Raising a child is hard. Throw in all the expenses and it can be overwhelming. But raising a kid with autism can be a real challenge and the costs that add on with the condition can leave families stressed beyond their limits. The Metro Friendship Foundation is an organization that gives scholarships to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder so they can learn the social skills they need to eventually become independent and relieve parents of the financial burden.

The Metro Friendship Foundation hosted a masquerade ball on April 13 at the Semple Mansion in Minneapolis. The purpose was to raise money for scholarships for autistic children in the Twin Cities. Social education at a young age is critical in preparing a child with ASD to become self sufficient.

The masquerade ball sold tickets for $50-$60 and held a silent auction to raise money for the cause. The theme was black and white, so guests were encouraged to dress in black and white and wear masks.

The Metro Friendship Foundation’s website describes the origins of the theme, “Life is not black and white and neither are the lives of kids with autism. We have the power to rewrite the future.”

The foundation serves kids living in the metro area, age 21 and under with an annual income of $75,000 or less. The annual cost of having a child with ASD is estimated between $29,000 and $43,000.

Lisa Potter is a reading teacher at Oak Park Elementary. Her son, Adam, is a sixth grader at Stonebridge Elementary and has autism.

“When your child is labeled as special needs, everything becomes more expensive,” said Potter.

Autistic kids need special education to prepare them to become self sufficient.

“When he was first diagnosed, we put him in a university for $40,000,” said Potter. “It was like sending him to Harvard.”

It is more than just education. Sports and activities have to be tailored to Adam’s needs as well.

“He swims and does horseback riding, which are each $170 for a session,” said Potter.

Even in the summer the family invests in tutors for Adam.

“He learns speech, social and play skills from the tutors,” said Potter. “Those are $15 per hour.”

The Potter’s receive very little help from their insurance. Special needs are not covered by most companies.

“It does not cover any behavioral research benefits,” said Potter. “Our insurance paid for a little speech therapy, but even that was tricky.”

Clearly, the expense is enormous. It is fortunate that there are organizations like the Metro Friendship Foundation to provide help to those who need it. No family wants to have to worry about their child becoming self sufficient. It all begins with fundraisers such as the Black and White Masquerade Ball to feed the growing need for financial support.