Amrap 4 Autism Foundation

ConnectStrong - Education Conference (New in 2024) New for 2024, the ConnectStrong Education Conference was developed to provide families a low-cost event with direct access to community resources, local experts, and specialized knowledge to better support their autistic children. This full-day educational event featured two keynote speakers and 16 breakout sessions, offering parents an in-depth understanding of autism as well as practical guidance on navigating the educational, legal, behavioral, therapeutic, and special-needs systems. Connect Strong created a comprehensive learning environment where caregivers could connect with professionals, gather actionable information, and build confidence in advocating for their child?s needs. Impact (2024): 126 caregivers attended the event in its first year.

Sensory Friendly Events

Landon's Hope Scholarship reflects our commitment to supporting families who are unable to afford necessary autism-related therapy services. Inspired by the Thoms Family, who experienced firsthand the transformative impact of early and consistent intervention, this program provides direct funding for therapy hours for children with autism. Impact (2024): 78 individuals with autism received full annual-coverage funding for therapy services through our grant and scholarship programs. An additional 21 individuals with autism received 70-90% annual-coverage funding for therapy services. These scholarships reduce financial burdens on families and support long-term developmental and behavioral improvements for children receiving therapy.

Emergency Fund Grant In 2023, Autism Strong Foundation launched an Emergency Fund Grant to provide critical, immediate assistance to families facing urgent needs. Eligible families may apply for support with therapy coverage, bill-pay forgiveness, or essential needs like rent/food or bill coverage for a month, as well as expenses associated with obtaining an autism diagnosis. The Emergency Fund was fully depleted by July 2024 due to overwhelming need. Impact: 46 families received $100,000 in urgent support through this program, enabling many newly diagnosed children to begin therapy services sooner than they otherwise would.

Angels 4 Autism - Holiday Relief Program Angels 4 Autism is designed to alleviate the financial and emotional stress of the holiday season for local families affected by autism. Families may apply directly or be nominated by schools, service providers, or community members. Our team collaborates closely with each family to ensure they receive appropriate gifts, household necessities, and essential support. Impact (2024): 85 children with autism received customized holiday gifts. A total of 333 family members were supported with over 1,500 items/gifts, food, gas cards, and household essentials. And additional 7 families were supported with a food-only grant of $500

Campership Program Autism Strong Foundation believes deeply in the power of inclusive recreation, social skill development, and community engagement for individuals with autism. Through our Campership Program, we partner with nonprofit organizations such as Camp Royall and Camp Blue Skies to financially support campers of all ages, covering tuition and fees for specialized summer camps, social clubs, and group-based recreational experiences. Impact (2024): 39 camperships were awarded, enabling children, teens, and adults with autism to attend specialized camp experiences that foster social growth, independence, and lifelong friendships.