Frequently Asked Questions

Growing Beyond Barriers is a Utah-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to fund access to evidence-based therapy services for children with autism and related developmental conditions whose families cannot afford care.

We pay licensed providers directly for approved services. We do not provide medical treatment, and we are not a healthcare organization.

Yes. Growing Beyond Barriers is a Utah nonprofit corporation recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Our EIN is [EIN].

We are based in Utah and currently serve families in Utah. We hope to expand our geographic reach as funding and capacity grow.

Yes. A formal diagnosis from a licensed healthcare professional is required. We cannot fund services for an undiagnosed condition, as we need documentation to ensure our criteria are applied consistently and fairly.

We focus on financial need, which considers the cost of therapy relative to your household income and circumstances, not just income alone. A family with a moderate income but multiple children in therapy, or with very high therapy costs, may still qualify. We evaluate each situation holistically.

Yes. We may be able to help with costs your insurance doesn't cover, including copays, deductibles, out-of-network costs, or services your insurance denies. When you apply, provide information about your insurance coverage so we can consider the gap in your application.

Applications open [Opening date]. Leave your email on our Apply page and we'll send you the application the day it opens.

No. Applying for assistance is completely free. If anyone contacts you claiming to charge a fee to help you apply, that is not affiliated with Growing Beyond Barriers.

No. Please do not send medical information through the general contact form. When the application portal opens, it will be a separate, secure system. Until then, please do not send any medical or diagnostic information via email or the contact form.

We fund evidence-based therapy services including ABA therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, neurodevelopmental programs, and nutritional testing for autism-related concerns. See our Services page for full details.

No. Both stem cell therapy (for autism) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are listed on our Research and Development page, which means we are evaluating the evidence but do not currently fund them. Stem cell treatments for autism are not FDA-approved and carry significant risks. HBOT has not demonstrated consistent, clinically meaningful benefit for autism in peer-reviewed research. See our Research and Development page for our full position.

No. Growing Beyond Barriers funds therapy services provided by licensed therapists. It does not pay for medical treatment, medications, or prescriptions. We are not a medical organization and do not provide medical advice.

Applications are reviewed by our volunteer review committee using published, objective criteria. All committee members complete conflict of interest disclosures and recuse themselves from cases where a conflict exists. Decisions are documented and final outcomes are communicated in writing.

Denials will include a reason. We will have an appeal process for families who believe their application was evaluated incorrectly. Details of the appeal process will be published when applications open.

Yes, you may choose any licensed provider who meets our partner standards. They do not have to be on a pre-approved list. However, the provider must be willing to work with Growing Beyond Barriers and bill us directly. See our Providers page for what we require of partner providers.

Always directly to the provider. Growing Beyond Barriers does not give cash or checks to families. This is required by IRS rules and ensures funds are used for their intended purpose.

Yes, to the extent allowed by law. Growing Beyond Barriers is a 501(c)(3) organization, and every donation receives a receipt with our EIN for your records. For questions about your own taxes, please talk with a tax professional. See our Financials page for more.

We are not a tax advisor and cannot provide tax advice. Generally, nonprofit grants for medical or therapeutic care are treated differently than income. We recommend consulting a tax professional regarding how any assistance received may affect your personal tax situation.