Special Needs ESA Programs: Autism, IEP & Therapy Funding
Education Savings Accounts provide crucial funding for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, and other special needs. Access ABA therapy, specialized schools, assistive technology, and educational resources with up to $17,000 per year in 15 states with active programs.
What are Special Needs Education Funding Programs?
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for special needs students provide flexible educational funding to families whose children have been identified with disabilities under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). These student-centered funding programs offer alternatives to traditional public school special education through IEP-funded private options.
Who Qualifies for Special Needs ESA Funding?
- ✓Students with an active IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
- ✓Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis - highest enrollment
- ✓ADHD and attention deficit disorders with IEP
- ✓Dyslexia and specific learning disabilities
- ✓Intellectual or developmental disabilities
- ✓Speech, language, hearing, or visual impairments
- ✓Emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD)
- ✓Sensory processing disorders with educational impact
What ESA Funds Can Cover
- $Private special education school tuition and fees
- $ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) for autism
- $Speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy
- $Educational therapy and specialized tutoring
- $Assistive technology and adaptive devices
- $Specialized curriculum, textbooks, and learning materials
- $Online learning programs for special needs
- $Educational assessments and testing services
Explore Detailed Special Needs Funding Resources
Autism Education Funding
Comprehensive guide on how to use education savings for ABA therapy, autism-specialized schools, and autism-specific resources. 52% of Arizona program participants have autism.
Therapy Services Coverage
Discover how to use education funding for speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and other therapeutic interventions not covered by insurance.
IEP to Private Education Transition Guide
Understand the IEP waiver process, FAPE rights, and how to transition from a public school IEP to a privately-funded education plan while maintaining critical support services.
15 States with Special Needs Funding Programs (2025)
Click any state to view full program details, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines.
Arizona
Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
Arkansas
LEARNS ESA Program
Florida
Family Empowerment Scholarship
Indiana
Education Scholarship Account
Iowa
Education Savings Accounts
Mississippi
Equal Opportunity for Students
Missouri
MOScholars ESA Program
Montana
Special Needs Equal Opportunity
New Hampshire
Education Freedom Accounts
North Carolina
Personal Education Savings Account
South Carolina
Exceptional SC
Tennessee
Individualized Education Account
Utah
Carson Smith Scholarship
West Virginia
Hope Scholarship
Wisconsin
Special Needs Scholarship Program
Award amounts vary by eligibility and disability type
Ready to Apply for Special Needs Funding?
Our Concierge Service helps families with special needs children navigate the application process with personalized guidance, IEP documentation review, approved provider matching, and follow-up support for just $149.