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 the services outlined in the child's individualized education program (IEP).  Assistance is currently capped at $20,000/yr.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) is a federal law that guarantees all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 (or until the child graduates) the right to a free appropriate public education designed to meet their individual needs. Part C of the IDEA provides services, education and support for children birth through 2 who have a disability or delay. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142) was an earlier version of the IDEA.

Click Here for print version:  Whose Idea Is It Anyway?  The Parents Guide to IDEA