National Autism Association

The mission of the National Autism Association-Northeast Ohio is to give families who have a child or children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder the tools to locate and access necessary treatments. We will fulfill this mission by providing financial assistance to help defray the costs of such treatments and by connecting families to existing resources.
Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible and what type of services can be covered through a grant from the National Autism Association - Northeast Ohio Chapter's (NAA-NEO) Helping Hand Program?

In order to be eligible for the NAA-NEO Helping Hand Grant program, your family and child must:

  • Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Reside in Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Lorain, Medina, Summit and Portage counties of Ohio.

The NAA-NEO Helping Hand Program provides families with financial assistance in getting respite care and a vaiety of therapy services for their child, children or dependent(s) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These services can include speech, occupational or physical therapy, behavioral therapy in the home or at a center, tuition assistance, summer camp related expenses, as well as marriage counseling or family counseling. Also, necessary medical testing and treatments can be covered through this program, which can include evaluations, testing, labwork, as well as biomedical treatments for ASD and underlying medical issues. NAA-NEO will award the grants based on financial need.

How much money can I request?

The maximum amount we can award per family is $1000 per calendar year.

Evan Photo

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

We are unable to accept new applications for 2008 at this time as we are currently fulfilling our 2007 committments to families previously placed on the Helping Hand Program's waiting list. Please check back in September 2008 for updates when a possible Fall grant cycle will be announced.

To receive automatic updates on grants and other autism resources, pleasesign up to our mailing list through this website or by emailing Andrea Pattison.

Further inquiries reagring NAA-NEO's Helping Hand Program and other programs and services can be made in writing and addressed to:

NATIONAL AUTISM ASSOCIATION - NORTHEAST OHIO CHAPTER

Attention: 2007 HELPING HAND PROGRAM
P. O. Box 221195
Beachwood, Ohio 44122

We suggest that you contact the following organizations for financial help at this time:

  1. National Autism Association at www.nationalautismassociation.org/helpinghand.php
    • Provides up to $1,500 for biomedical treatment, supplements, and other autism therapies
    • Accepts applications nationwide
    • Application Deadline:  May 15, 2008
  2. ACT-Today at http://www.act-today.org
  3. United Healthcare Children's Foundation at http://www.uhccf.org
  4. Your county Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
  5. For ages 0-5, Help Me Grow may be able to help. You can find a directory of providers at http://www.ohiohelpmegrow.org/

Please note that NAA-NEO is not affiliated with the above organizations and cannot provide details on grant guidelines or availability. Please contact them directly.