Thanks to the generosity of fundraising efforts, families in select U.S. locations now have the opportunity to apply for the TACA Spellers Scholarship. This scholarship supports individuals on the autism spectrum who are non-speaking or minimally speaking, giving families the chance to evaluate and explore alternative communication therapies through the renowned Spellers Method™ program. 

This opportunity is currently limited to 15 individuals with ASD (children or adults) at one of the following locations: 

• Oceanside, CA 
• Trinity, FL
  
• Woodstock, GA 
• Charleston, SC 
• Phoenix, AZ 
• Rochester, NY
• Portland, OR 

Purpose

The TACA Family Scholarship Fund was created to help families seeking specialized treatments for autism but facing financial barriers. We understand the challenges families face in stretching their budgets, and it is our goal to provide meaningful financial assistance to those who need it most. 

For 2025, each TACA Spellers Scholarship recipient will receive $2,600 to assist with out-of-pocket expenses for communication therapy services, including: 

• 7 in-person sessions 

• CRP course 

• Beginning letterboards 

This scholarship supports therapies tailored to non-speakers and individuals with diverse sensory-motor profiles. 

Key Dates

• Application Due Date: Friday, October 10, 2025, 12 AM PST  

• Scholarship Award Date: We will notify all applicants the week of October 27th  

All applications will be reviewed following the closing date. The review process is expected to take approximately two to three weeks, and all applicants will be notified of the outcome via email once a decision has been made. 

Eligibility

To be considered for the TACA Spellers Scholarship, families must meet the following criteria: 

1. Diagnosis & Age
   a. Have a child or adult age 10 or older diagnosed with ASD or PDD-NOS.
   
2. Income Guidelines
   a. Have a combined annual household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
   b. Families above this level may still apply; however, priority will be given to those meeting the 300% guideline.
3. Communication Partner
   a. The ASD individual must have one dedicated communication partner present at all sessions.
4. TACA Involvement
   a. Be a member of the TACA Hope & Help for Autism Facebook Group.
   b. Attend at least two TACA events (virtual or in-person), such as:
   – TACA National Autism Conference
   – Foundation Family Events
   – Coffee Talk Events
   – Virtual Support Events
   – Virtual Family Panel Events
5. Previous Scholarship Recipients
   a. Families who have previously received a Spellers Scholarship are not eligible for this round.

Scholarship Process

1. Complete the Application.

• • Fill out the application in full and select your preferred location.

2. If awarded:

• • A single check will be sent directly to the practitioner for therapy services. 
  • Travel, lodging, membership fees, or concierge costs are not covered. 
  • Scholarship funds can only be applied to future appointments after the award date of October 10, 2025, and the scholarship agreement is completed.
  • Recipients will receive further instruction and information once the scholarship agreement is completed, including notification of disbursement, further guiding details and etc.
  • Funds cannot be split between multiple practitioners or locations. 

If you have questions, please email scholarships@tacanow.org

Important: Please read and fill out the application carefully, making sure all information is accurate and up to date. Applicants who fail to do so will be ineligible for consideration.

Please check back later to apply for the TACA Speller’s Scholarship.
Applications will be open September 22, 2025.