Take a Breather on the ASO - 2026
We are delighted to offer our "Take a Breather on ASO" program - Please apply NOW for 2026!
This program is for Autistic individuals, ages 16 and older, in Oregon or SW Washington. Either a formal diagnosis or a self-diagnosis of Autism is required, but proof is not required. ASO provides up to $100 in gift cards to facilitate doing something that will provide the Autistic person with the opportunity to take a "breather" - that is, a chance to relax and recharge.
The goal of this program is to avoid Autistic burnout in Autistic community members. To reach as many people as possible, we limit each person to one "breather" per year.
To participate, please complete the Registration Form (by clicking the "Register Here" button at the top of the page).
Please know that we are working diligently on the applications but it may take 1 month to approve your request. If you are requesting something that you need sooner than that, please let us know by sending an email to Info@AutismSocietyOregon.org.
Participation is open to each Autistic person once per year. If you qualify for both our "Take a Break on ASO" program (for parents on Autistic children of any age) and our "Take a Breather on ASO" program (for Autistic adults), you may apply to just one program per year.
Eligibility
This program is open to any Autistic adult in Oregon and SW Washington, who is not a paid ASO staff member. Participation is limited to once per year. Someone who is both Autistic and a parent of an Autistic child (and thus also eligible for our "Take a Break on ASO" program), may participate in only one program per year.
Ideas for Breathers
Recipients can chose anything that they would like to do that ASO can purchase a gift card to cover! Requests we have had over the years include: movie tickets, museum entrance fees, restaurants, hobby materials, sensory items, gym membership, books, art supplies, athletic events or equipment, tattoos, short vacations and ancillary costs such as childcare and transportation.
Due to ASO’s 501(c)(3) status, breather funds cannot be used to directly support or directly oppose a candidate in a political campaign or election.
