5 Creative Ways to Finance Autism Therapies

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.