Acadiana Chapter Logo  
Contact Us
Autism Society of Acadiana


3108 West Pinhook Road
Suite 101
Lafayette, Louisiana 70508

(337) 235-4425, office
(337) 235-4427, fax
contact@acadianaautism.org

www.AcadianaAutism.org

Facebook: Autism Society of Acadiana
Greetings!
ASAC E-List Member
 

AUTISMCARES PROVIDES SUPPORT TO FAMILIES AFFECTED BY AUTISM  

DURING NATURAL DISASTERS AND OTHER CATASTROPHIC LIFE EVENTS

 

About AutismCares

 

Mission:  

AutismCares is a consortium of leading autism organizations who have come together to support individuals with autism and their families during natural disasters and other catastrophic life events.   

 

Purpose:
AutismCares understands that families living with autism often need additional and specialized support in recovering from critical life-challenging events. Leading autism organizations, along with committed individuals in the community have come together to support families in their time of need.

 

Funding:
  • AutismCares is funded by the contributions of the its Partners and other individual donations.
  • 100% of donations from member organizations are distributed to the families in need
Program Oversight:

AutismCares Partners:   

  • Set program goals and objectives
  • Makes final selection of families to receive awards
  • Help recruit new member organizations
  • Assist in promoting AutismCares within the autism community and throughout their respective organizations
  • Be available to speak with the press as required

Q: How do I apply for an AutismCares Support Award? 

A: Each family must complete an online application. We understand that you may not have your own computer; however, computers are available for use at all public libraries. If you absolutely cannot access a computer, please call 1-888-288-4762 and the Autism Response Team (ART) Coordinator will help you complete the online application.

 

Q: What information does AutismCares require from my family?   

 A: If you are chosen to receive an AutismCares award, additional information may be required based on the nature of the request. All information is considered confidential and will be treated as such by AutismCares and its Partners.

 

Q: I have questions about my application; who can I speak with?
 

A: Contact AutismCares via Serena Selkin, Autism Speaks Family Services Grants Manager at (917) 475-5059 or e-mail

 

 

Q: Who reviews the AutismCares applications?

A: Applications are reviewed by the Partner Committee, made up of representatives from leading autism organizations and sponsoring businesses, such as: Autism Speaks; Doug Flutie Foundation; Talk About Curing Autism; FedEx; and the Lisa Higgins Foundation. All applications are kept confidential within the review process.

 

Q: How soon will I hear something about my application?   

A: The deadline for applications is the 22nd of each month. Applications are reviewed by the Partners within 5-7 days following the deadline. We understand your family is in need of financial assistance and respond as quickly as possible. 

Q: What happens if I send in my application on the 23rd of the month?
A: Applications received after the 22nd of the month will be considered in the following month's review.

 

 

Q: Does a check go to my family or is the bill paid directly?    

A: Families are asked to identify the vendor(s)to be covered by the award in their online application. An award cannot exceed a total of $1000 per family.

 

Q: If my application is denied, may I reapply?   

A: You may reapply if it is still 90 days or less since your qualifying event occurred.

 

Q: What is a qualifying event?   

A: To receive an AutismCares award your family must have experienced a qualifying event within the previous 90 days. Qualifying events are:

  • Natural disaster: fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, severe storm or earthquake
  • Death or critical illness in the immediate nuclear family
  • Victim of a violent crime
  • Loss of home through foreclosure, eviction or natural disaster
  • Termination of employment for the primary income-earner within previous 90 days

Q: What does AutismCares consider a natural disaster?

A: A natural Disaster must be declared a "state of emergency" by local government agencies.

  

Q: Can I submit an AutismCares application to cover the cost of autism treatment for my child?   

A: Awards are given to cover the cost of critical living expenses such as; housing, utilities, car repair, daycare, funeral expenses and other essential items on a case by case basis. Autism medical treatments and services are not covered under this program.



2011-2012 Sponsors

**The Lafayette Sertoma Club**    
**SPICE, Employee Sponsored Giving Program of Opelousas Healthcare** 

 

 * 2012 Battle of the Salons: The Color Bar * 2012 Rock for Hope at Artmosphere * 
* Acadian Ambulance * Acadiana Bottling * Acadiana Dodge and Mazda * Action Crew Civitan Club * 

* Affordable Home Furnishings * Aggreko * All Kids Pediatrics * Annie Spell, Ph.D., Child Psychology *  

* Aucoin & Associates * OncoLogics, Inc * Barbara Connor, LLC * Bayouland Trophies * Best Buy * *Brother's * CETCO Oilfield Services * c*h*a*r*m * Champion Technologies *  

* City Club at River Ranch * DOW * Dr. Kristoffer and & Dr. Joslyn McCoy * Duhon's Fun Jumps *    

* Eddie's BBQ * Event Rental * First Impressions * Gulf Coast Social Services *  

* Halliburton Giving Choices * Home Depot * Jason's Deli * Julien's Po-Boys * 

* Lafayettte Airport Commission * LAMAR *  

*LaSalle High School, National Honor Society Chapter * Learning Rx *   

* Louisiana Health Information Management Association * Marathon Oil Company *   

* Merril Lynch, 2012 Running of the Bulls * Mosing Family Fund/Frank's Casing Crew *  

* North Street Elementary * Nexen, Inc. * Oceans Behavioral Hospital * Our Lady of Lourdes *  

* Paul Breaux Middle School * Pediatric Therapy and Learning Center * PetroQuest Energy * 

* Raising Cane's * SLEMCO * Speech Language Specialists, Inc. *  

* St. Basil the Great, Knights of Columbus #10721 * Therapy Center of Acadiana *

* Vermilion Catholic Beta Club * Vidrine Elementary * Walmart, Eunice *