help.
   • You may need to show proof of diagnosis and money needs.
4. School and Community Programs
   • Some schools and community centers offer free or cheap respite care.
   • Ask your child’s school counselor or local autism group for help.
5. Private Insurance
   • Some insurance plans pay for respite care.
   • Call your insurance company to see if your plan covers it.

Table: Respite Care Funding Sources

Tip: Keep papers about your child’s diagnosis and care needs. These help when you ask for respite care funding.

Eligibility and Application Tips
Most programs want proof of autism diagnosis. You may need to show your income or money needs. Apply early because some programs have waitlists. If you need help, ask a social worker or case manager.

Respite care gives you time to rest and helps your family stay strong. You do not have to do everything by yourself. Many programs are here to help you.

5. Special Needs Support

Technology Grants

There are many technology grants for autistic children. These programs give devices like iPads or speech tools. Devices help children talk and learn better.

• The iPads for Kids Program gives free iPads to nonverbal autistic children. This program lets your child use apps for talking and learning. In 2025, the program will give 50 iPads each month. They use a lottery to pick winners. You can apply every month. Each child can get one iPad every three years. Your application must be complete. If it is not, they will not accept it.
• Many experts say iPads are great for children who cannot speak. Insurance and Medicaid sometimes pay for these devices. They help with long-term communication.
• Other groups also give grants for communication devices. Some examples are Apraxia Kids, Autism Care Today, Danny’s Wish, iTaalk Autism Foundation, National Autism Association, and Small Steps in Speech.

These grants help you get technology for your child. Most programs want proof of diagnosis and financial need.

Tip: Apply early and check each program’s website for deadlines and rules.

Scholarships

There are many scholarships for autistic children. Scholarships help pay for school, therapy, and special programs.

• Autism Speaks has a list of scholarships and grants for autistic students. You can find help with applications and tips for success.
• Scholarships.com has over 200 autism scholarships in 2025. You can search for awards that fit your child’s needs.
• Local autism groups give scholarships for community programs or therapy.
• College financial aid offices help you find autism scholarships and fill out forms.
• Experts say use many sources, like grants and FAFSA, to lower student debt.
• Some awards, like CollegeXpress’s $10,000 prize, show big support is possible.

Use online tools and local groups together to find the most scholarship options.

Summer Camps

Summer camps help your child learn, play, and make friends. Many programs give Financial Assistance for camp fees.

• Autism Care Today’s Quarterly Assistance Program helps pay for summer camps. You need proof of diagnosis and financial need.
• MyGOAL Autism Grant Program gives grants for children under 18. You can use these for summer camps, therapy, or other enrichment.
• United Healthcare Children’s Foundation helps with medical needs not covered by insurance. This can include camp costs.

Most summer camp grants need:

• Proof of autism diagnosis
• Income limits
• Age restrictions (often under 18)
• Living in the United States

Gather all needed documents before you apply. This makes the process faster and easier.

Family Grants

Family grants give extra help to families with autistic children. These grants pay for things that insurance does not cover. You can use family grants for therapy, equipment, or special activities. Here are some family grants you should know:

• CARE Family Grant
  The CARE Family Grant helps pay for autism expenses. You can use this grant for:
  • Diagnostic evaluations
  • Medications
  • ABA, speech, or occupational therapies
  • Assistive technologies and communication devices
  • Safety equipment for your home
  • Social skills groups
  • Specialized summer camps

  This grant makes it easier to get services your child needs. The CARE Family Grant sends money straight to service providers. This helps your child quickly.

  To get this grant, your child must have an autism diagnosis. Your family income must be less than $75,000 a year. You can apply any time. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks to review your application. You can use this grant with other programs. This helps you pay for more things.

  Keep your paperwork ready. You need your child’s diagnosis and proof of income. These papers make applying easier.

• Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund
  This fund helps families with children who have long-term illnesses or disabilities, including autism. You can get help with:
  • Medical bills
  • Therapy costs
  • Transportation for medical appointments
  • Home modifications

  You need a referral from a social worker or doctor to apply. The fund looks at each case and gives grants based on need.

• United Healthcare Children’s Foundation Grant
  This grant pays for medical services or equipment not covered by insurance. You can get up to $5,000 each year. The most you can get is $10,000 for each child. The grant pays for therapy, medical devices, and travel for treatment. You must have private insurance and meet income rules.
• Small Steps in Speech Family Grants
  This program gives grants for speech therapy and communication devices. Children ages 3 to 22 can apply. You need proof of diagnosis and a letter from a speech therapist.

Family grants help you care for your child. They make paying for care less stressful. You can use these grants with other programs for more help.

• Look at all choices for Financial Assistance.
• Talk to groups and organizations in your area.
• Ask case managers for help and tips.
• Keep trying. You might find support that fits your family.

Save this guide or show it to friends. Check the resources often to see new updates and programs.

FAQ

What documents do you need to apply for autism financial assistance?

You must show proof of autism diagnosis, income, and ID. Some programs want school records or a doctor’s note. Always read the instructions for each program before you apply.

Can you get help if your income is above the poverty line?

Yes, some grants and state programs help with high medical bills. You can get help even if your income is not low. Check each program’s rules before you apply.

How long does it take to get approved for assistance?

Approval times are different for each program. SSI and Medicaid can take three to five months. Grants and nonprofits usually answer in six to eight weeks. Apply early and keep copies of your papers.

Do insurance plans always cover autism therapies?

No, insurance coverage depends on your plan and state laws. Many plans pay for ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. Call your insurance company to ask what they cover and any limits.

Where can you find local resources for autism support?

You can talk to local autism groups, social services, or school counselors. Many towns have support groups and nonprofits that help families. Ask your doctor or therapist for ideas.

Can you combine different types of financial assistance?

Yes, you can use government benefits, grants, and insurance together. Many families use more than one program to pay for therapy, medical bills, and daily needs. Always check the rules for each program.

What should you do if your application gets denied?

Read the denial letter to see why you were denied. You can appeal or try again with more information. Ask a case manager or social worker for help. Many families get help after trying again.