Take a Breather on the ASO - 2026
We are delighted to offer our "Take a Breather on ASO" program - Generously sponsored by DSP Connections!
We have reached our limit on the Take a Breather on ASO program for 2026. Please check back here after July 1st 2026 for more openings for 2026.
If you have already received a Take a Breather in 2026, please do not sign up again as this list is only for 2026.
Thank you for your interest in this program and we'll do our best to meet the demand given limited resources.
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. We are able to fulfill up to 250 requests in 2026, thanks to generous sponsorship from DSP Connections.
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 (at least 6 months apart) and limit each household to 2 "breather" requests per year. The household limit does not apply to group homes. If a person qualifies for both our "Take a Breather on ASO" and "Take a Break on ASO" programs, they can choose to participate in only one program each year. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
