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Dayton Autism Society
The Dayton Autism Society (DAS) is a non-profit organization that is made up of a board of volunteers who are parents, family members, professionals in the field of disability services, and other interested persons. DAS exists to advocate for, support, and educate families living with Autism.
The Dayton Autism Society serves families from the greater Miami Valley and an estimated 4,000 families living with Autism. These families reside in Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, and Preble counties.
At DAS, we strive to provide support and resources for all families caring for an individual with ASD by constantly making connections with partners within the Miami Valley and beyond.
We work alongside the National Autism Society to stay informed of new legislation that may impact families, pilot new programs, and make our voice known in advocacy. We also provide consulting to families in the areas of education and housing, conduct presentations in and around the community, and participate in resource fairs, all while remaining dedicated to our loved ones on the spectrum.
Want to help make a difference by volunteering?
Volunteering for the Dayton Autism Society is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism. As a volunteer-led organization, we rely on the time, energy, and dedication of our community to help us provide critical support, education, and advocacy.
Volunteers play a vital role in organizing events, raising awareness, and connecting families to resources that make a real difference. Whether you're helping at our annual 5K, assembling resource packets, or supporting fundraising efforts, your contributions help strengthen our mission and expand our reach. Volunteering also offers a chance to grow personally, building empathy, leadership skills, and deeper connections within the community.
At its heart, volunteering with the Dayton Autism Society is about showing up for others and being a part of something bigger than yourself. Together, we can create a more inclusive, informed, and supportive world for individuals with Autism.
Family Grant Application
Grant Program Overview
Our grant program provides one-time awards of $200, available once per calendar year per eligible applicant. Grant cycles are open during two timeframes: January through March and May through November.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Reside in one of the following Ohio counties: Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Preble, or Darke.
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Submit official documentation from a licensed professional (such as a doctor, psychologist, or specialist) confirming a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Please note: Each individual may receive only one grant per year.
Below is the documentation we need signed by a licensed professional confirming the diagnosis of ASD. Once signed, please upload it with your application.
Our grant program is dependent on available funding, and we typically plan to award 12–15 grants each month. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, please note that awards are not typically granted in the same month as the application is submitted. It may take 2–3 months for your application to be reviewed and a decision to be made.
How your support helps us grow!
Donating to the Dayton Autism Society (DAS) directly supports over 4,000 families affected by autism across the Miami Valley region. Your contributions fund essential programs such as sensory-friendly events, educational workshops, and therapy grants, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism. DAS also advocates for inclusive policies and provides resources to empower families navigating autism-related challenges. Every donation, whether monetary or in-kind, helps build a more inclusive community.
Vision
Creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it.
Mission
We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
Global
The Autism Society recognizes the wide diversity of the Autism experience in terms of needs and support across the lifespan.
About Us
Dignity
Where the value and self-determination of every individual is upheld.
Equity
Where everyone with Autism achieves the highest possible quality of life.
Inclusion
Where every person is integrated into society without barriers or exceptions in a collaborative environment.
Diversity
Where everyone is respected for their unique and individual differences.
Integrity
Where we conduct ourselves with honor, truth, and respect in our thoughts, words, and actions.
Our Values
The Autism Society strives to empower individuals with Autism and their families to make informed decisions in the planning and delivery of individualized, evidence-based services and support. Each individual and family has the right to choose the services that best meet their individual needs.
Empowerment
As the number of individuals being diagnosed with Autism has increased, so too have medical, educational, and clinical options. When making informed decisions about clinical and therapeutic options, family members, professionals, and individuals who experience Autism often find choices to be complex and confusing.
The overwhelming amount of information available via the internet, social media, and news media, which highlight stories about the successes of proven and unproven treatments, makes these decisions even more challenging. In response, we aim to help those who need to make choices among the vast array of available service and support options.
Inform
Inclusivity
The Dayton Autism Society expects that individuals with Autism will have dignified, productive lives and reach their fullest potential through access to appropriate education, employment, community living opportunities, medical care, mental health services, and family support.
Practicality
No single service or intervention is likely to meet the needs of every individual with Autism. Each person should have broad and equal access to high quality, individualized support and services. Selection of a program, service, or intervention method should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the person’s abilities, needs, and interests. Services should be outcome-based to ensure they meet the individualized goals of the person with Autism.
The Dayton Autism Society affirms that each person who experiences Autism is a unique individual. To the maximum extent possible, informed decisions should be made by the individual with Autism and their family members in partnership with a multidisciplinary team.
Objective assessment, goals, and outcomes should guide the selection of current evidence-based intervention practices. Services and support should be delivered with fidelity by qualified and appropriately trained professionals. All services should promote self-determination, enhance inclusive community engagement, and improve quality of life.
Integrity
Meet The Team
Elizabeth Redman
Vice President
Dr. LaShell Dauterman
President
Jennifer Cumbridge
Family Grants
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Providing support and resources for individuals with autism and their families in Dayton area.
Dayton Autism Society