Autism Resources in Texas
A statewide guide to autism services across Texas — for families in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and the hundreds of smaller communities in between, from the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley.
Texas is enormous, and its autism services landscape reflects that: some of the nation's largest children's hospitals and autism centers, a dense therapy market in the big metros, Medicaid coverage of ABA since 2022, and a new education savings account program launching for 2026-27. It also has one problem that towers over everything else — Medicaid waiver "interest lists" that run 10 to 15+ years. If you take one thing from this page: call 877-438-5658 and put your child on the interest lists the day of diagnosis, even if you never expect to need them.
This page walks through how the pieces fit together and where the gaps are.
We've written this as a starting point. Texas readers who know specifics better than we do — tell us what we got wrong or missed.
Find your city
Jump to a local guide with providers, schools, and activities near you.
Texas at a glance
Early intervention program
Insurance mandate
Medicaid waivers (4)
- HCS (Home and Community-based Services)
- TxHmL (Texas Home Living)
- CLASS (Community Living Assistance and Support Services)
- MDCP (Medically Dependent Children Program)
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Support organizations
Texas's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center. Free help for families navigating special education — ARDs, IEPs, evaluations, and disputes — statewide and in Spanish.
Disability Rights TexasTexas's federally designated protection and advocacy organization. Legal advocacy for Texans with disabilities, including special education and Medicaid issues.
Texas Parent to ParentStatewide nonprofit connecting families of children with disabilities to trained volunteer parents, plus practical guides to waivers, transition, and Texas systems.
Navigate Life TexasState-run website for families of children with disabilities — plain-language explanations of ECI, Medicaid, waivers, interest lists, and school services.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)The state agency administering Medicaid, ECI, and the waiver programs — and the keeper of the interest lists (877-438-5658).
Autism Society of TexasStatewide affiliate offering support groups, information and referral, and community events for autistic Texans and their families.
Get our free summer guide
Sensory-smart, low-pressure, and actually fun. Free PDF, delivered instantly, plus one short practical email each week.
10 Amazing Activities to Do With an Autistic Child This Summer — free PDF, delivered instantly.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time.