Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Lori Pace
Scholarships for college are often very competitive and reliant on metrics like SAT scores and GPAs. As a result, this can be a barrier to autistic students seeking scholarships to support their higher education aspirations.
The Disabilities Education Act, which addressed accessibility issues, was amended and revised in 2004 to improve access for students with disabilities at colleges and universities throughout the United States. Nowadays, College Grants and Scholarships for students with autism are possible from a variety of sources.
Apply for College Scholarships for Autistic Students – Don’t Wait!
It is expensive to attend post-secondary education. The financial burden increases if a child is with autism spectrum disorder. That’s why there are special needs and medical bills that must be addressed in addition to education. Families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can apply for grants to help them continue their education.
Although it may seem like a lot of work to apply for grants and search for them, it is well worth it. According to the Federal Student Aid, students should begin looking for grants in their junior year of high school. Each grant is different and has its own deadlines. Some grant applications require submissions one year prior to the start of college.
8 College Grants for Autistic Students
Students with autism face many challenges when they move from high school to college. Similarly, young adults with autism spectrum disorder must learn unique skills to navigate a new social environment. They also need to work hard to accommodate their learning style.
Students with autism were denied access to education until the middle of the 20th century. However, there have been many educational opportunities and financial aid programs that have helped students with autism since then.
Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism
Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism‘s goal is to support all people with autism. The foundation provides education grants and awareness to families with autism. Besides, some funding is provided to schools. Other assistance goes directly to college students, paying tuition fees and other educational expenses.
Eden Services Charles H. Hoens, Jr. Scholars Program
Eden offers a lifetime of support for people with autism. So, it’s a valuable resource for autism education and training. This group provides funding through programs such as the Charles H. Hoens, Jr. Scholars Program. Each year grants of $1000 are given to applicants with autism who have been approved to go to a post-secondary college or trade school. For more information, you can visit the Autism Society page.
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Scholarship Program for Autistic Students
OAR is a scholarship program administered by the Organization for Autism Research. It awards over 30 scholarships each year. Therefore, any student with Autism Spectrum Disorder who is enrolled full-time at a US post-secondary institution can apply for the scholarship.
The Schwallie Family Scholarship goes to students diagnosed with autism for higher functioning. The Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship goes to students diagnosed with severe autism.
MyGOAL Family and Enrichment Grants
MyGOAL is an advocacy group for ASD. It provides an Enrichment Grant for families of individuals with ASD. This grant is for individuals with special needs who are pursuing education in programs specifically designed for them.
National Center for Learning Disabilities Awards
The National Center for Learning Disabilities awards offers annual scholarships and awards up to $10,000. This award celebrates the work and achievements of those students and leaders working to improve the lives of people with learning and attention issues.
The Autism Society of America
The Autism Society of America offers college student awards. However, only three individuals with autism are eligible to receive $1,000 from the CVS/All Kids Can program.
KFM Making a Difference for Autism Scholarship
KFM Making A Difference is an organization focused on spreading disability awareness and giving scholarships for students with autism to pursue post-secondary education. The winning applicant will receive a $500 dollar scholarship.
Autism Delaware Scholarships
Each year, Autism Delaware funds scholarship opportunities:
• The Daniel and Lois Gray Memorial Scholarship, for students at the University of Delaware who are
pursuing a career related to autism in the state of Delaware;
• The Adult with Autism Scholarship, for adults with autism spectrum disorder who live in the state of
Delaware and who are pursuing college or another post-secondary educational experience; and
• The Autism Teacher Certification Scholarship for practising Delaware teachers pursuing an autism
certification.
College Scholarships Support Autistic Students
To help pay for college, autistic students can apply for college grants. There are many organizations that specialize in providing educational opportunities for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as colleges, universities, technical schools, and other institutions. These colleges offer a variety of grants to offset tuition costs. So, you should consider student-specific financial aid for college if your family member(s) have learning disabilities.
