Autism is an extremely expensive disorder to treat. The cost of assessments, therapies, treatments, equipment, supplies and materials can easily approach six figures annually. Most families that are affected by autism do not have access to unlimited personal funds that can be applied to treatment. In addition, many health insurance policies provide little or no coverage for the specialists and interventions children who have autism can benefit most from. If your family or a family you know is coping with autism and is having difficulty affording the cost of treatment, use the funding strategies listed below to help finance the treatment your loved one with autism needs. You can also find information about grants, financial assistance, funding strategies and other resources for families coping with autism and other disabilities, as well as links to autism treatment funding resources, by visiting Autism Assistance Resources and Information.
Before you even begin to start trying to figure out which tools, resources and strategies you will use to fund your child's autism treatment, you must create an autism intevention action plan. An autism intervention action plan will help you to easily and efficiently identify your child's needs, develop treatment goals and objectives, assemble an autism treatment plan and prioritize your child's treatment, therapy, equipment and service sequence. After you've created your child's autism intervention action plan, use it as a blueprint for developing an autism treatment plan. Your next step should be to analyze your finances and available resources to determine exactly which funding sources you can leverage to provide your child with the interventions he or she needs in order to thrive. Use the resources listed below as a starting point.
1. Personal Financial Resources-Allocate whatever funds you can from your regular monthly income to paying for autism treatment. Maximize your available personal financial resources by saving money on everyday expenses and personal services. If you are having a difficult time affording autism treatment expenses from the income you earn each month, uncover and use your hidden cash reserves. Finally, don't forget to save your spare change because even small change can add up to significant resources over time.
2. Passive Savings Programs-Take advantage of rebate, reward, loyalty, affinity programs and other passive savings programs. Use your savings and earnings from passive savings programs to pay for autism therapy, treatments, equipment and other expenses. Click on the link to learn how to maximize the benefits of passive savings programs.
3. Health Insurance-Check your insurance policy to see which autism treatment expenses it will cover. Check with the therapists, specialists and other autism treatment providers your child needs to work with to see which, if any, insurance networks they participate in.
4. Medical Care Flexible Spending Accounts-If your employer offers Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), sign up for them right away! A Medical Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can be used to pay for co-payments, treatment and therapy fees, over-the-counter and prescription medications, medical travel expenses, disabled dependent care expenses and special education, among other expenses. For a full list of expenses that can be reimbursed by a Medical Care FSA, consult IRS Publication 502. In addition to reimbursing you for out-of-pocket expenses for autism treatment, FSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that reduce your tax liability by reducing your taxable income.
5. Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts-Dependent Care FSAs reimburse working parents of children who of any age who have a disability for out-of-pocket dependent care expenses and reduce their tax liability by reducing their taxable income. Dependent Care FSAs can be used to pay for before- and after-school care, nannies, private preschools, day camps and other child care expenses. With a bit of planning, you can reap huge financial and tax benefits from FSAs.
6. Coverdell Education Savings Accounts-In addition to college expenses, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts can be used to pay for public, private and parochial education expenses for elementary and secondary school students. Coverdell ESAs can be used to pay for expenses at private therapeutic day schools. Coverdell ESAs can be used to pay for tuition, books, supplies and, in some cases, room and board.
7. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)-SSI is a federal government program that provides disability benefits to children and adults who meet eligibility requirements.
8. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)-SSDI is a federal government program that pays disability benefits to the unmarried disabled adult children of parents who have paid Social Security taxes and worked for a certain number of years. In order to qualify for benefits, adult children must have become disabled before age 22.
9. State Assistance Programs-States may offer direct payments, vouchers, waivers and free or reduced-cost access to therapy, personal care attendants and respite services through departments of human services, offices of rehabilitation services and departments of developmental disabilities. Check with your state to see what types of assistance it offers that you may qualify for.
10. Local Assistance Programs-Counties, cities, towns, villages may offer financial assistance and other special programs for people with disabilities. Check with your local human services department to see what types of assistance they offer that you may qualify for.
11. Consumer Stipend Programs-Some states and organizations may offer consumer stipends to help families pay the costs of attending disability-related workshops, conferences and trainings. Check with your state department of developmental disabilities or local developmental disabilities organizations to inquire about assistance you may qualify for.
12. Grants and Assistance Programs for People Who Have Autism-Some organizations offer grants specifically for people who have autism. Visit Autism Assistance Resources and Information to find information about grants for people who have autism.
13. Grants and Assistance Programs for People Who Have Special Needs-Some organizations offer grants for people who have disabilities and other special needs that people who have autism may qualify for.
14. Assistance from Charitable Organizations-Local charitable organizations may be willing to assist families coping with autism by making donations, hosting a fundraiser or collecting funds to help with autism treatment expenses. Check with local charitable organizations to see if they might be willing to help.
15. Scholarships from Service Providers-Some service providers offer scholarships, discounts and sliding fee scales to help families afford the cost of autism treatment. Check with your service providers to see if they offer any assistance to families.
16. Negotiate Discounts-Even if your service provider does not normally offer discounts, you may be able to negotiate a discounted rate for services with them. If you are having difficulty affording autism treatment for your child, ask your service provider if they might be willing to consider accepting a lower fee for services than they normally accept. Many service providers will consider doing this at least on a temporary basis.
17. Host a Fundraiser-Plan and implement a fundraiser to help you raise the money you need to pay for child's treatment.
For additional information about grants, financial assistance programs, funding strategies and other resources for autism treatment, please visit http://www.autismassistance.info.