What is the Autism Scholarship?
The Autism Scholarship Program (ASP) gives the parents of children with autism who qualify for a scholarship the choice to send the child to a special education program other than the one operated by the school district of residence to receive their education and the services outlined in the child's individualized education program (IEP).
Who Is Eligible To Apply for the Autism Scholarship?
Any student may qualify for the Autism Scholarship Program if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
1) A student who has been identified by their district as a child with autism and for whom the district has created an individualized education plan (IEP). The student must have a current IEP from the district of residence that is finalized and all parties, including the parent, must be in agreement with the IEP.
OR
2) A student 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 the district of residence.
A child is eligible to apply to participate in the program when the child turns three.
1) A student who has been identified by their district as a child with autism and for whom the district has created an individualized education plan (IEP). The student must have a current IEP from the district of residence that is finalized and all parties, including the parent, must be in agreement with the IEP.
OR
2) A student 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 the district of residence.
A child is eligible to apply to participate in the program when the child turns three.
Autism Diagnosis Guidance
A private diagnosis as described by Ohio Revised Code 3310.41(A)(6)(c) should:
- Be dated and signed by the doctor or psychologist providing the diagnosis.
- Include the address and telephone number of the doctor or psychologist providing the diagnosis, preferably on letterhead.
- Identify the student (name, address, DOB) and their parent or guardian.
- Clearly state the diagnosis.
Autism Private Diagnosis Pathways
| autism-scholarship-private-diagnosis-pathways.pdf |
Autism Education Plan Checklist
| autism-scholarship-education-plan-checklist.pdf |
Autism Scholarship Award Amount
| fy_2025_asp_category_award_amount.pdf |
How Do I Apply for an Autism Scholarship?
First Time & Renewal Applicants:
1. Complete the Autism Scholarship Application.
2. Provide a copy of a utility bill in the name of the parent or guardian. Please refer to the Proof of Address sheet that lists acceptable forms of proof of address.
3. Provide a copy of your child's birth certificate to the school .
4. Return these items to the school office. They will upload these into the Scholarship Application portal on the Ohio Department of Education website.
1. Complete the Autism Scholarship Application.
2. Provide a copy of a utility bill in the name of the parent or guardian. Please refer to the Proof of Address sheet that lists acceptable forms of proof of address.
3. Provide a copy of your child's birth certificate to the school .
4. Return these items to the school office. They will upload these into the Scholarship Application portal on the Ohio Department of Education website.
There is no deadline for submitting the Autism Scholarship application.
Applications are accepted all school year .
Autism Scholarship Application
| 2025_2026_autismstudentapplication.pdf |
Acceptable Forms of Proof Of Address
| acceptable_proof_of_address_guidance.pdf |
Category Award Amounts
| fy-2025-jpsn-category-award-amounts.pdf |
FAPE Comparisons
| fapecomparison_asp.pdf |
Parent Portal Instructions
| parent_portal_user_manual.pdf |
Testing Requirements
| jpsn_testing_faq.pdf |
