Programs
Safety Initiative
Autism Sensory Kit Grants
First Responder agencies can apply to receive a grant for an Autism Sensory Kit. Backpacks include items which can assist first responders in their interactions with individuals who have autism or other sensory needs.
Contact chenique@autism-alabama.org with any questions.
Safety Resources:
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/wandering-prevention-resources
- https://www.smart911.com
- https://www.vivint.com/company/gives-back
- https://projectlifesaver.org
Ask your local police and fire departments if they participate in a Smart911 or Community Connect Program.
Many counties in Alabama have Project Lifesaver. Contact your local Sheriff’s office to ask if they participate. If not, advocate for them to request funding.
Products available for purchase:
Camp Frog
ASA’s Camp FROG Family Weekends, held at Camp ASCCA and located on beautiful Lake Martin, offer families the opportunity to enjoy traditional camp activities in a supportive and adaptive environment, as well as, fellowship with other families from across the state. Fall Camp FROG is open for ages 6 – 13 years of age. Spring Camp Frog hosts ages 14 and up. Please contact chenique@autism-alabama.org for additional information. Open to Alabama families affected by autism.
See what families are saying about Camp FROG…
This was our first real family outing with activities! Our kiddos were able to try new things that they never would have had the opportunity or the confidence to do otherwise. Having other families and children like ours made it feel so welcoming and comfortable. Our son said it was literally the best weekend of his life! We cannot wait until we have the opportunity to join again. No one wanted to leave!
One dad said, “We are all in this together.” It was like a big family. Everyone understands where you are and what you are going through and offered advice and help. We were not strangers getting together. Autism united us. The weekend was busy, but it was awesome!!!
Care Binders
CARE (Comprehensive Autism Resource and Education) Binders are provided by the Autism Support of Alabama at no cost as a tangible tool for families who have a loved one diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to assist in navigating services and resources in Alabama related to autism.
The CARE Binder can be an essential tool for helping families to effectively advocate for their loved one. These binders not only provide information on local resources, but also provide a way to organize information with pre-filled tabs for important paperwork such as Medical Information, Emergency Information, Evaluations, IEP/ IFSP and Transition. Families can take the binder to doctor appointments, therapy visits, IEP / IFSP meetings, parent-teacher meetings so that important information is available at a glance to reference or share as needed.
A CARE Binder Request Form must be completed in order to receive a CARE Binder. You may request a form from Chenique@autism-alabama.org
Recipients of the CARE Binders say…
It provides information and resources that my family and I had been looking for on our own for many months unsuccessfully. Having a jumpstart where everything was together and already organized has helped me to keep everything related to my child’s care in 1 spot. I take it to doctors appointments, IEP meetings, even to educate my family and friends on Autism.
I love my care binder! I have all my important information all in one place and organized. I can just grab it in any situation for my daughter and I’m not stressed out anymore searching for a resources
Community Education
Autism Support of Alabama organizes conferences and workshops statewide. These educational opportunities allow teachers, parents, providers, and consumers to learn from ASD experts, researchers and community leaders. Check out our Calendar for upcoming educational events.
Email chenique@autism-alabama.org for more information.
Community Events
Autism Support of Alabama hosts community events statewide. Sensory sensitive events include visits with Santa, baseball games, museum days, movies and theater performances.
Family Grant Program
Autism Support of Alabama (ASA) understands the financial challenges experienced by families who have loved ones with autism. As such, programming has been expanded to include limited reimbursement of funds (up to $250) for ASD-related expenses incurred by families of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as outlined below.
What Expenses Qualify for a Family Grant?
- Respite Services provided in home by someone at least 18 years or older who does NOT reside in the same household. Families are responsible for selecting and hiring their respite providers. Respite can also be provided in the form of a summer camp selected by the caregiver.
- Swim lessons provided by a certified instructor.
- Co-pays related to ABA services provided by a licensed provider.
- Expenses related to the cost of safety devices that help prevent wandering and elopement.
- Grants are limited and offered during 2 grant cycles each year as funding allows.
Applications will be posted on our website. Grants will be accepted Nov. 1-30 and May 1-31 and chosen by lottery. Applications received outside of these dates will not be considered. Recipients awarded a Family Grant may not apply again for at least one calendar year.
The Family Grant Program serves families in all 67 counties of Alabama.
Contact chenique@autism-alabama.org for more information or call 1-877-4Autism.
Connect Groups
Connect Groups are led by volunteers who serve as points of contact for caregivers of individuals with autism who would like to connect to others in their local community. If you would like to locate a Connect Group leader in your area, please email jenny@autism-alabama.org or call 1-877-4AUTISM.
Post-Secondary Scholarship Program
Autism Support of Alabama is excited to announce the Post-Secondary Scholarship Program, which awards a limited number of scholarships of up to $1,000 to individuals with a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder who are enrolled in or have been accepted to a post-secondary program in a university/college, vocational/ technical school and/ or a day training or job training program.
- Applications are available to be completed March 15- May 1st.
- Each application will be reviewed by the Autism Support of Alabama Scholarship Committee.
- Recipients will be notified.
The following information is needed to apply:
- Documentation of formal diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Verification of enrollment or acceptance letter to college, university or vocational/ Technical School and/or a day or job training program.
- Two letters of recommendation. At least one should be from a professional such as a teacher/professor, counselor, coach, therapist, etc. They should mention why you would be a good fit for the program in which you are enrolled or plan to enroll and why you should be considered for this scholarship.
- A video submission (no more than 2 minutes) telling about yourself, the program you plan to attend, and what you hope to accomplish.
Apply Here March 15th – May 1st. For questions, please email chenique@autism-alabama.org or call 1-877-4AUTISM.
DISCLAIMER
Please note that Autism Support of Alabama does not provide the following:
- Crisis or Emergency Assistance
- Therapeutic treatment
- Case management
- Placement assistance for residential treatment
If you are in an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1. For general assistance resources across the state, dial 2-1-1.