Texas health agency proposes eliminating children’s autism program
The state says 583 children received treatment last year, while contractors report at least 1,000 more are waiting for services.
- The Texas Health and Human Services Commission proposed eliminating the Children's Autism Program in its 2028-2029 budget request, a move that stunned advocates, providers, and parents.
- Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows directed state agencies to cut spending by 3% in the next biennium, prompting HHSC officials to propose the program's elimination.
- In fiscal year 2026, the state autism program funded treatment for 583 children, yet contractors report at least 1,000 more are on waitlists with wait times measured in years.
- If the Legislature approves the cuts, children would continue receiving services through August 2027. Elizabeth Solis, a parent with two sons in the program, stated, 'If the doors just completely close, you just feel like it's all caving in.'
- While HHSC officials claim Medicaid benefits make the program redundant, advocates like Jolene Pohl of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities note that Medicaid often fails to provide adequate access, especially in rural areas.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Texas health agency proposes eliminating children's autism progra
For years, 7-year-old Israel Solis couldn’t communicate with the world around him. Born with autism and nonverbal, he would bite and scratch himself in frustration when someone couldn’t understand his needs. Therapy through a state-subsidized program gave
Texas health agency proposes eliminating children’s autism program – WTOP News
For years, 7-year-old Israel Solis couldn’t communicate with the world around him. Born with autism and nonverbal, he would bite and scratch himself in frustration when someone couldn’t understand his needs. Therapy through a state-subsidized program gave him a voice: using a picture system he’s learned from his providers in Houston, he’s now able to...
Associated Press News
Texas health agency proposes eliminating children’s autism program
For years, 7-year-old Israel Solis couldn’t communicate with the world around him. Born with autism and nonverbal, he would bite and scratch himself in frustration when someone couldn’t understand his needs.
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