Autism Scholarship

Important Updates

Updated requirements related to Autism and Jon Peterson scholarship services provided by virtual means are effective October 24, 2024. Find more information about these requirements in House Bill 147 Services by Virtual Means Guidance.
 

HB554 made changes related to the category of Developmental Delay under the Autism Scholarship. A child may now be eligible for the Autism Scholarship under the disability category of Developmental Delay until the day before they turn 10 years old. If you have questions about the implementation of this change, please contact your Regional Consultant if you are an approved provider or email the Autism Scholarship Program at autismscholarship@education.ohio.gov.

 
How to Apply Autism Scholarship Resources

General Overview

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) or Autism Education Plan (AEP). 

Eligibility

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.

Private Diagnosis of Autism Guidance

A private diagnosis as described by Ohio Revised Code 3310.41(A)(6)(c) should:

  1. Be dated and signed by the doctor or psychologist providing the diagnosis.
  2. Include the address and telephone number of the doctor or psychologist providing the diagnosis, preferably on letterhead.
  3. Identify the student (name, address, DOB) and their parent or guardian.
  4. Clearly state the diagnosis.

Last Modified: 10/10/2024 10:05:52 AM