Autism Scholarships
If a person has autism, Asperger’s, or another disorder of a similar nature, it depends on how severe it is. When making a diagnosis, a doctor considers the patient’s level of communication, social contact, and activity and interest limitation. In addition to these areas, the doctor also takes into account focus, fine and gross motor abilities, and overall personal function.
The majority of scholarships for autistic students, however, do not demand that applicants meet the threshold for a disability classification. A person does not need to self-diagnose in order to be eligible for college scholarships for autistic students; rather, they merely need to have a doctor’s diagnosis. As a result, even those with extremely mild cases of Asperger’s may be eligible for this scholarship.
There are a number of scholarship programs available for students who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum. These grants provide offers for applicants who have been diagnosed with autism (according to DSM-IV or later criteria) and are pursuing full-time, post-secondary, undergraduate education or vocational-technical training in four-year undergraduate colleges or universities, two-year undergraduate colleges, trade or vocational study, and cooperative life skills programs.
1. Schwallie Family Scholarship
The Schwallie Family Scholarship was made available by OAR in 2007 to assist qualifying students with an autism spectrum diagnosis in their post-secondary and undergraduate studies. The late Ed Schwallie, one of OAR’s founders and its lone Board member Emeritus, generously donated to fund the Schwallie Family Scholarships. It aids students enrolled in two- or four-year undergraduate institutions. Applicants to Schwallie programs often enroll at four-year universities. The Schwallie Scholarship is also frequently applied for by two-year college students who plan to get a four-year degree.
2. Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship
In order to better assist students enrolled in two-year degree programs as well as any of the rising number of certificate and life skills/transition programs offered in the United States, the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship was formed in 2013. Board member and chairwoman of the scholarship committee Lisa Hussman spearheaded the initiative, which is funded yearly by donations from the Lisa Higgins Hussman Foundation. supports college students who are enrolled in two-year undergraduate programs, postsecondary programs for life skills, or vocational, technical, or trade institutions. Talented kids with autism who attend programs that promote skill development, job preparedness, and other transitional skills often make up the pool of Hussman candidates.
3. Synchrony Scholarship For Autistic Students Of Color
The 2022 Scholarship application cycle opened in December 2021, marking the start of the Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color. It was founded as part of the nationwide “Education as an Equalizer” project of Synchrony’s Disabilities Diversity Network.
For the above-mentioned autism scholarship, the eligibility criteria are; Applicants must have a confirmed diagnosis of autism and be registered for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters at a recognized post-secondary institution of higher education in the United States. The scholarships do not fund graduate or postgraduate studies, and students who already hold a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.
The prerequisites for eligibility include acceptance for enrollment, full-time enrollment (minimum of six credits), or pursuit of certification or accreditation in a specific subject (e.g., studying to be a paralegal, chef, etc.). No one who has previously received an OAR scholarship or a member of the Scientific Council or Board of Directors of OAR may submit an application.
The Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color exclusively accepts applications from people from disadvantaged racial or ethnic groups. All candidates who identify as Black or African American, Indigenous (Native American, Native Alaskan), Hispanic or Latino, Asian American or Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern or North African, or Multiracial are also considered.
- The Kelly Law Team Autism Scholarship Contest: A scholarship worth $1,000 is available to people who have autism and want to continue their studies.
- The Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship: The Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship provides graduate or undergraduate students with autism or those who have a family with autism with $1,000 grants.
- Autism Delaware – The Adult with Autism Scholarship: This scholarship offers a $1,000 scholarship to Delaware citizens with autism who want to attend a post-secondary institution.
- The Autism Family Services of New Jersey Scholarship: The Autism Family Services of New Jersey Scholarship offers graduating students with autism a $1,000 grant. It is limited to New Jersey citizens
- The Jacob Trotter Memorial Scholarship: The Jacob Trotter Memorial Scholarship gives a citizen of South Central Wisconsin that is on the autistic spectrum and plans to attend college $500.
- The Percy Martinez Autism Scholarship: The Percy Martinez Autism Scholarship offers $5,000 to a student in high school, college, graduate school, or law school.
- Autism Research Texas: Autism Research Texas provides Texas residents with autism who are enrolled in a university or a trade school with $500 scholarships.
- The Law Office of David P. Shapiro Scholarship: The Law Office of David P. Shapiro Scholarship offers autistic individuals attending a university, college, trade school, or vocational institution a $1,000 award.
- Law Offices of David A. Black Autism Scholarship: Law Offices of David A. Black Autism Scholarship provides autistic individuals enrolled in high school, college, trade school, or vocational school with a $1,000 award.
- Feldman Law Firm Autism Scholarship: A scholarship worth $1,000 is available under this scholarship program to Americans seeking post-high school study.
- Dentistry by John Barras, DDS Scholarship: Dentistry by John Barras, DDS Scholarship offers U.S. citizens seeking post-high school study a $1,000 scholarship.
- The ASD Ascend Autism College Scholarships: The ASD Ascend Autism College Scholarships offers rising freshmen, sophomores, and juniors five $1,000 scholarships.
- The Autism Can Do Scholarship: Awards a $5,000 scholarship to a student from the United States or Canada who is autistic and is enrolled in a college or training program.
4. Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship
The Perecman Personal Injury Law Firm bestows its annual Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship. A $1,000 scholarship is provided by the law firm named after a little child who later passed away. The award is available to undergraduate students who have been diagnosed with autism or who have a close relative who is autistic. The award was established to assist students or members of their families in obtaining the education necessary to positively impact the lives of others. The application must be submitted by July 31.
5. CAPED Scholarship Cycle
California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability is known as CAPED. Students with autism and other impairments are eligible for college scholarships from the organization. According to the requirements of the pupils as well as other important aspects, several scholarships are given out. Each scholarship has a different quantity and value from year to year. Students must submit their applications together with the required paperwork by the deadline of August 16 in order to be considered.