Scholarships for recovered autistics?

Question

My son went from very low functioning as a kid to a high functioing autistic adult. In fact, unless he tells people, they don't know he is any different than any other 21 yr old. He works in food service, but wants to go into HVAC and the school is expensive. Does anyone know of scholarship programs for "recovered" autistics? He is a miracle and I see great potential for the kid they told me was profoundly retarded and severely autistic in 1990. He even graduated high school with a regular diploma, passing the same difficult Nevada exams as the "normal" kids to do so!

So, don't give up on your autistic child. I was told there was no hope. Moving to a new state/new schools saved my son. Don't ever give up hope!

Answer 1

It is wonderful that your son is such a success story.

I am surprised that the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation was not at your son's last two IEP meetings. They are supposed to attend and offer money for training, tuition and tools. I would check with them to find out what they can do for your son. Do it before he reaches 22!

I would go to the Wright's law website to find out what his legal rights are for rehabilitation services. If they did not attend the meeting, then it is the school district's obligation to arrange for you to meet with them to see what is available. They are out of compliance if they did not do this and you can file a complaint with the state DOE.

I would have your son go to the college for advisement. Depending on your income, they can tell you what grants are available for your son. The Pell grant is available to every American, but it depends on your income. However, the financial aid adviser can recommend the kind of scholarships that may available for your son. It is the best starting place because this is what they do for a living.

In addition, he is entitled to the same accommodations and modifications that he received on his last IEP. If he doesn't need anything, you don't need to worry about that. If there are some that need to be implemented, contact the disabled student services department at the college for additional advisement. They also may know of some scholarships.

Answer 2

Im proud for him! I do know in some states if you can prove a that your child attended school with a disability you can get schooling paid for. Illinois at least ullin Illinois did that. A friend of mine son had a reading problem he could read it but could not retain the information it made no sense to him. He was in "normal" classes with help from sister reading books into tapes he would work from listening to them. He got his schooling paid for to go somewhere in texas to be repair underwater things like oil riggs... Maybe contact the high school counsler they may know Good luck and thanks for the hope

Answer 3

Try www.fastweb.com.  You put in information about the child and parents and they kick back a list of scholarships he may qualify for.  It's a free service, and there are so many scholarships available for so many different things, it's amazing!

I'm not sure what HVAC is, but you might also try your local vocational rehab. center.  They can sometimes provide training or support to ESE students.

Goodwill, Easter Seals, and JobLink may also be able to help, or at least point you in the right direction.

Another option may be JobCorp.  It's a government run program and the kids live in apartments and get paid while they train or go to school.  They teach them real life skills like budgeting and keeping up an apartment, and they have centers all over the country.  

Good luck!