What you can ask for:

You may apply to use the money for anything that directly improves your life (for an Autistic adult) or your Autistic child’s life (for parents of Autistic children).

Examples of possible uses of grant money:

• Therapeutic services, including educational and neuropsychological evaluations, occupational therapy, physical therapy, sensory integration therapy, social skills groups, and speech therapy.
• Respite care and health-related expenses not covered by insurance, e.g. vision and dental care.
• Social and recreational activities, e.g. art classes, camp tuition, horseback-riding lessons, music classes and instruments, skating lessons, swimming lessons, and YMCA membership, as well as one-to-one aides to help access activities
• Programs and equipment, e.g. adapted bicycles, books, computers, games, puzzles, sports equipment, and videos.

To qualify for the grant, applicants must:

• Be an Autistic adult with a documented diagnosis or have an Autistic child with a documented diagnosis
• Live in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, or Connecticut
• Plan to use the grant in a manner that directly improves the life of the Autistic individual
• Request an amount up to $500
• Have an income within 200% of the federal poverty line:
  • Family of 1: $31,300
  • Family of 2: $42,300
  • Family of 3: $53,300
  • Family of 4: $64,300
  • Family of 5: $75,300
  • Family of 6: $86,300

To qualify for the grant, applicants must submit: 

• The application form below
  
• One of the following financial documents:
  • The first page of the most current completed tax return. (Please block out SSN and DOB information)
  • Unemployment income documentation
  • SSI payments documentation
  • Other State benefit documentation such as Transitional Assistance
• One of the following diagnostic documents:
  • Neuropsychological or psycho-educational testing report
  • Individualized Education Plan
  • 504 Plan
  • A signed letter stating that the individual has an autism spectrum diagnosis. The letter will need to be provided and signed by a provider.

Please send the documentation requested above to [email protected].