Is it Autism and if so, what next? A guide for adults
https://www.autismspeaks.org/adult-tool-kit
This guide was designed to help adults who suspect they may have autism, as well as those recently diagnosed with the disorder. This kit will provide an overview of autism to help you better understand the disorder and will hopefully clarify whether you should seek out a professional for a thorough evaluation.
Getting evaluated for Autism as an adult: Where to go? Who to see?
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2014/07/25/getting-evaluated-autism-adult-where-go-who-see
Evaluating autism in a previously undiagnosed adult can be challenging. It’s true that the standardized diagnostic checklists we commonly use are designed for children. There are no established diagnostic tests for ASD in adults. However, they are currently in development.
Job Searching with a Disability
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discriminating against a qualified individual with a disability when it comes to job application procedures, hiring, training, advancement, employment privileges, firing, and more. The act defines an individual with a disability as someone with a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities, someone who has a record of this impairment, and who is regarded as having such an impairment. That includes more noticeable disabilities like blindness, but also less apparent ones like autism, and even illnesses that might substantially affect life activities, such as cancer, diabetes, and epilepsy.
Act Today
http://www.act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php
Grant awards given on a quarterly basis of $100-$5,000 that covers ABA, Speech, Occupational, Social Programs, AIT, Fencing for home, Medications, and bio-medical treatment.
Affordable Colleges Online
Affordable Colleges Online focuses on highlighting scholarships, both narrowly- and broadly-focused, that can help students with disabilities pay for their educations, as well as additional resources for obtaining funding.
AHEADD (Achieving in Higher Education with Autism/Developmental Disabilities)
www.aheadd.org/scholarship.html
A private, community organization that provides support for students in higher education with: Learning Disabilities, High-Functioning Autism (HFA), Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), and/or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Offers book scholarships in the amount of $500 to qualified students who have Autism or Asperger Syndrome.
American Association of Health and Disability (AAHD)
http://www.aahd.us/initiatives/scholarship-program
Created the AAHD Scholarship Program to support students with disabilities who are pursuing higher education. Preference is given to students who are enrolled in undergraduate/graduate studies in the field of public health, health promotion, medical fields, and disability studies, to include disability policy and disability research. Royalties from the Disability and Health Journal will fund the AAHD Scholarship Fund; scholarships will be limited to under $1,000.
The AAHD Board of Directors Scholarship Committee will evaluate each of the applicants and make a decision in December of each calendar year. For further information email contact@aahd.us and place Scholarship in the subject line.
ANI-Autism Network International
An autistic-run self-help and advocacy organization for autistic people. ANI offers annual retreats and an on-line discussion group.
Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Scholarship
www.ncld.org/about-us/scholarships-aamp-awards/the-anne-ford-and-allegra-ford-scholarship-award
Offered only to seniors in high school who have an identified learning disability. Qualified applicants may be eligible for one of two $10,000 awards. The application deadline is December 31st.
Aspergers and Other Half
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AspergersAndOtherHalf/
Share resources, ideas, coping strategies and lend support to people involved in relationships with Aspies. Welcomes members from all over the world. This is a women only group.
ASPIRES (Asperger Syndrome Partners & Individuals Resources Encouragement & Support)
An e-mail subscription list for individuals with AS, and those who have a parent, spouse, or child with AS. Provides on-line resource for spouses and family members of adults diagnosed or suspected to be on the autistic spectrum. Approach is directed towards solving problems in our relationship with a spectrum-sitting spouse.
AutismCares
Email: autismcares@autismspeaks.org
AutismCares is a consortium of leading autism organizations who have come together to support individuals with autism and their families during natural disasters and other catastrophic life events. AutismCares provides support for families affected by autism during natural disasters and other catastrophic Life Events. Will also consider assisting families who meet the eligibility criteria to cover costs associated with housing, automobile repair, insurance premiums, medical care, prescriptions, daycare, funeral expenses. Other items will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. In most instances, payments are made directly to the vendor providing the services and not directly to the family. Assistance provided cannot exceed $1,500 per family.
Autism Society Award Scholarship
http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/awards-scholarships/
CVS/All Kids Can Scholars Program that offers $1,000 scholarship to individual with autism to be applied toward postsecondary or vocational program of study (college, trade school, etc.)
California Assn for Postsecondary Education and Disability (CAPED)
CAPED is the professional association of faculty, staff and students, serving students with disabilities at California’s institutions of higher educations. In 2011, they are offering a total of 10 scholarships (mostly $1000 scholarships) for students with a disability. Check online to download the one page application.
College Internship Program at UC Berkley
The College Internship Program at the Berkeley Center provides
individualized, post-secondary academic, internship and independent
living experiences for young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD and
other Learning Differences.
Community Options
Please contact: 858-565-9870
8555 Aero Drive, Suite 102 San Diego, CA 92123
Provides employment assistance and independent living skills to individuals with disabilities.
Dr. Lars Perner
University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Dr Perner is currently the Assistant Professor of Clinical Marketing at the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California. His site includes resources and free audio presentation the Dr. Perner has given.
Dr. Tony Attwood
Features papers, resources, and more related to Asperger’s Syndrome. A wealth of information including extracts from research studies published in scientific journals.
Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
www.finaid.org/otheraid/disabled.phtml
List of publications listing scholarships and financial aid that may be helpful.
Going to College
Web site contains information about living college life with a disability. It’s designed for high school students and provides video clips, activities and additional resources that can help you get a head start in planning for college.
Incight
Offers scholarship, mentoring, college preparation or internship opportunities. $750 scholarships are renewable for 4 years. Must have a documented disability and full time attendance at trade school, college or university. Applications due April 1st each year.
Independent Living on the Autistic Spectrum (InLv)
Online support group for people with autism or related conditions, including but not limited to Asperger Syndrome. A place to come together to make friends, support each other, and share practical experiences and tips relevant to independent living. Open to people on the autistic spectrum (either officially or self-diagnosed), and family and friends of autistic people, provided they are interested in us as persons and friends, rather than research subjects or solely sources of information.
Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support Center (OASIS)
http://www.aspergersyndrome.org
Provides information and resources about ASDs.
Online Discussion Group: AutisticDailyLiving
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AutisticDailyLiving/
This group will focus on issues relating to daily living needs for autistic adults, in an environment that is positive towards autism. Discussion on issues like housing, eating, obtaining services, communication, cleanliness, work, access to medical care, finances, transportation, and other “basic” parts of life that are taken for granted by most of the neurotypical world. The group will be a safe place for autistic people to discuss troubles.
San Diego People First
Please contact: 619-645-3024
P.O. 120587 San Diego, CA 92112-0587
San Diego People First sponsors annual self-advocacy conferences and delivers presentations on self-advocacy, voter education, track legislation, and writing to government officials to promote active and productive membership in the community.
San Diego Regional Center Adult Services
Please contact: 858-576-2996
4355 Ruffin Rd., Suite 200 San Diego, CA, 92123
Provides residential assistance, adult day programs, employment services, and transportation assistance.
Schwallie Family Scholarship Program
www.researchautism.org/news/otherevents/Scholarship.asp
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) offers the Schwallie Family Scholarship, established in 2007 to support qualified individuals with autism or Asperger Syndrome in the United States pursuing post-secondary education. One award of $3,000 in each of three categories: 1) Four-year undergraduate college or university; 2) Two-year undergraduate college, and; 3) Trade, technical or vocational school. One-time awards for any recipient.
The Arc of San Diego Community Employment and Living Programs
Please contact: 619.685.1175
Provides employment services including locating employment opportunities, completing applications, and interviewing skills. Community Living Services specializes in working with individuals with developmental disabilities who would like to live independently and provides group living opportunities in one of 12 residences. Arc also provides training in daily living skills such as health and hygiene, managing finances, and community safety.
Wrong Planet
A web community designed for individuals and parents with Asperger Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, and other PDDs. Provides a discussion forum, where members communicate with each other, an article section, with exclusive articles and how-to guides, a blogging feature, and a chat room for real-time communication with other Aspies. Asperger’s Syndrome, a pervasive development disorder, is a form of autism.
American Association of Health and Disability (AAHD)
http://www.aahd.us/initiatives/scholarship-program
Created the AAHD Scholarship Program to support students with disabilities who are pursuing higher education. Preference is given to students who are enrolled in undergraduate/graduate studies in the field of public health, health promotion, medical fields, and disability studies, to include disability policy and disability research. Royalties from the Disability and Health Journal will fund the AAHD Scholarship Fund; scholarships will be limited to under $1,000.
The AAHD Board of Directors Scholarship Committee will evaluate each of the applicants and make a decision in December of each calendar year. For further information email contact@aahd.us and place Scholarship in the subject line.