In the 12+ years that I’ve been working with high school students to help prepare them for college and beyond I have had the privilege of partnering with families who have a family member on the autism spectrum. In many cases, the parents talk about how difficult it is to find financial resources for college or trade school. This list was created with those families in mind. The scholarships on this list are either specifically created for students with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) or are applicable to many students with an ASD.
While you are looking for scholarships, make sure you check out our 50 Great Scholarships list as well. It is likely that you’ll find some on the list for which you are eligible. One more thing, if you know of any other scholarships for students on the autism spectrum who want to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies email me directly using the contact form so I can add them to the list.
#1. Disability Awareness Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January
MilitaryVALoan.com proudly offers scholarships in support of disability awareness. Every year, a prospective or current college student is selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship to help with the costs associated with attending school. Applicants should submit an essay between 500 and 1000 words about how they or someone they knew overcame disability to do something great. Applicants need to be 17 years of age or older either currently accepted to a college program but not yet started, or currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies.
Contact: scholarship@MilitaryVALoan.com
#2. Google Lime Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: January
The Google Lime Scholarship is administered by Lime Connect. This scholarship is available to undergraduate or graduate students who are pursuing a computer science or IT degree, who have displayed a high level of academic success, and who have a visible or invisible disability. According to Lime Connect, “We know that 90% of disabilities on campus are invisible, and candidates with all disabilities are encouraged to apply.” The scholarship for students in the U.S. is $10,000. The scholarship for students in Canada is $5,000.
Contact: recruiting@limeconnect.com
#3. Adults with Autism Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March
Offered by the organization, Autism Delaware, this scholarship is for eligible adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who want to pursue post-secondary education. Students must have an ASD diagnosis, must either have a GED or a high school diploma, and must be accepted into a college, university, trade school, community college, or vocational training program. To apply, students must submit a cover letter describing future professional goals, a resume, a transcript from high school or a GED program, explanation of how his or her support system will ensure academic success, evidence of ASD, and two letters of recommendation.
Contact: teresa.avery@delautism.org
#4. Autism Society of Iowa Chapter
Amount: $500
Deadline: March
Students residing in Iowa have several scholarship options provided by the Autism Society of Iowa Chapter. Applicants interested in Automotive Technology, Collision Refinishing, Diesel Technology, Marine Technology, Motorcycle Technology, HVAC or Plumbing & Heating fields should look into the The Zach Paulsen Memorial Scholarship. Students wanting to study outside of those fields should look into the general scholarship for a student who resides in Iowa, who is on the autism spectrum. The Autism Society of Iowa Scholarship Program, administered by the Autism Society of Iowa, provides the following scholarship in the minimum amount of $500 to be applied toward thecompletion of an accredited, post-secondary educational or vocational program of study.
Contact: autism50ia@aol.com
#5. Incight Educational Scholarships
Amount: $500
Deadline: March
Incight is a non-profit organization that supports and empowers key life aspects of education, employment, and independence for people who possess disabilities. Each year, the organization typically awards 100 scholarships amounting to around $500. Scholarship renewals begin at $750. Applicants must have a documented disability. This can be any type of disability as it is defined by the ADA, DSM-V, IDEA, or other governing body. Furthermore, applicants also must be attending post-secondary education during the funding cycle following application to the scholarship. This includes college, university, community college, or trade school. Residents of California, Oregon, and Washington are eligible for this wonderful opportunity.
Contact: scholarship@incight.org
#6. P. Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship
Amount: $750
Deadline: March
P. Buckley Moss was an artist who struggled with dyslexia during her school years. This scholarship is for students who aspire to have a career in the visual arts but who have a learning disability. In order to qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be a graduating high school senior, possess a verified specific language-related learning disability, demonstrate financial need, posses visual arts talent, be accepted to an accredited four-year college or university or two-year community college, and intend to pursue career in a visual arts field.
Contact: Email Form
#7. Disability Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April
The Disability Scholarship Program is sponsored by a law firm in Michigan named Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. The scholarship is worth $1,000 and will be awarded to a student who is a U.S. citizen and is currently attending an accredited college or university. The scholarship is open to students with any type of disability, including but not limited to medical conditions, physical disabilities, mental and psychiatric conditions, learning disabilities, speech and language, behavioral conditions, and all other conditions. To apply, students must simply fill out an application and submit a one-page typed essay describing how he or she overcame a personal challenge or adversity in his or her life.
Contact: (248) 569-4646
#8. NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship
Amount: $5,625
Deadline: April
This scholarship is made possible by contributions from NBCUniversal and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). Students must have a disability and be pursuing a communications or media-related degree to qualify. The scholarship is open to eligible students who are either in their 2nd year of an associate program or who are undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Graduate students are also eligible. Each recipient will receive $5,625 for tuition and fees at their college or university.
Contact:scholarship@aapd.com
#9. KFM Making a Difference Autism Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: May
Kerry Magro is the CEO and Founder of KFM Making a Difference. He was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4. He now holds advanced degrees, is a motivational speaker, and an advocate for people on the autism spectrum. Because is his passion for education he created a scholarship program for to be awarded to individuals with autism. To apply, students must submit a resume, two essays, and a cover letter that includes a 250 word bio.
Contact: KFMMakingADifference@gmail.com
#10. Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: May
The Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship is awarded by the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). These non-renewable annual scholarships amount to $3,000. Applicants must have an autism diagnosis (DSM-IV or later criteria). This particular scholarship is offered to eligible students who are attending life skills programs, or vocational, technical, or trade schools. If you are enrolled in a four-year college/university or a two-year undergraduate college, check out the Schwallie Family Scholarship.
Contact: scholarship@researchautism.org
#11. Schwallie Family Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: May
Each year the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) offers non-renewable scholarships amounting to $3,000 each. In addition to having an autism diagnosis (DSM-IV or later criteria), applicants must be attending a two or four year university or college. Students are expected to complete the applications on their own. If you are enrolled in a trade school, vocational school, or technical program, look into the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship.
Contact: scholarship@researchautism.org
#12. Kelly Law Team Autism Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June
With a head quarters in Phoenix, Arizona, the Kelly Law Team is offers two annual $1000 scholarships for individuals ages 16-30 who are on the autism spectrum. The scholarship can be utilized to enroll in any secondary education program such as community college, trade school, college, etc. Applicants must fill out a disclosure and submit a 600-850 word article that describes the applicant’s “story.” The idea is that the applicant describes things he or she has had to overcome.
Contact: (602) 283-4122
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#14. Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship for Autism
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July
Inspired by the story of 14-year-old Avonte Oquendo, an autistic boy who went missing after he wandered away from school in 2013, The Perecman Firm, PLLC, established a scholarship in his honor. This scholarship is open to high-achieving students who meet two key criteria: Either the applicant or a close family member has been diagnosed with a form of autism, and the applicant is currently enrolled or has been accepted to an accredited university or college, either at the undergraduate or post-graduate level. The applicants must fill out an application and submit a 500 word essay on a topic assigned by The Perecman Firm.
Contact: (212) 390-0542
#15. AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November
The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability is awarded annually to a student with a disability. The person must be pursuing undergraduate/graduate studies (must be at least enrolled as a Junior in college) in an accredited university. The student must also be working towards a degree related to health and disability, to include, but not limited to disability studies, disability policy, public health, health promotion, rehabilitation engineering, disability research,audiology, special education and majors that will impact quality of life of persons with disabilities.
Contact: scholarship@aahd.us
#16. Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: December
The National Center for Learning Disabilities provides the Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship. The program awards a one-time scholarship of $2,500 to a graduating high school senior with a documented learning disability who will be enrolled in a two-year community college, a vocational or technical training program, or a specialized program for students with LD. Students must be a graduating senior who plans to enroll in an eligible program in the fall. The student must have a demonstrated financial need, be able to articulate his or her LD and the need for self-advocacy, and be committed to post-high school academic study with realistic goals.
Contact: AFScholarship@ncld.org
#17. Anne Ford Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December
The Anne Ford Scholarship is provided by the National Center for Learning Disabilities. This particular scholarship is a $10,000 ($2,500/year over four years) award granted to a graduating high school senior with a documented learning disability who will be enrolled, in the fall of, in a full-time bachelor’s degree program. To qualify, students must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, a documented learning disability, demonstrate a financial need, and be a U.S. citizen. Anne Ford Scholars are expected to be willing to mentor future Scholars and be role models and advocates for individuals with learning disabilities.
Contact: AFScholarship@ncld.org
#18. BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December
Administered through Lime Connect, this scholarship opportunity is open to undergraduate students and graduate students in the U.S. and Canada who have a visible or invisible disability. The students must be pursuing a degree in business/commerce, engineering, math, physics, statistics or a related discipline. Preference is given to students who are interested in a career in Financial Services with a focus on Capital Markets preferred. Note, students residing in the U.S. are eligible for a $10,000 scholarship. Students residing in Canada are eligible for a $5,000 scholarship.
Contact: Email Form
#19. Science Graduate Student Grant Fund
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December
Each year the Foundation for Science and Disability offers a $1,000 scholarship for graduate or professional students who possess a disability. The Student Award Program of FSD is intended to increase opportunities in science, engineering, mathematics, technology, and pre‑medical/dental areas for individuals with a disability. Awards of $1000 each are made to qualified college or university students in any field of Mathematics, Science, Medicine, Technology, or Engineering. Students must submit two letters of recommendation and an application that includes a 250 word essay stating professional goals.
Contact: Rmankin1@ufl.edu
#20. Will Rogers Memorial Scholarship Fund
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: December
The University of Texas offers this wonderful scholarship opportunity for eligible UT students. To qualify, students must either be considered disabled or must be non-disabled students studying to work with individuals who are disabled. In this context, “disabled” means a person with a physical or non-physical disability, including mental and spiritual hardships or obstacles caused by the environment and lack of opportunity. Financial need may be used to distinguish among applicants. Note that the December deadline is for high school graduating seniors. The deadline for transfer students is in April.
FAQs
What degree is best for autism? ›
Autism program specialists need to have specialized knowledge and experience in ASD and at least a master's or bachelor's degree in education, psychology, social work or human services.
What is the best autism school in the US? ›- Haugland Learning Center, Columbus.
- The Autism Academy of Learning, Toledo.
- Camphill Special School, Glenmoore.
- Pace School, Pittsburgh.
- Spectrum Charter School, Inc., Monroeville.
- Groden Center, Providence.
- Monarch School, Houston.
- Virginia Institute of Autism (VIA), Charlottesville.
- the financial aid office at a college or career school.
- a high school or TRIO counselor.
- the U.S. Department of Labor's FREE scholarship search tool.
- federal agencies.
- your state grant agency.
- your library's reference section.
She commented that she “knew there were going to be others, but did not expect there to be so many already.” Skov Jensen shared that she has “a suspicion that there are quite a few undiagnosed autistic students at Harvard.” Many neurodivergent people do well at school, even excelling in their classes — a typical ...
What job do most autistic people have? ›The job of data entry clerk is common common among those on the autism spectrum. People with ASD appreciate that this job rarely requires anything more than a high school diploma. Plus, the work is solitary and does not vary much from day to day, meaning it's easy to stick to a comfortable routine.
What jobs do autistic people thrive in? ›- Animal science. ...
- Researcher. ...
- Accounting. ...
- Shipping and logistics. ...
- Art and design. ...
- Manufacturing. ...
- Information technology. ...
- Engineering.
Top-ranked support
Colorado ranks as the most supportive state for raising a child with autism, according to Autism Parenting Magazine, a U.K.-based magazine written by professionals and parents of autistic children.
The rate of autism in the U.S. went from 1 in 150 in 2000 to 1 in 100 in 2022. The state with the highest rate of diagnosed autism is Florida. The state with the lowest rate of diagnosed autism is Texas.
What is the best state to live in for autism services? ›...
Colorado.
| Insurance coverage | Ranks 4th |
|---|---|
| Specialist schools | 5 |
| ABA therapy providers | 17 |
| Sensory gyms | 2 |
- $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship.
- $2,000 Nitro College Scholarship – No Essay.
- $2,500 Christian Connector Scholarship.
- $5,000 Graduate School Scholarship.
- $2,000 College Repayment Grant.
- Annual Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship.
- Annual Catholic College Scholarship.
What is the most difficult part of looking for scholarships? ›
According to most of my students, one of the hardest parts of applying for scholarships is finding appropriate scholarships to apply to. It's easy to become overwhelmed with all the scholarships and scams out there.
How can I increase my chances of winning a scholarship? ›- Treat scholarship applications like a job. ...
- The more involved, the less amount of competition. ...
- Look for local scholarships. ...
- Find scholarships that fit your unique personality. ...
- Don't forget to look at your part-time job or your parent's job.
Best States for Raising a Child with Autism:
Colorado. Massachusetts. New Jersey. Connecticut.
- Dan Aykroyd - Actor and Film Writer. ...
- Albert Einstein - Scientist & Mathematician. ...
- Daryl Hannah - Actress & Environmental Activist. ...
- Anthony Hopkins - Actor. ...
- Heather Kuzmich - Reality TV Contestant & Model. ...
- Tim Burton – Movie Director. ...
- Henry Cavendish – Scientist.
Because college comes with so many new responsibilities, autistic students may have a hard time managing their time and staying on track. Living independently, taking care of daily needs, managing homework and schedules — dealing with all these things at once can be overwhelming.
Can I claim benefits for autism? ›Disability Living Allowance
DLA is a non-diagnosis specific benefit, so having a diagnosis of autism will not automatically lead to an award, but many children on the autism spectrum do qualify for the benefit. It is also entirely non-means-tested, so your income and savings are not taken into account.
- Web Developer: Having such a strong attention to detail, as well as the capability to retain information well, makes web development a great career path for someone with autism. ...
- Data Officer: ...
- Policy Adviser: ...
- Copywriter:
“High-functioning autism” isn't an official medical term or diagnosis. It's an informal one some people use when they talk about people with an autism spectrum disorder who can speak, read, write, and handle basic life skills like eating and getting dressed. They can live independently.
Can you join the military with autism? ›According to the U.S. Air Force Medical Standards Directory, Autism Spectrum Disorder is not disqualifying for continued military service unless it is currently--or has a history of--compromising military duty or training.
Can people with autism drive? ›Yes, it's legal for autistic people to drive. Autistic individuals must pass the same requirements needed to obtain a driver's license in their state as those who are not on the spectrum.
Is high functioning autism considered a disability? ›
What is high functioning autism? Autism is a developmental disability. High-functioning autism generally refers to autistic people who have significantly developed language and independent living skills.
Why is autism increasing? ›The global increase in autism prevalence reflects major improvements in public awareness and public health response to autism. Children are now more likely to be diagnosed earlier, and even underrepresented regions like Africa and the Middle East have been advancing their ability to measure autism prevalence.
Why autism is increasing in US? ›Some argue that autism's prevalence is rising because of environmental causes like vaccines. There is no evidence, though, for that explanation. Others argue that the rate is increasing because of the rising age of parents, especially fathers.
What benefits do autistic adults get? ›Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability programs are the largest federal programs providing assistance to people with disabilities, both of which are administered by the Social Security Administration.
Which parent carries autism gene? ›Due to its lower prevalence in females, autism was always thought to have a maternal inheritance component. However, research also suggests that the rarer variants associated with autism are mostly inherited from the father.
Who gets autism the most? ›Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
How long do people with autism live? ›One of the most important investigations of recent years revealed that average life expectancy of a person with severe autism is 39.5 years, rising to only 58 years for those with high-functioning autism, or Asperger syndrome.
What states are best for autistic adults? ›According to Autism Speaks, for example, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, and Florida are less likely than states like Arizona and New Jersey to offer top-level services for adults.
Why is autism so high in New Jersey? ›New Jersey is known for excellent clinical and educational services for ASD, so the state's higher rates are likely due to more accurate or complete reporting based on education and health care records, the researchers said.
Where do autistic adults live? ›Many adults with autism live at home or with a friend or family member. When additional support is needed, in-home services may include a companion, homemaking/housekeeping, therapy and other health services, or personal care.
What GPA do most scholarships require? ›
One of the most common grade point average requirements is a 3.0 average. (Again, every scholarship provider is different and it's up to them to set their eligibility criteria, not us.) While some scholarships are based on a student's GPA, most scholarship aren't only about a student's GPA.
Which scholarship gives the most money? ›| Miss America | Additional Information Amount Awarded: Varies, up to $12,000 Deadline: Varies |
|---|---|
| Davidson Fellows Scholarships | Additional Information Amount Awarded: Up to $50,000 Deadline: February 8 |
| Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation | Additional Information Amount Awarded: Up to $20,000 Deadline: August |
- Paying for scholarship assistance. ...
- Failure to meet the application deadline. ...
- Failure to follow directions. ...
- Failure to send in a complete application. ...
- Failure to write legibly. ...
- Failure to proofread their application.
If an application asks for money, walk away. Don't give out bank or credit card information. Any financial data you provide should come from IRS or FAFSA data. Legitimate providers do not ask for bank information.
What looks good on a scholarship? ›- Organize and prepare your materials. ...
- Pay attention to detail. ...
- Write an original essay each time. ...
- Know your audience. ...
- Emphasize what makes you unique. ...
- Show your personality and passions. ...
- Present yourself professionally. ...
- Proofread each submission.
Full-ride academic scholarship: Be at the top of your class with a great GPA, take AP/honors classes, and get perfect (or close to perfect) SAT or ACT scores. Along with academic merit, it also helps to also have leadership skills or community involvement, too (see below).
What is a good number of scholarships to apply to? ›For those that want solid numbers, on average, many of the students I work with are applying for anywhere between 3-7+ scholarships, each, per week.
What type of school is best for child with autism? ›- Public Schools. “Mainstreaming” or “inclusion” is when a child with autism is placed in a classroom with neurotypical children. ...
- Private Schools. ...
- Homeschooling.
Pros of Homeschooling for Children with Autism
The learning environment has fewer distractions and fewer stressors. If a student has been dealing with bullies in school, homeschooling provides a safe haven. All aspects of education can be individualized to fit the student's needs.
| Donald Triplett | |
|---|---|
| Triplett in 2016 | |
| Born | September 8, 1933 Forest, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Known for | Being the first person to be diagnosed with what is now known as Autism |
What geniuses are autistic? ›
These include Isaac Newton, the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, Lewis Carroll, the poet W. B. Yeats, and politicians Keith Joseph and Eamon de Valera. Apparently Hitler too had autistic traits.
Who is the famous autistic woman? ›...
| Temple Grandin | |
|---|---|
| Known for | Livestock industry consultancy Autism rights activism |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Animal science autism rights |
| Institutions | Colorado State University |
But more than half of kids with autism remain unemployed or unenrolled in school in the two years after high school. Roughly half of young adults with autism have never held a paying job. Many of these young adults also age out of school-based autism services and also struggle to find health care.
How do autistic people survive college? ›- Acquaint yourself with the disabilities services office BUT don't make any assumptions about their knowledge of AS. ...
- Consider disclosure, on an as-needed basis. ...
- Find activity-based clubs. ...
- Smaller is not always better. ...
- Choose a campus first, then establish your network of support. ...
- Take care of yourself.
Only 34.7% of individuals with ASD attempt college within six years of leaving high school (Shattuck et al., 2012).
Is there a degree in autism? ›“The MSc in ASD is aimed at professionals working in education, health and social care, with a specific focus on autism spectrum and special needs. The course is suitable for anyone who works with children, adolescents and/or adults on the autism spectrum.
Can autistic people get a degree? ›Autism is considered to be a disability under the Equality Act 2010 meaning that colleges and universities have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to their admissions procedure so that it's more accessible to autistic applicants.
What type of doctors study autism? ›If your child shows any symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, you'll likely be referred to a specialist who treats children with autism spectrum disorder, such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician, for an evaluation.
Is college good for autistic people? ›Although some individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have cognitive impairments that would preclude college attendance, many students with high-functioning Autism (HFA) do well in an academic environment, particularly if they have the opportunity to focus on areas of personal interest.
Can you become a doctor with autism? ›The limiting reality factor to completing medical school and residency, then functioning as a physician, would be the extent of the underlying disability. With autism, for example, the disability can range from severe (low functioning) to minor (high functioning).
Is autism a medical or mental? ›
Autism spectrum disorder is indeed categorized as a mental disorder—also called a mental illness—in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Is autism classes as a disability? ›According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , a disability is “any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities and interact with the world around them.” Autism is considered to be a disability.
What medications are good for autism? ›- Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) This group of antidepressants treats some problems that result from imbalances in the body's chemical systems. ...
- Tricyclics. ...
- Psychoactive or anti-psychotic medications. ...
- Stimulants. ...
- Anti-anxiety medications. ...
- Anticonvulsants.
Adults who have not received appropriate treatment may have trouble living independently, may be unemployed, and may struggle with relationships. Autism can also impact physical and mental health, according to the 2017 National Autism Indicators Report: Developmental Disability Services and Outcomes in Adulthood.
What is autism caused by? ›Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known.
Why is school hard for autism? ›Social Communication. In school, social interactions are everywhere and in constant flux. Moreover, what's appropriate in the classroom may be inappropriate in the halls, gym, or playground. The social cues that tell a child when to change social behaviors are often difficult for a child with autism to pick up.