Navigating College: A Guide to Scholarships for Students with Autism

Pursuing higher education is an exciting endeavor, but it can also be financially challenging, especially for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Recognizing the unique needs and potential of these students, numerous scholarships and grants are available to ease the financial burden and promote their academic success. This article explores the landscape of scholarships for autistic students, offering guidance on how to find and secure these valuable resources.

Understanding the Financial Landscape for Autistic Students

Students with autism often face added education-related costs. College-bound students on the autism spectrum “often face substantial added expenses for specialist evaluations, summer college readiness programs and other treatments and services” that can be offset by scholarships and grants, according to Endlich, a primary researcher on a federally funded project to develop college-readiness software for autistic high school students.

Scholarships for autistic students can ease the financial burden of college costs. These scholarships not only offer financial support for autistic students but can also promote accessibility and inclusion, encourage educational achievement and long-term success, raise awareness, reduce stigma and support diversity in education, experts say.

Where to Begin Your Scholarship Search

Finding college scholarships for autistic students can take some time. Here’s how to get started:

1. Start with Your College

“When it comes to grants and scholarships, it's important for families to understand that in most cases the biggest source of money by far is the colleges themselves,” Endlich says. “Outside scholarships are typically a few hundred dollars, while scholarships from colleges may be in the tens of thousands of dollars.” He says that is one reason he works with students to build their college lists “from an affordability standpoint in addition to considering students’ academic interests and whatever disability services they may need.”

Students can contact the disability and financial aid offices of their target college to identify scholarships and grants, and many schools help students apply for internal and external funding. “They may have a few scholarships that were set up by a donor for autistic students,” says Scot Marken, founder and CEO of EdRedefined, which supports students with learning disabilities, mental health issues or who are neurodivergent.

He says students who have been admitted to a college should make sure, before committing, to ask a school to consider increasing a grant or merit scholarship that is being offered. Try "to show the additional costs for the student to be successful in college that are not included in a school’s overall cost of attendance," Marken says.

2. Explore National and Local Organizations

Organizations like Autism Speaks and the National Autism Association provide advocacy and financial aid advice for autistic students and their families, and can be valuable resources. “Students should consult with local organizations, like their state's Developmental Disabilities Council, to find out if there are local or state-level scholarships or programs that they're aware of,” says Zoe Gross, director of advocacy for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

For example, Incight, a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities, has offered yearly scholarships since 2004 for college students who are residents of California, Oregon or Washington. Scholarship amounts are typically $500.

Marken advises students to check their state’s vocational rehabilitation agency, which may be a source for college funding “if the student can demonstrate why a college degree is needed to achieve their future employment plans.” The agency typically pays for direct college costs such as tuition and fees, but he has also seen payment "for specialized autism support programs for matriculated students both in state and going out of state for college.”

Other places to reach out to within the local community can include special funds set up by a specific donor, Jewish federations and other groups such as the Rotary Club, Marken says.

Scholarship Search Strategies

Before parents and students begin looking for scholarships, there are some things to consider, Marken says. First, think about what aspects of college you are looking for a scholarship to pay for. “A scholarship may only pay for tuition, but you may need money towards off-campus rent and therapy,” Marken says.

He says families should also weigh how much work is involved in completing a scholarship application against the potential likelihood a scholarship will be granted and the amount. “There are $1,000 scholarships that get more than 500 applicants, so the chances of getting the scholarship is lower than being accepted to the most academically selective schools in this country,” Marken says.

Families should also consider whether the scholarship is only for one year or multi-year, and whether they need to show financial need in order to be considered, he says. Finally, they should find out if receiving a scholarship will reduce any financial aid from the college, Marken says, noting that colleges can reduce a grant by the amount of a scholarship rather than stacking the scholarship on top of financial aid. “It is vital that you ask before spending significant time on a scholarship application,” he says.

Examples of Autism Scholarships and Grants

Scholarship applications for autistic students often require verification of diagnosis, recommendation letters and an essay or personal statement. Here are some examples of scholarships and grants available:

1. National Scholarships and Grants

Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation Scholarship: This is awarded each year in amounts from $500 to $2,500. At The Neurodiversity Alliance, we believe that students are so much more than their transcript, test scores, and resume. This initiative represents The Neurodiversity Alliance’s ongoing commitment to improving the educational experience and outcomes for students who learn differently, helping them achieve their full potential as they navigate an education system designed for neurotypical students. Scholarships will be disbursed directly to the recipient's college or university and can be utilized for "qualified educational expenses" as defined by the IRS. These expenses include tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution, or for fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses at the educational institution. Please note that current staff, board members, and contractors for The Neurodiversity Alliance, as well as their relatives, are not eligible to apply. In addition, international students on temporary visas are not eligible to apply. When did you or others first notice your learning differences? How will you contribute to the neurodiversity community and a world that fully embraces neurodiversity?
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Scholarship Program: Awards $3,000 scholarships to students across the autism spectrum.
- Schwallie Family Scholarship: Supports students attending two- or four-year universities. Students attending two-year universities with the intention of completing a four-year degree also typically apply to the Schwallie Scholarship.
- Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship: Supports students attending two-year universities, life skills or postsecondary programs, or vocational, technical, or trade schools.
- Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color: Supports students attending any type of undergraduate postsecondary education: two- or four-year colleges; life skills or postsecondary programs; or vocational, technical, or trade schools. Applicants must belong to an underrepresented racial/ethnic minority group.
The Law Office of David P. The Neurodiversity Scholarship: Offers $2,500 scholarship awards for students enrolled full-time at a four-year college or university and $1,000 scholarship awards for students enrolled at a community or technical college, or taking part-time classes at a traditional four-year college or university.
John’s Crazy Socks Autism Can Do Scholarship: The program will award renewable scholarships up to $2,500 for full-time students and renewable scholarships up to $1,250 for half-time students. Applicants must have an identified disability.* Applicants must also be high school seniors, high school graduates or college undergraduates who plan to enroll in full- or half-time undergraduate study at an accredited United States two- or four-year college or university for the upcoming academic year.
Anne Ford Scholarship: Is a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500/year over four years) granted to a graduating high school senior who will enroll in a full-time bachelor’s degree program in the fall. Students must have a documented learning disability (LD).
Kelly Law Team Autism Scholarship Contest: The scholarship is in the amount of $1,000, and it will be made as a direct payment toward the winning applicant’s tuition at a post-secondary educational institution.
Google Lime Scholarship: Google's education and scholarship programs aim to inspire and help students become future leaders in computing and technology by breaking down the barriers that prevent them from entering these fields. As part of our commitment, we’ve partnered with Lime Connect, a nonprofit organization that supports students with disabilities while they pursue education and promising careers, to help university students with disabilities work toward their academic goals in the field of computer science.
Johnson Scholarship Foundation: Provides need-based scholarships to undergraduate, degree-seeking students with disabilities who are attending one of the 12 state universities.

2. Autism Grants

Ability Found: Provides people with disabilities with much-needed equipment to facilitate independence, productivity, safety, opportunity and dignity. Examples of equipment they provide include: adapted pediatric strollers, adapted pediatric daily and feeding chairs, pediatric toileting equipment, pediatric bathing equipment, augmentative communication devices
Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (ASDF): Offers multiple opportunities for autistic children, including: Summer Scholarship Program to support social skills camps, swimming programs and equine assisted services. These scholarships give children the opportunity to participate in programming that enhances their communication skills and self-confidence. iPads for Kids Program puts a proven tool to enhance communication for autistic children right into their hands. Holiday gift cards allow families to focus on providing the most enriching and meaningful experiences for their autistic child.
Autism Care Today: Autism Care Today’s Quarterly Assistance Program provides families with real help by directly paying a child’s service provider for services they would otherwise not be able to afford. Areas of support include but are not limited to: Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy, speech and occupational therapy, bio-medical testing, supplements, assistive technologies (i.e.: iPad, communication apps), safety equipment (such as safety fencing, GPS tracking devices and autism service dogs), social skills groups, special needs summer camps and many more.
Celebrate EDU: Do you have a business idea but need help getting started? Maybe you need to buy equipment or supplies. Or, perhaps you need to learn some new skills or get a webpage. Celebrate EDU's microgrant Program can help your business sprout and grow. Available for business ideas of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities age 16 or older.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance: Special Needs Grants provide financial assistance to Active-Duty CGMA clients who are faced with increased financial requirements because they have dependents with special needs. Examples of qualifying costs include: specialized activities, adaptive equipment, assistive technology and respite care, among others.
Maggie Welby Foundation Scholarships: The Maggie Welby Foundation offers scholarships for school children grades Kindergarten through twelfth grade who demonstrate a financial need. It is in memory of Maggie Welby, a loving, beautiful 7 year old girl, who was taken very suddenly from her family and friends on March 24, 2005. Her family and friends created this memorial fund so that her memory would continue to make an impact in the lives of children.
Music Movement: Music Movement is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that develops and funds music-centric programs, scholarships, and events to improve the lives of the autistic community and for those with learning differences. Their grant program funds music therapy and lessons, musical instruments and camps for young adults.
MyGOAL Autism Grant Program: MyGOAL offers a yearly grant to families across the United States, to support and care for individuals under 18 years old with autism. The MyGOAL Grant Award Program is a need-based grant for treatments (including vitamins and other nutritional needs) and enrichment and educational needs that may not otherwise be covered privately or by other third-party funding sources such as school districts, county programs, insurance, and/or other grant making entities.
My Gym Foundation: The My Gym Foundation accepts applications from or on behalf of children with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities and those coping with chronic illness or financial struggles. Requests, limited to gifts of $500 or less, may include but are not limited to rehabilitative therapy, My Gym classes, assistive devices, medical equipment and sensory items.
National Autism Association (NAA): NAA’s Give A Voice program provides communication devices to individuals with autism who are non-verbal or minimally verbal, and whose communication challenges put them at increased risk of injury or harm.
Oracle Health Foundation: Financial constraints and insurance limitations sometimes make it impossible for families to cover their child's medical expenses. Oracle Health Foundation's pediatric grants connect children to needed care when finances stand in the way. Applications are accepted from the United States and through select international providers.
The Orange Effect Foundation: The Orange Effect Foundation is a 501(c)3 foundation that empowers children and young adults with speech disorders to effectively communicate through technology and speech therapy.
Small Steps in Speech: Small Steps in Speech is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization which provides grants on behalf of children with speech and language disorders for therapies, treatments, communicative devices, and other services aimed at improving their communication skills. Applications are not accepted for ABA therapy or iPads.
Special Angels Foundation: Special Angels Foundation provides support in obtaining therapies, equipment and resources to families raising children with special needs. Grants for resources are based on the following criteria: letter of medical necessity from primary pediatric specialist, pediatrician, therapist, social worker or IEP; Child must be under age 18 and be a US citizen residing within the United States; Quality of Life must be qualified by their Medical Advisory Board or your licensed physician. An IEP may be considered; Denial of assistance from other medical resources must be verified by a denial letter.
United Healthcare Children's Foundation (UHCCF): UHCCF grants provide financial help/assistance for families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan.
Varghese Summersett PLLC Annual Scholarships: This scholarship is intended to assist a deserving autistic child, 15 years old or younger, who is in need of financial aid for educational or recreational opportunities. The award may be used towards a camp, tutoring, education, or other tools to help the student progress and live a fulfilling, happy life.

3. Other Scholarship Search Resources

FastWeb
Cappex
Unigo
BigFuture
The College Monk
Going Merry

Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application

Highlight your strengths: Autism Spectrum Disorder affects many people and can instill them with positive traits, such as honesty, curiosity, and intelligence. Focus on these strengths in your application.
Craft a compelling personal narrative: The main things we look for in our applications is a compelling narrative about you as a potential leader for individuals with learning disabilities. Focus on your personal narrative.
Obtain strong letters of recommendation: Please note that a letter of recommendation is of high value to the OAR Scholarship Review Committee.
Meet all deadlines: All scholarship applications need to be filled out with all of the requirements listed below by no later than Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Midnight EST!
Proof of enrollment: Usually an acceptance letter or a class schedule to upload as an attachment. The date of your initial autism diagnosis.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

It's important to dispel common misconceptions about neurodiversity and scholarships. Most scholarships are based on achievement of good grades in classes designed for the neurotypical student. With neurodiverse students receiving a disproportionate rate of scholarships, many amazing people miss an opportunity to further their education and achieve their goals. As some of the most innovative, hard-working, creative, quick thinking and empathic people in society, neurodiverse students deserve an equal chance at furthering their education.

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