Ohio Autism Scholarship
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help, visit the official program website.
Summary
The Ohio Autism Scholarship Program (ASP) provides families of students with autism the choice to send their child to a special education program other than the one operated by their local school district. The program aims to increase educational options and access to services outlined in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Families can choose from more than 250 schools, therapists and agencies.
Student Funding
Funding Type: Voucher
The Ohio ASP offers up to $32,445 per program year for eligible students. The scholarship amount covers the lesser of the fees charged by the approved special education program or the maximum scholarship value. Funding is provided for the full academic year if the student remains enrolled.
Student Eligibility
To be eligible for the Ohio ASP, a child must meet the following criteria:
- be between 3 and 21 years old
- have a current and finalized Individualized Education Plan (IEP) from their public school district identifying them with autism
- and have the IEP agreed upon by all parties, including the parent
Alternatively, a child is eligible who receives a private diagnosis of autism and reflects this in their individualized education plan (IEP) or in an autism education plan (AEP) developed by their public school district.
To confirm your child is eligible for this scholarship or any other Ohio educational scholarship program, use the School Choice Ohio site.
Rules & Requirements
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Ohio.
- Educational Status: Between 3 and 21 years old with a current and finalized IEP from their public school district identifying them as a child with autism. Important update: Ohio law HB554 made changes related to the category of Developmental Delay under the Autism Scholarship. A child now qualifies for the scholarship under the Developmental Delay category until the day before turning 10 years old.
- Education Service Provider Requirements: Families can use funds for special education services through an eligible private or alternative provider.
- Application Window: Applications are accepted year-round. If you apply between April and June, your scholarship will not be available until July 1st.
Using Your Funds
Funds from the Ohio ASP can be used to receive special education services through an eligible private or alternative provider (select Autism Scholarship from the left hand menu to see providers). To receive the full scholarship amount, the child must stay enrolled in the scholarship program for the entire school year. Parents are responsible for costs exceeding these amounts in addition to services not identified in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the student meets the residency and IEP requirements. Review the How to Apply for an Autism Scholarship on the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce site. You can find additional resources on the Autism Scholarship Resources page.
- Gather Information: Refer to the Parent Portal Manual for information on what to gather for the application and how you will set up an account on the Parent Portal site.
- Choose an Eligible Provider: Select an eligible private or alternative provider (select Autism Scholarship from the left hand menu to see providers). Confirm your child will be able to enroll or register with the eligible provider. You will need to go through their regular application process.
- Complete the Application: Once your child is accepted by the school, the school can submit a scholarship application on your child’s behalf. You will need to send your income verification form and copies of supporting documents to the Ohio Department of Education (either online or through the mail).
For other Ohio School Choice Programs: Refer to our Ohio State Summary.