Federal & National Resources

Tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses — therapy, housing, education, assistive tech — without jeopardizing SSI or Medicaid. Disability onset before age 26 (expanded to 46 in some states as of late 2025). 40+ state programs.

Monthly income support. Children with autism displaying marked and severe functional limitations may qualify for SSI; adults disabled before age 22 may collect SSDI on a parent's work record.

Quarterly grants of $100–$5,000 covering ABA therapy, speech/OT, assistive tech, safety equipment, service dogs, and summer camps. Over $1.85 million awarded to 1,562+ families since 2005. Priority: families under $100K income. Includes military families fund.

Medical grants up to $5,000/year (lifetime max $10,000) for services not fully covered by insurance. Covers therapy, prescriptions, and equipment. UHC membership NOT required.

Pediatric medical grants for uninsured/underinsured children — clinical care, therapies, evaluations, assistive tech, and travel costs. Household income ≤$65,000 for one child.

Autism Cares Grants (up to $500 for urgent need), family services grants, and a Special Needs Financial Planning Tool Kit.

Three $3,000 scholarships for autistic students in post-secondary education, including the Schwallie Family Scholarship and Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color. 690+ students funded since 2007.

Give a Voice Grant for communication devices for non-verbal individuals; Big Red Safety Box for elopement/wandering prevention. Both programs are free.

Catalog of all federal discretionary grant opportunities. Search autism-related grants from HHS, Dept. of Education, and other agencies.

Nation's oldest grassroots autism organization (founded 1965) with 70+ local affiliates. Operates the Autism Source National Helpline connecting families to local resources.

World's largest autism advocacy org. Autism Response Team, Tool Kits (100 Day Kit, IEP Guide, Transition Guide), comprehensive Resource Guide/provider directory, and insurance advocacy in all 50 states.

Largest national community-based organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Nearly 600 state and local chapters.

Grassroots disability rights organization run by and for autistic people. Toolkits, policy briefs, and the Autism Campus Inclusion program.

Only autism org focused solely on applied research. Free evidence-based resources, scholarships, the Hire Autism employment platform, and educator grants.

Parent education through 41+ chapters nationwide, parent mentoring, national conferences, and webinars.

Funds autism research; evidence-based information, podcasts, and Day of Learning events.

Neurodiversity-affirming services, support groups, social programs, and grants ($50–$500 via Daniel Braun Memorial Scholarship Fund).

5 million+ athletes globally in 30+ sports. Unified Sports (athletes with and without disabilities) and Young Athletes program starting at age 2.

One-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development in all 50 states — middle school through adulthood.

Recreation, camps, respite care, and community integration programs nationwide including specialized summer camps.

Tennis clinics developing motor skills, coordination, and socialization in multiple states.

Community-based recreational soccer for children with disabilities through local AYSO and US Youth Soccer chapters.

Cruise vacation services with specialized respite care and private activity sessions in collaboration with Royal Caribbean.

Training and information for families of children with disabilities through 20+ projects, individual assistance, workshops, and the National Bullying Prevention Center.

Leading national resource for special education law and advocacy — fact sheets, case law, and regulations on IEPs, IDEA, and Section 504.

Federally funded hub for nearly 100 Parent Training and Information Centers. Webinars, articles, and training on IEPs, IDEA, early intervention, and transition.

Part C covers early intervention (birth–age 3); Part B covers special education (ages 3–21).

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates helps families find legal representation for special education disputes and IEP advocacy.

Only national organization dedicated solely to respite care. National Respite Locator with 4,000+ providers and the Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance Center.

Federal grants to states supporting community-based respite. Reauthorized February 2026 for five years with $11 million in annual funding, now reaching 38 states.

Covers ABA therapy in all 50 states. Under EPSDT, Medicaid must provide medically necessary services to eligible children under 21 including ABA, speech, and OT.

Requires health plans to cover mental health (including ABA) no more restrictively than medical/surgical coverage. Applies to Medicaid managed care, CHIP, employer-sponsored, and individual market plans.

All 50 states now have some form of autism service coverage mandate. Mandates vary by age limits, spending caps, and plan types. NCSL maintains a comprehensive state-by-state guide.

Helps families understand coverage, determine fully insured vs. self-funded plan status, and appeal denied claims.