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5 Creative Ways to Finance Autism Therapies

5 Creative Ways to Finance Autism Therapiesby Areva Martin, Esq.

1. Nonprofit and health foundations. There are some organizations, like the United HealthCare Children's Foundation, that provides grants for autism services to middle- and low-income families for treatments such as speech and occupational therapy not provided by school districts or covered by insurance.
2. Gifts. Ask family members and friends to fund a therapy in lieu of a Christmas or birthday gift they would otherwise give you.
3. Scholarships and stipends. Some groups like Special Needs Network, Inc., give special-needs students scholarships and stipends to assist them in transitioning from high school to college or the workplace.
4. Professional bartering. If you have an expertise in a particular area, such as law, accounting or dentistry, you can provide services in exchange for therapy services for your child. You may also volunteer at a therapy clinic and, in lieu of being paid, arrange for your child to receive therapy hours.
5. Supplemental services. If you have a college student or other interested and available family member, have them take some training on a particular intervention strategy to supplement the professional services that your child is receiving. Although not a substitute for a professional, this is a way to extend the learning process at low or no cost to you.

Learn more about how to be an advocate for your child with autism.