Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for autism was developed by athlete Doug Flutie, Sr. in honor of his son who has the developmental disorder. This wonderful organization focuses on three main areas: disadvantaged families, research and education. The foundation is dedicated to funding research about the causes and manifestations of childhood autistic disorder.

Many disadvantaged families are unable to adequately take care of a child who has special needs. The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation is dedicated to helping those families who require help.

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation is also a communications hub that offers a plethora of information about autism and related pervasive developmental disorder.

The organization also offers grants and programs to researchers, families and professionals as well.

Doug Flutie, Jr. Grants and Programs

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation offers grants to families in crisis. These grants are not given directly to the individual families. Instead, they are distributed among certain focus areas in the following regions: New Jersey, New England, New York and parts of Canada. The money is distributed to organizations that provide services for families in need in these regions.

The Laurie Flutie Computer Initiative is a program that offers computers to disadvantaged families with children who have autistic disorder. The initiative also delivers computers to certain school districts as well.

ASA Scholarships

The Autism Society of America offers various awards and scholarships each year. Scholarship winners are announced at ASA's National Conference and Exposition on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The Collins Scholarship is an annual award presented to individuals who are studying autism in graduate school. The scholarship was founded by Glenna B. Collins of Chicago, Illinois.

Individuals with autism can apply for an annual scholarship provided by the Autism Society of America for vocational training or post-secondary education. The ASA scholarship awards $1,000 to the individual.

Autism Scholarship Program

The Autism Scholarship Program is an example of a state program that offers scholarships to children with autism in the State of Ohio. The money received through the Autism Scholarship Program is used to implement a special education program for the autistic child that is not available through the child's school district.

The student remains a member of his local school district. However, $20,000 dollars is transferred to a special education program outlined in the child's Individual Education Plan.

Special Needs Trust for Autism

The Special Needs Trust for Autism recognizes that government benefit programs do not adequately support the needs of individuals with autism. Parents can save money for their children who have pervasive developmental disorders but in order to make sure that the money actually reaches the individuals is to set up a Special Needs Trust for Autism.

This trust assures that the individuals with autism receive their funds and it also assures that they can still receive public assistance as well. The Special Needs Trust for Autism is managed by an advocate assigned by the family.

It is crucial that parents consult with a professional financial planner and an attorney when setting up a Special Needs Trust for Autism.

Autism Society of America Foundation

The Autism Society of America foundation was founded by Dr. Bernard Rimland, the same doctor who founded the Autism Research Institute. The ASA was established in 1965 and was Dr. Rimland's first organization.

The ASA foundation was originally comprised of parents but membership has spread to professionals and concerned citizens as well. The ASA foundation is dedicated to educating the public about autism and pervasive developmental disorders. It funds research projects and supports services for people in the community who are affected by autism.

Each year, the Autism Society of America presents awards that recognize outstanding individuals within the autism community. The foundation also offers scholarships as well.

Funding Autism

Funds for autism are typically disbursed into four major categories. Research includes but is not limited to genetic, biomedical and environmental approaches. Support funds for autism focus on treatment and family needs. Educational funds help raise autism awareness and distributes up-to-date information to families and professionals. Reform funds focus on necessary changes that need to be made in the treatment, education and care of individuals who have autism.

Research into the cause and treatment of pervasive developmental disorders is one of the most important areas of funding. Finding clues as to the cause and nature of autism will hopefully lead to a greater understanding of how to treat the developmental disorder. Research includes developing medications as well as determining a biological or environmental cause for autism.

Many people are dedicated to supporting current autism treatments available right now including the care and education of the individual who has the disorder. Sometimes reform is necessary as well. Some organizations are interested in updating interventions and supplying therapists and families with necessary equipment used in autism treatments.

Educating families touched by autism on the possible causes, treatments available as well as alternative approaches to treating autism. Some of the funds acquired by foundations dedicated to autism is geared toward educating families and professionals while some of the funds are used to educate the general public about the developmental disorder as well.

Autism Research Institute

The Autism Research Institute was established by Dr. Bernard Rimland in 1967. Dr. Rimland is the author of the groundbreaking book Infantile Autism: The Syndrome and its Implications for a Neural Theory of Behavior which dispelled the myth of the "refrigerator mother."

Before researchers like Dr. Rimland, most believed that autism was an emotional disorder caused by a cold and distant relationship between mother and child. Now we know that autism is fundamentally a neurological brain disorder because of such pioneers as Dr. Rimland and through research developed on sites like the Autism Research Institute.

The Autism Research Institute is dedicated to continuing its research into the field of autism with the conviction that autistic disorder is treatable with the appropriate interventions. The headquarters is located in San Diego but the organization is responsible to gathering data about current autism research and extending it to professionals and families touched by autistic disorder.

Cure Autism Now (CAN) Foundation

Cure Autism Now (CAN) is an organization originally created by parents of children with autism in 1995. CAN is currently comprised of a combination of parents, clinicians and researchers who are dedicated to the study of pervasive developmental disorders.

The Cure Autism Now foundation focuses on finding causes for autism as well as discovering ways of preventing and treating pervasive developmental disorders. CAN has raised millions of dollars used to work toward their goals.

Currently, Cure Autism Now is offering grants to individuals who are interested in autism research.

Grants and Awards Offered by the CAN Foundation

There are currently five grants offered by the Cure Autism Now foundation:

1. The Young Investigator Research Grant is offered to scientists who have earned their M.D. or Ph.D. within the last four years. This autism grant encourages scientists to enter this field of study.
2. Pilot Research Awards are offered to individuals who are already researching autism but who have innovative new theories or approaches to explore.
3. Treatment-Related Awards are presented to individuals who are working toward improving autism treatment strategies.
   
4. Innovative Technology for Autism (ITA) is an initiative dedicated to the development of technological products that can help individuals with autism navigate through daily routines.
5. ITA Bridge grants are designed to bridge the gap between areas that do not have adequate funding for their current technological research and development.