Understanding Ohio’s Autism Scholarship: How It Can Support Your Child’s Goals

For families of children with autism, finding the right educational and therapeutic supports can make a meaningful difference. In Ohio, the Autism Scholarship Program gives eligible families another option for accessing special education services outside of their local school district.

At Friendship ABA, we are proud to accept the Ohio Autism Scholarship to provide services that support the goals identified in a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

What Is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a plan developed for a child who qualifies for special education services. It outlines the child’s individual educational needs, strengths, goals and the services and supports that will help them make progress.

IEP goals are specific skills a child is working toward developing. Depending on the child’s individual needs, goals may address areas such as communication, social skills, independence, behavior, academics, daily living skills or other areas that impact their ability to learn and participate successfully.

At Friendship ABA, our services can be designed to help children make progress toward eligible goals identified in their IEP. Our team works with families to provide individualized support based on each child's unique strengths and needs.

What Is the Ohio Autism Scholarship?

The Ohio Autism Scholarship Program (ASP) is a state-funded program that allows eligible children with autism to receive special education services through a participating private or alternative provider rather than receiving those services solely through their resident school district.

According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, eligible students may use the scholarship for education and services outlined in their IEP or Autism Education Plan (AEP). A child may be eligible to apply beginning at age three.

How Much Is the Scholarship?

For the 2026–2027 school year, the maximum Autism Scholarship award is $34,000 per student. To receive the full annual amount, a child must remain enrolled in the scholarship program for the entire school year. Families are responsible for costs that exceed the scholarship amount, as well as services that are not identified in the child's IEP or AEP.

How Do Families Apply?

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recommends that families first review the eligibility requirements and then select a participating Autism Scholarship provider.

Families can visit the state's application information page to learn more about eligibility, find participating providers and access the Parent Portal:

Ohio Autism Scholarship – How to Apply

The state also provides an interactive directory of Autism Scholarship providers for families looking for participating providers in their area.

How Friendship ABA Can Help

If your child has an IEP and is eligible for the Ohio Autism Scholarship, Friendship ABA may be able to provide services that support your child's identified goals.

Our focus is on helping children build meaningful skills, increase independence and make progress through individualized, evidence-based ABA services.

Have questions about using the Ohio Autism Scholarship with Friendship ABA? Contact our team to learn more about eligibility, services and how we can support your child's goals.

For families of children with autism, finding the right educational and therapeutic supports can make a meaningful difference. In Ohio, the Autism Scholarship Program gives eligible families another option for accessing special education services outside of their local school district.

At Friendship ABA, we are proud to accept the Ohio Autism Scholarship to provide services that support the goals identified in a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

What Is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a plan developed for a child who qualifies for special education services. It outlines the child’s individual educational needs, strengths, goals and the services and supports that will help them make progress.

IEP goals are specific skills a child is working toward developing. Depending on the child’s individual needs, goals may address areas such as communication, social skills, independence, behavior, academics, daily living skills or other areas that impact their ability to learn and participate successfully.

At Friendship ABA, our services can be designed to help children make progress toward eligible goals identified in their IEP. Our team works with families to provide individualized support based on each child's unique strengths and needs.

What Is the Ohio Autism Scholarship?

The Ohio Autism Scholarship Program (ASP) is a state-funded program that allows eligible children with autism to receive special education services through a participating private or alternative provider rather than receiving those services solely through their resident school district.

According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, eligible students may use the scholarship for education and services outlined in their IEP or Autism Education Plan (AEP). A child may be eligible to apply beginning at age three.

How Much Is the Scholarship?

For the 2026–2027 school year, the maximum Autism Scholarship award is $34,000 per student. To receive the full annual amount, a child must remain enrolled in the scholarship program for the entire school year. Families are responsible for costs that exceed the scholarship amount, as well as services that are not identified in the child's IEP or AEP.

How Do Families Apply?

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recommends that families first review the eligibility requirements and then select a participating Autism Scholarship provider.

Families can visit the state's application information page to learn more about eligibility, find participating providers and access the Parent Portal:

Ohio Autism Scholarship – How to Apply

The state also provides an interactive directory of Autism Scholarship providers for families looking for participating providers in their area.

How Friendship ABA Can Help

If your child has an IEP and is eligible for the Ohio Autism Scholarship, Friendship ABA may be able to provide services that support your child's identified goals.

Our focus is on helping children build meaningful skills, increase independence and make progress through individualized, evidence-based ABA services.

Have questions about using the Ohio Autism Scholarship with Friendship ABA? Contact our team to learn more about eligibility, services and how we can support your child's goals.