Living with autism, whether for an individual or a family member, can present significant financial and logistical challenges. Fortunately, a variety of organizations and programs across the United States offer free resources, financial assistance, and specialized services to help alleviate this burden. These resources range from direct financial grants and medical support to adaptive equipment, safety tools, and educational programs. This article compiles information on available freebies and support systems for autistic individuals and their families, based on data from verified public resources.
Financial Assistance Programs
Several organizations provide financial aid to help cover the costs associated with autism care, which can include therapy, medical evaluations, and daily living expenses.
Autism Care Today administers several helpful programs, including an SOS Grant program for applicants who may be in physical jeopardy if help is not found immediately. As of April 2019, the program has been temporarily suspended. Applicants are advised to check the organization’s website for updates regarding when funding will resume.
The C.A.R.E. Foundation offers assistance for families who need help with medication, autism diagnosis/evaluation, therapy sessions, or autism summer camps. To be eligible, applicants must have a child diagnosed with autism and earn less than $75,000 annually. This program is available to anyone in the US.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly government payment through Social Security designed to support people who are aged (65 and older), blind, or disabled. Individuals with autism may be eligible to receive SSI to help support them financially.
ABLEnow accounts are non-taxable saving accounts that help individuals with disabilities save money to pay for qualified expenses. These accounts are structured so that earnings are not taxed, and in most cases, they do not affect eligibility for certain means-tested benefit programs.
UHCCF (UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation) grants are designed to help fill the gap between what medical services or items a child needs and what their commercial health benefit plan will pay for. These grants provide financial assistance for families with children who have medical needs not fully covered by their insurance plan.
Medical and Therapeutic Support
Access to medical care and therapeutic services is crucial. Several programs exist to provide these services at no cost or reduced cost.
Free genetic testing with SPARK is available through the largest genetic study of autism ever conducted. Participants receive a free saliva kit, which they mail back for analysis. The program will email participants if any findings are discovered.
Elks Therapy is available in Washington and Florida. Children with an Occupational or Physical Therapy prescription for treatment may be able to receive free in-home therapy through the Elks organization. No affiliation, membership, or association with the Elks is required. Interested families should contact their local chapter for availability.
Special Kids Therapy in Ohio offers a scholarship program for families with a special needs child. This agency helps families obtain non-traditional therapies and activities that are not covered by insurance.
Zane’s Foundation provides financial assistance for therapy to families in Northeast Ohio. Applicants can apply once per calendar year for their Family Support Fund Initiative.
Adaptive Equipment and Supplies
Specialized equipment can be expensive, but several organizations provide these items for free or at a reduced cost.
Ben’s Blankets is a nonprofit volunteer effort that provides high-quality weighted blankets for the cost of materials, or free if you qualify for a scholarship. Each blanket is custom-made and includes an embroidered name. To receive a blanket, you must obtain a registration code and complete an application through the Ben’s Blankets website.
Danny’s Wish iPads for Autism provides free iPads for nonverbal children with autism. This service has provided thousands of iPads to children around the country.
Weighted Comfort for Kids is a volunteer group that sews 45 blankets each month for the cost of materials. Families may receive one blanket and one lap pad per child. To receive any items, you must fill out an application and provide proof of an ASD/SPD diagnosis. There is a fee of $15 per lap pad and/or $20 per blanket. The application period begins on the 1st of each month.
Free diapers with autism diagnosis are available for children over the age of 3 who also experience incontinence. To apply, you will need a prescription from their healthcare provider for pediatric incontinence products and a signed letter of medical necessity. This letter must explain why the products are needed, include a list of the medical supplies, and specify the monthly quantity. The letter must be signed within the last year.
The Big Red Safety Box is a free-of-charge toolkit given to autism families in need. It is designed to educate, raise awareness, and provide simple tools to assist in preventing and responding to wandering-related emergencies. The toolkit includes a sample IEP Letter, a Student Profile Form, Emotion Identification Cards, Wandering Quick Tips, two GE Wireless Door/Window Alarms with batteries, one RoadID Bracelet or Shoe ID tag, five Adhesive Stop Sign Visual Prompts for doors and windows, two Safety Alert Window Clings for car or home windows, and one Child ID Kit from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Wish-Granting and Special Programs
Several organizations focus on granting wishes or providing unique experiences to improve the quality of life for autistic children.
Sunshine Foundation is a wish-granting organization that serves children with low-functioning autism and other severe developmental delays or illnesses. Applicants must meet specific income qualifications and other criteria to receive a wish.
AutismWish is dedicated to granting wishes to children on the spectrum and providing parent resources. Interested families can fill out an application on their website.
Wings for Autism offers help for autistic children by providing free airport “rehearsals.” During these rehearsals, families practice entering the airport, obtaining a boarding pass, going through security, and boarding a plane in a stress-reduced environment. This program helps children adapt to and experience air travel with less anxiety.
McLindon Family Foundation provides adaptive bikes to children who need them. Interested families can fill out an application form.
Transportation Assistance
Travel, especially for medical appointments, can be costly and difficult to arrange.
Air Care Alliance (Angel Flight) provides free air travel for those with legitimate medical needs, such as long-distance appointments.
Access to Public Resources
Free lifetime pass to national parks is available through the Access Pass. This pass is a free, lifetime benefit for United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, who have a permanent disability. Autism qualifies an individual for this pass, granting free access to national parks.
Community and Event Resources
Staying connected and finding local support is made easier through community-focused resources.
Free Autism Event Calendar is available online. It lists autism-related events across the country, including camps, fairs, and sensory-friendly events, helping families find activities in their area.
Conclusion
A wide array of free resources and support programs exists for autistic individuals and their families across the United States. From direct financial assistance and medical grants to free adaptive equipment, safety toolkits, and special experiences, these programs aim to reduce the financial strain and improve daily life. Eligibility requirements vary significantly by program, often depending on income, diagnosis, age, and geographic location. Interested individuals should carefully review the specific qualifications for each resource and consult the provided application links and official websites for the most current information and application procedures.