Ohio Autism Scholarship Program

Students must be ages 3 to 21, identified or diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or pervasive developmental disorder, enrolled in or eligible to enter a public school special education system, and have a current IEP. The state calculates funding by using a unique, program-specific formula established in statute. The state pays a student’s parent or custodian for education services. If transportation is listed on the IEP as a related service, the parent may obtain transportation from a registered private provider that is approved by the state and then seek reimbursement through the Autism Scholarship Program. Parents are responsible for covering any costs beyond the maximum amount allowed per year. Any qualifying Ohio K–12 student who wishes to participate may receive funding. 

Funding Mechanism: Unique, program-specific statutory formula 

Universal Eligibility: ❌
Universal Usage: ❌
Universal Funding: ✅
Truly Universal: ❌

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

Scholarship funds may be used to pay for tuition at a special education program offered by an alternative public provider or a private provider that implements the child’s IEP. Scholarships may also be used to pay for other services that are not included in the student’s IEP but that are associated with educating the child.

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

View program requirements for parents, schools, and scholarship granting organizations by clicking on each hyperlink.

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

Ohio Rev. Code §§ 3310.41 through 43

(Last updated July 30, 2024)