Autism Scholarship Program
The Autism Scholarship Program (ASP) is very similar to the Jon Peterson Scholarship, but there are a few differences:
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The Autism Scholarship is only for students with an Autism eligibility or diagnosis. Other disability categories are not covered.
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Every student receives the same funding amount — currently up to $34,000 per year.
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Students on the Autism Scholarship are not required to participate in spring state testing.
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Students with a medical Autism diagnosis may qualify for an Autism Education Plan (AEP). An AEP is the "Golden Ticket" of the Autism scholarship.Â
Eligibility
Autism Scholarship Qualifications:Â
- Your child has been identified by your school district as a child with autism and has a current, agreed-upon IEP from your district of residence; OR
- Your child has a private diagnosis of autism and this diagnosis is reflected in either an IEP or an Autism Education Plan (AEP) developed by your district of residence.
A child can apply to participate in the Autism Scholarship Program starting at age 3 until age 21
Enrollment Process
My student has a current ETR/IEP:
You’re ready to contact School Solutions.  Once connected, your scholarship provider will explain details such as number of hours awarded, and services.
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My student does not have a current ETR/IEP:
School Solutions will explain how to best communicate with your school district to get the testing process started. School Solutions offers a sample email, and text support throughout the process.
How to Apply for the Autism Scholarship
As an Ohio homeschooling family, you’ll have one foot in the homeschool world and one foot in the world of special education. Here’s the big picture of how the Autism Scholarship works when you partner with School Solutions:
1. Confirm Eligibility
Required for funding:
• A current ETR and IEP from your district that identifies autism, or
• A private diagnosis of autism that is reflected in an IEP or Autism Education Plan (AEP) from your district of residence.
3. Choose School Solutions
School Solutions focuses on IEP‑ and AEP‑aligned academic intervention for homeschoolers. We can also modify goals as needed to provide a true individual education plan.Â
5. Receive Funding & Services
After the state approves your scholarship, you’ll receive a funding award based on your child’s eligibility. We’ll work with you to build a schedule of services that fits your child’s needs and your homeschool routine.
School Solutions can walk you through each of these steps, help you understand the timelines, and coordinate with your district when appropriate. This information is for guidance only and is not legal advice. We encourage you to review Ohio regulations and official Autism Scholarship resources for yourself.
2. Mail your exemption to Homeschool
If you are homeschooling, follow Ohio’s homeschool exemption rules using law‑aligned forms (not school-created forms) so your child is correctly marked as homeschooled. Ohio Homeschooling Parents is an up to date and accurate website to guide you. Ohio Homeschool - Ohio Homeschooling Parents
4. Enroll with School Solutions
When you choose School Solutions, we’ll send you the Autism Scholarship enrollment paperwork and a short list of what we need (such as proof of address). You’ll complete, sign, and return these documents so we can submit or support your scholarship application.
6. Stay Current Each Year
- Keep your child’s IEP or AEP up to date with your district.
- Renew your Autism Scholarship paperwork each year so services can continue without a gap.
Use the Autism Scholarship with School Solutions
With an approved Autism Scholarship, families can use funds to support services written into the student’s IEP or AEP. When you partner with School Solutions, this can include:
- Specialized academic intervention in reading, writing, and math, and executive functioning skills.Â
- IEP/AEP‑aligned tutoring that targets your child’s specific goals
- Progress monitoring and communication to support IEP/AEP updates
- Collaboration with your district team so services match your child’s plan
- Support in planning a schedule that works with your homeschool rhythm
We’ll help you design a service plan that fits your child’s strengths, needs, and sensory profile, at no charge to you.Â
Autism Scholarship & Next Steps
School Solutions is ready to get you started with the Autism Scholarship!Â
Jon Peterson vs. Autism Scholarship: Which is best for my child?
Both scholarships help Ohio families fund special education services outside the local school district.
- Autism Scholarship is only for students with an autism diagnosis listed on their IEP or AEP.  Students who have a medical diagnosis can use the Autism scholarship with an AEP (Autism Education Plan)
- Jon Peterson Scholarship covers a wider range of disability categories.
- Appearance at Spring State Testing is NOT required when using the Autism Scholarship.
School Solutions can help you understand which scholarship is best for your student.