Helping Hand Program:

PLEASE NOTE:  2011 applications will be available and accepted from June 1, 2011 through July 1, 2011.  Regretfully, we have had to tighten our grant guidelines this year due to lack of funding.  Please read all information thoroughly before submitting your grant request.

Only applications that are complete and legible with all required documentation included will be considered.  We cannot accept phone calls asking if applications have been received.  If you wish to have confirmation that your application was received, please send it with a Postal Service delivery confirmation request.

NAA has been overwhelmed with applications for this program.  There are thousands of families in need.  You can help!  Please make a donation to NAA today.  100% of your donation will go to a family in crisis.  Please take a moment to read the following letters from Helping Hand grant recipients to see what a difference your support can make.  (Names are removed to protect the privacy of our grant recipients.)

I would like to greatly thank you and the National Autism Association for giving the grant for my son. If we were there in person, we would hug each and every one of you. It was a wonderful blessing for us to receive your generosity. You all have granted us a chance we never would have had to improve my son's quality of life. He suffers so much and does not have a chance to just be a kid and be happy and have fun. Now, thanks to you and your organization, my son has a chance to feel good and happy and as his mother it fills my heart with a joy that only a mother knows. There are not enough words to tell you how much it means to me to have been given the grant and the chance for my son to have a better life.
I will never forget this as long as I live and my son will show the proof that miracles really do happen.
Thank you all again, with all of our hearts.
 

Dear NAA Helping Hand,
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the generous grant that NAA awarded to my son.
I am extremely moved and I am at a loss for words to express my emotions.
The financial hardship that accompanies kids with autism is overwhelming, especially in a single parent household with limited income.
Without your financial help, I was not able to provide the prescribed supplements for my son and now, I can give him what he needs. Thanks to all of you! You have helped more than you can imagine.

"Thank You"
Thank you so much for the grant awarded to the boys for supplements. It's such a help to us. Those vitamins are so expensive and it's something that they really need!
Both boys are doing okay. Starting to say a few words!!
Thank you so much.

Color me grateful! Thank You
Dear NAA Helping Hand,
On behalf of my twin boys, I want to extend my sincere thanks to NAA Helping Hand. We feel truly blessed to be the recipients of such a generous grant.
I am grateful to you for helping my family. We will forever remember the generous support that you have provided us, both mentally and emotionally.

Dear National Autism Association Helping Hand,
Thank you so much for the grant toward our child's medical expenses. You have no idea how much this gift is helping us this summer. With my husband unemployed right now we would not have been able to continue our child's treatment and therapies.
Life is stressful enough with a child with autism, you have definitely made a difference in our lives. We are truly grateful.

I am writing this letter on behalf of my son and I.
I have received the grant from the National Autism Association to be utilized for my son's medical care.
We want to say thank you, we both appreciate such a warm act of kindness.
I must commend the NAA for going the extra mile to assist these unique kids like my son.
I want to say thank you to the sponsors who have contributed to this worthy cause.
The grant was very useful to us as it came at a time when we were experiencing some financial difficulties. Without this grant, we would have had to delay, but thank God, we did not have to do so.
Thank you so much for assisting us as we continue to fight to pull my son from the clutches of autism.
God Bless the National Autism Association.
 

Autism is treatable.  The Helping Hand Program provides families with financial assistance in getting necessary medical treatments/testing, supplements and behavioral therapy services for their child with autism.  Do not apply for this grant if you are seeking funds for camp tuition, respite care, fencing, trampolines, swingsets, trips to Disney World, etc. 

This program is intended ONLY for parents in DIRE financial need. Do not apply if your annual income exceeds $50,000.  

Applications must be postmarked by July 1, 2011 and will be kept eligible through the end of the year.  Please email questions to leslie@nationalautism.org.

2011 Helping Hand Application
Select the format you prefer to print your application.
Word Doc | PDF Format

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  How do I know if my child qualifies for help from the National Autism Association?

A: Your child must meet all three basic criteria to apply:

   1. Birth to age 21.

   2. Reside in the United States of America.

   3. Diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Q: How much money can I request?

A: The maximum amount we can award per child is a one-time grant of $1,500. 

Q: How do I apply for assistance from the National Autism Association for my child?

A: First, review the three basic criteria. If you meet these, then you must complete a GRANT APPLICATION. You must attach a letter from your child's physician that confirms your child's diagnosis. You must provide a copy of your most recent tax return.  If you were not required to file a tax return, other proof of income is required. Your annual income cannot exceed $50,000.

Q: Are grant funds paid directly to families?

A: At no time are funds transferred to families. All grants awarded are paid directly to the vendor or service provider to pay for tuition, supplements/medication, medical evaluation or testing, therapies, etc.

Q: I've sent my application in. How long until I know if my application has been approved?

A: Once we have received all components of the application (completed application form, doctor's letter, and tax returns, if applicable). No awards will exceed $1500 per child at this time.  ONLY APPROVED GRANT RECIPIENTS WILL BE CONTACTED BY NAA.  If you wish to confirm receipt of your application, mail it with a return receipt requested by the post office or delivery confirmation.  Grant distribution will be completed by 9/30/2011.

Q.: Can I fax my grant application?

A.: No, all applications must be sent by mail.

Q.: Where do I mail my grant application?

A.: Your application must be mailed to the Katy, TX address shown on the application.

Q.: How can I confirm that my application has been received?

A.: When you mail your application, request delivery confirmation or a return receipt from the post office.

Q: I have health insurance. Can I still apply for assistance?

A: Yes.

Q: I'm not sure if this request falls within the grant guidelines. Should I still send in an application?

A: If your request is for something other than medical treatment/testing, supplements or behavioral therapy for your child with autism, it does not fall within the grant guidelines. 

Q: We have so many medical bills, we're having trouble paying the rent/electric /water/telephone bills. Can NAA help us?

A: The guidelines of this grant do not allow payment for anything other than medical treatment/testing, supplements or behavioral therapy for your child with autism.

Q: Do you know of any other grant programs we can apply for?

A: We suggest contacting the following organizations for information on their grant programs. 
ACT-Today at http://www.act-today.org
United Healthcare Children's Foundation at http://www.uhccf.org
TACA: http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/resources/financial_issues.htm 

NAA cannot provide details on grant guidelines or availability through the above-listed organizations.  Please contact them directly for information.

2011 Helping Hand Application
Select the format you prefer to print your application.
Word Doc | PDF Format