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Support

Hessel Family Foundation / Support
Many families are simply unaware of the breadth of support that exists in your local community in beyond. Thanks to federal laws such as the ADA and IDEA, each state is required to provide certain programs that are designed to be accessible despite your income and support you throughout any phase of life.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including those with autism, in all areas of public life. It mandates reasonable accommodations, such as sensory-friendly environments or flexible work schedules, to remove barriers and ensure equal participation.

  • Eligibility: Individuals with autism qualify for protection under the ADA if their condition substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as communication, social interaction, or learning.
  • How to Access: To request accommodations, individuals or their guardians can contact the relevant institution (such as an employer, school, or business). If accommodations are denied or discrimination occurs, they can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice or their local ADA coordinator.

Early Steps-Early Intervention Program
Part C of IDEA includes Early Intervention Programs designed for children from birth to age 3 who are experiencing developmental delays, including autism. These services can include speech therapy, physical therapy, and specialized instruction.

  • Eligibility: Children aged 0-3 with diagnosed developmental delays, including autism.
  • How to Apply: Families can contact their state’s early intervention program to request an evaluation. Florida’s State early intervention program is called “Early Steps” and can be found here.

Florida’s Pre-K Program for Children With Disabilities
As part of Part B of IDEA, Florida offers free special education services to children ages 3-5 with disabilities, including autism. The program offers individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to each child’s needs, with services such as speech and language therapy, behavioral support, and specialized instruction.

  • Eligibility: Children ages 3-5 with an autism diagnosis or developmental delay.
  • How to Access: Parents can contact their local school district to request an evaluation and start the IEP process.

Florida Agency for Persons With Disabilities (APD)
APD is Florida’s state agency dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. APD provides various services, including day programs, respite care, transportation, and supported employment. Individuals with autism can access services through the iBudget waiver or APD’s general support programs.

  • Eligibility: 1. Be a Florida resident, 2. Have a developmental disability that occured before age 18, 3. Have a disability that is a substantial handicap and is expected to continue indefinitely, 4. Provide proof of a developmental disability diagnosis.
  • How to Apply: Contact your local APD office to start the application process.

Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA)
The Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA) at the University of Central Florida offers the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP), which provides scholarships and support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, to attend postsecondary institutions. They also offer grants for the development of new programs. The program helps students transition into adulthood by increasing independent living, inclusive and experiential postsecondary education, and employment opportunities.

  • Eligibility: Students with intellectual disabilities who are 18 years or older and have exited the K-12 program.
  • How to Apply: FPCTPs are located at private and public institutions throughout the state. Applications for FPCTP scholarships can be submitted directly through the institution offering the program. Students enrolled in an approved FPCTP who maintain satisfactory academic progress are eligible to earn a scholarship up to $15,000.

ABLE United- Florida
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act authorizes each state to establish a program that offers tax-free savings and investment options to encourage individuals with a disability and their families to save private funds to support health, independence, and quality of life. This allows individuals with disabilities, including autism, to save money in a tax-free account for disability-related expenses without affecting their eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or SSI. Funds in the ABLE account can be used for education, housing, assistive technology, and healthcare expenses.

  • Eligibility: Must have a qualifying disability diagnosed before age 26. For Florida’s ABLE program, you must be a Florida Resident at the time of application.
  • How to Apply: Apply through the ABLE United website to open an account.

FAAST- Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology
The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) works to improve the quality of life for Floridians with disabilities by increasing access to assistive technology. Through advocacy, education, and services, FAAST helps individuals with disabilities, including autism, find the tools they need to enhance independence, communication, and daily living. Their programs support access to a wide range of assistive technologies, from mobility aids and communication devices to adaptive learning tools.

Eligibility: Available to Floridians of all ages with disabilities or those seeking assistive technology on their behalf.

How to Apply: Visit the FAAST website to explore available programs, request services, or apply for an assistive technology loan.

Scholarships and Grants

Resources for Families & Individuals

Scholarship and Grant programs for families or individuals who are seeking or need help acquiring autism related services.

Autism Care Today (ACT) Grants

  • Purpose: Provides financial support to families for therapies, medical services, and assistive technology.
  • Eligibility: Families of children with autism, with priority given to those facing financial hardship.
  • Award: Up to $5,000 per family.
  • How to Apply: Applications are submitted online, with deadlines throughout the year.
  • Website: ACT

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism – Family Grant Program

  • Purpose: Offers grants for services like occupational therapy, summer camps, and assistive devices.
  • Eligibility: Families raising children with autism in need of financial assistance.
  • Award: Grants vary, typically up to $2,000.
  • How to Apply: Applications open annually in the fall.
  • Website: Flutie Foundation

National Autism Association (NAA)- Give a Voice Program

  • Purpose: Provides communication devices to non-verbal individuals with autism.
  • Eligibility: Families of children with autism who are non-verbal or minimally verbal.
  • Award: Communication devices, including tablets and apps.
  • How to Apply: Applications are released in cycles throughout the year.
  • Website: NAA

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation Grant

  • Purpose: Covers the cost of medical services and therapies not covered by insurance.
  • Eligibility: Children aged 16 and younger with a disability, including autism.
  • Award: Up to $5,000 annually, with a lifetime limit of $10,000.
  • How to Apply: Applications are open year-round.
  • Website: UHCCF

First Hand Foundation Grants

  • Purpose: Helps families with out-of-pocket medical costs, therapies, and assistive technology.
  • Eligibility: Families with children diagnosed with autism and financial need.
  • Award: Typically up to $5,000.
  • How to Apply: Applications accepted year-round.
  • Website: First Hand Foundation

Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship for Autism

  • Purpose: Provides financial aid for individuals with autism pursuing post-secondary education.
  • Eligibility: Students diagnosed with autism or pursuing a degree related to autism awareness.
  • Award: $1,000 scholarship.
  • How to Apply: Applications are accepted annually with specific deadlines.
  • Website: Avonte Oquendo Scholarship

The OAR Scholarship Program (Organization for Autism Research)

  • Purpose: Assists students with autism spectrum disorder pursuing higher education.
  • Eligibility: High school graduates with autism enrolling in college, vocational, or trade school.
  • Award: Up to $3,000 per student.
  • How to Apply: Applications open each December for the following school year.
  • Website: OAR Scholarship

Resources for Organizations

Scholarship and Grant programs for organizations who provide autism-related services.

FPCTP Initial and Continuing Grants

  • Purpose: Provides financial support to institutions to either initiate or continue Florida Postsecondary College Transition Program
  • Eligibility: Once an eligible institution has completed an FPCTP application and received approval, it can submit an initial or continuing FPCTP Grant Proposal requesting funding for up to 42 months (3.5 years).

    After the first grant period expires, approved FPCTPs may apply for continuing funding for another three years.

  • Award: A maximum funding of $1,500,000 for up to 3.5 years is available. 
  • How to Apply: Applications are accepted according to a corresponding grant funding cycle, which can be found on the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA) website.
  • Website: https://fcsua.org/fpctpgrants/grants.php

Autism Speaks Local Impact Grants

  • Purpose: Funds community organizations providing services to individuals with autism, including recreational programs and employment services.
  • Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations serving the autism community.
  • Award: Grants up to $5,000.
  • How to Apply: Applications open seasonally.
  • Website: Autism Speaks

The Fund for Innovation and Excellence Grant (Autism Society)

  • Purpose: Supports innovative programs improving the quality of life for individuals with autism.
  • Eligibility: Nonprofits providing autism services in education, employment, or healthcare.
  • Award: Up to $10,000.
  • How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Autism Society’s local chapters.
  • Website: Autism Society

Innovative Program Grants (Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism)

  • Purpose: Funds organizations that develop creative solutions for individuals with autism, focusing on sports, education, and employment.
  • Eligibility: Nonprofits and community organizations.
  • Award: Up to $20,000.
  • How to Apply: Applications open annually.
  • Website: Flutie Foundation

ECHO Autism Communities Grants

  • Purpose: Supports organizations that implement or expand ECHO Autism programs, focusing on collaborative care and resources for individuals with autism.
  • Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and community groups looking to launch or enhance autism services.
  • Award: Varies depending on the scope of the program.
  • How to Apply: Applications are accepted throughout the year.
  • Website: ECHO Autism

The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) Pilot Grants

  • Purpose: Funds research and intervention programs focusing on improving the physical health and well-being of individuals with autism.
  • Eligibility: Universities, healthcare organizations, and nonprofits engaged in autism-related research or programs.
  • Award: Grants typically range from $10,000 to $50,000.
  • How to Apply: Applications are announced through AIR-P’s website with periodic deadlines.
  • Website: AIR-P

Autism Science Foundation (ASF) Community Grants

  • Purpose: Provides funding to community-based organizations developing new autism services, such as training programs, recreational activities, or therapeutic initiatives.
  • Eligibility: Nonprofits and community organizations working with individuals with autism.
  • Award: Up to $5,000 per project.
  • How to Apply: Applications are released annually in the spring.
  • Website: ASF

There are several resources or online job boards dedicated to finding accommodating workspaces for those with autism or other related disabilities.

Employment Resources
There are several resources or online job boards dedicated to finding accommodating workspaces for those with autism or other related disabilities.

Run by the Organization for Autism Research (OAR),
this platform connects job seekers with autism to inclusive employers. It provides job listings, personalized job alerts, and one-on-one assistance through their Navigator program, which offers support with resumes and interview preparation. Learn More: Hire Autism

Autism @ Work Playbook
Created by Autism Speaks, this resource provides employers with strategies for building inclusive hiring practices, specifically focused on autism-friendly workplaces. It aims to bridge the gap between job seekers with autism and employers by promoting workplace inclusion initiatives. Learn more: Autism Speaks

The Spectrum Careers
This job portal, developed in partnership with Autism Society and Rangam Consultants, focuses on helping individuals with autism and other disabilities find employment. It also supports businesses in building a diverse workforce by providing easy access to motivated job seekers. Explore: The Spectrum Careers

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN offers expert guidance on workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including autism. They assist employers and job seekers with advice on reasonable accommodations to ensure employment success. More details: JAN

Get Involved

Here are some other local and national organizations to get involved in if you’re interested in supporting the autism community.

[vc_toggle title=”The ARC Tampa Bay” css=””]The Arc Tampa Bay
This organization supports individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. They offer a variety of programs, including adult day training, supported employment, and residential services. The Arc welcomes community involvement through volunteering and donations to enhance their services.

Parc Center for Disabilities
Located in St. Petersburg, Parc Center provides residential, educational, and therapeutic services to children and adults with developmental disabilities, including autism. They offer opportunities to volunteer, donate, and participate in fundraising events like galas and golf tournaments.

    USF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

    • CARD is a state-funded organization with a location serving the Tampa Bay area. They provide individualized support for people with autism and their families, including assistance with education, adult services, and community inclusion initiatives. Community members can support CARD’s mission through partnerships and advocacy efforts.

        South Pinellas Autism Project (Meetup Group)
        This grassroots effort focuses on creating social opportunities for children and young adults with autism. They organize activities like museum trips and community outings, providing families with a supportive social environment. Involvement is possible through attending events or helping with planning.

        Crisis Resources and Hotlines 

        If you or a loved one are facing crisis, either with autism or mental health, here are some resources that can help:

        Autism Response Team (ART) By Autism Speaks

        The Autism Response Team (ART) by Autism Speaks is a dedicated helpline offering personalized support and resources to individuals with autism, their families, and caregivers. ART provides assistance with navigating autism services, including diagnostic information, access to community programs, and guidance on school and healthcare options. The team is trained to offer compassionate help through phone and email, and they focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by the autism community

        988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

        The 988 Lifeline provides crisis support by call, text, or chat and includes autism-specific resources to assist autistic individuals experiencing emotional or behavioral crises. This service is available 24/7 and aims to offer non-judgmental support tailored to neurodivergent individuals to help prevent unnecessary escalation of crises.

        Mental Health Crisis Text Line

        A 24/7 resource where individuals can text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. This service is accessible to autistic individuals and focuses on de-escalating emotional situations through text communication, which can be more comfortable for some on the autism spectrum.

        REACH Program

        REACH offers crisis intervention and stabilization services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. This program provides 24/7 support to prevent hospitalization and ensures that care occurs in the least restrictive environment possible. Their services also extend to training and support for families and caregivers to reduce future crises.