From The Texas Tribune · Sasha Draeger-Mazer · · 1m 40s
Texas cuts autism program funding
Texas proposes eliminating state-funded autism therapy program.
In brief
Texas proposes eliminating state-funded autism therapy program. Texas plans to eliminate its children’s autism program due to budget cuts, risking access to critical therapy for 1,000+ children on waitlists. Originally reported by The Texas Tribune.
Texas proposes eliminating children’s autism program
Texas Health and Human Services Commission proposed eliminating state funding for the Children’s Autism Program (CAP) in its 2028-2029 budget request.
Israel Solis’s story
7-year-old Israel Solis, nonverbal with autism, gained communication through CAP-funded therapy at University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
CAP provides critical therapy
CAP contracts with 16 Texas providers to deliver focused applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy at reduced costs for autistic children.
1,000+ children on waitlist
State reports at least 1,000 children statewide are on CAP waitlists despite funding 583 children in fiscal year 2026.
Funding cuts impact families
Elizabeth Solis, mother of Israel, pays nothing for CAP services at University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
HHSC budget justification
HHSC claims the program’s elimination minimizes federal funding impacts while focusing on low direct service impact to clients.
Medicaid coverage gaps
Medicaid covers ABA therapy for those 20 and younger, but many families without insurance or self-funded plans lack access to providers.
Waitlist crisis
University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities has 200 families on waitlist for CAP-affiliated programs.
Impact on families
Dorothea Lerman, director of the center, says CAP elimination would leave most children without services, affecting family life and school performance.
Families face uncertainty
Hailey Johnson’s son Micah, diagnosed at 18 months, improved communication through CAP but faces waitlist after program cuts.
The takeaway
Texas plans to eliminate its children’s autism program due to budget cuts, risking access to critical therapy for 1,000+ children on waitlists.
