Grants for Autistic Children: Full List of UK Grants for 2025

Finding the right grants for autistic children can be tricky, but there’s a lot of help available once you know where to look. From national charities to local organisations, there are many options for financial support for things like specialist equipment, home adaptations, and respite care.

In this guide will walk you through the best options to get the support your family needs.

 

National Charities for Grants and Financial Assistance

Below are national charities that provide grants and financial support for children with autism and other disabilities. These organisations focus on a variety of needs, from specialist equipment to therapies and respite care.

Charity	Description
Able Kidz	Able Kidz offers grants for specialist equipment like computers and software to support the education of disabled children. They also help fund extra tuition for children who need additional support in their learning.
Action For Kids	Action For Kids provides specialist mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and scooters for disabled children and young people up to age 25. They focus on items that aren’t available through the NHS.
Buttle UK	Buttle UK provides financial support for families in crisis, including those with disabled children. They help with essential items, education costs, and other needs that aren’t covered through other funding.
Caudwell Children	Caudwell Children provides grants for specialist equipment, including communication devices and sensory toys, to help disabled children live more independently.
CHIPS Charity	CHIPS Charity funds wheelchairs for children who cannot access them through the NHS, helping disabled children gain independence with the right mobility aids.
Crackerjacks Children’s Trust	Crackerjacks Children’s Trust offers grants for specialist equipment, sensory toys, and respite care for children with severe disabilities and their families.
Elifar Foundation	Elifar Foundation provides grants for powered wheelchairs, specialised seating, communication devices, and other essential equipment for children with complex disabilities.
Family Fund	Family Fund helps families raising a disabled or seriously ill child under 17 by providing grants for items like sensory equipment, day trips, and household essentials that improve family life.
Merlin’s Magic Wand	Merlin’s Magic Wand offers magical day experiences at Merlin attractions for disabled children and their families. They also provide financial assistance for access costs and travel.
Newlife	Newlife offers funding for essential medical equipment such as beds, buggies, wheelchairs, and seating systems, aimed at helping children with disabilities live more comfortably.
Variety	Variety funds wheelchairs and specialist equipment for children and young people under 18 with recognised disabilities, including items like sensory equipment and powered wheelchairs.
Whizz Kidz	Whizz Kidz provides wheelchairs and other mobility equipment to help autistic children and young people across the UK gain independence and mobility.

Regional Charities for Grants and Financial Assistance

Below are regional charities that offer grants and other support specifically for children with autism and disabilities. These organisations provide local assistance, which can be particularly useful if you’re seeking nearby resources.

Charity	Region	Description
Colchester Children’s Charity	Essex	Colchester Children’s Charity provides financial help for children with special needs in the Colchester area, including grants for specialist equipment, sensory assessments, and respite breaks.
Colchester Catalyst	Essex	Colchester Catalyst offers financial assistance for short-term breaks, medical equipment, and specialised seating for children with disabilities in Essex.
Southend Toy Library	Essex	Southend Toy Library supports children with disabilities through a toy loan scheme, respite care, and fun activities, along with specialist advice and support for families.
Wipe Away Those Tears	Essex	Wipe Away Those Tears grants wishes for terminally or seriously ill children in Essex, helping create joyful and memorable experiences during difficult times.
The Boparan Charitable Trust	West Midlands	The Boparan Charitable Trust provides financial grants for specialist equipment, therapies, and essential household items to support children with disabilities across the West Midlands.
The Daisy Chain Project	North East	The Daisy Chain Project offers support services and financial assistance for autistic children and their families in the North East, including day trips, activities, and family support services.
Friends of Alfie Johnson	West Midlands	Friends of Alfie Johnson supports disabled children by providing mobility equipment and other essential aids not covered by the NHS, enhancing their daily lives in the West Midlands.

How to Search for Grants Online

For a broader search or to stay updated with the latest funding opportunities, these online resources can help you find grants for children with autism. They regularly update their listings, so it’s a good idea to check them often.

Resource	Description
Disability Grants	Disability Grants is an online resource that helps families find the right grants for their needs. They update their listings regularly with various types of financial help, making it easier to find support tailored to your situation.
Turn2Us	Turn2Us provides a searchable database of grants and financial assistance for families in need. It’s a great tool for finding current grants and other types of support across the UK.

Overall

Finding the right grants for children with autism can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help you get the support you need. From national charities to local organisations, the right financial assistance can make a big difference in improving the quality of life for your child and family.

Further Reading: All the Disability Benefits you can Apply for in the UK.

FAQs

What grants are available for children with autism?

There are various charities and organisations that offer grants for children with autism, including funding for specialist equipment, respite care, and home adaptations. Some key organisations include the Family Fund, Boparan Charitable Trust, and Caudwell Children.

How can I apply for financial assistance for my autistic child?

To apply for financial assistance, you will need to fill out an application form from the organisation, provide supporting documents like medical reports, and sometimes a letter from a social worker. Each charity has its own application process.

Are there grants specifically for sensory equipment?

Yes, many organisations such as the Elifar Foundation and Crackerjacks Children’s Trust offer grants specifically for sensory equipment to support autistic children.

Can I get help with mobility equipment for my child?

Yes, charities like Action For Kids, CHIPS Charity, and Mobility Trust provide funding for mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and scooters, particularly for children with disabilities.

What is the Family Fund?

The Family Fund is a UK charity providing grants to low-income families raising a disabled or seriously ill child under 17. They help with the costs of specialist equipment, respite care, and other needs.

How do disabled facilities grants work?

Disabled Facilities Grants are provided by local councils to help with the costs of making changes to your home, such as installing ramps, widening doors, or adding stairlifts. These grants are means-tested and depend on your household income and savings.

Can I receive grants for specialist seating and communication devices?

Yes, organisations like the Elifar Foundation and Newlife provide grants for specialised seating and communication devices for children with disabilities.