Services and Resources
The TARRC supports Texans on the autism spectrum and their families by connecting them to services and resources available in their community.
Government Programs
Texas offers services and supports for Texans with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.
- DADS manages 13 State Supported Living Centers, 24-hour residential facilities serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They specialize in helping people who have medical and behavioral challenges.
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The Autism Program contracts with local community agencies and organizations to provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and other positive behavior support strategies, to children aged 3 through 15 years with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum.
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ECI is a statewide program for families with children, birth to three years, with disabilities and developmental delays. ECI supports families to help their children reach their potential through developmental services. Services are provided by a variety of local agencies and organizations across Texas.
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Services assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have problems with learning, mobility, language, self-care, and independent living. Programs include:
Community ICF/IDD programs
Home and Community-based Services
Texas Home Living Program
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The Independent Living Services (ILS) program promotes self-sufficiency for people with disabilities despite the presence of one or more significant disabilities. Objectives of ILS include but are not limited to: living independently, decreasing dependence on family members and attendant services, decreasing the need for supervision in activities of daily living, and increasing a self-directed lifestyle.
- Special education services for children from ages 3 through 21 years are provided through local independent school districts and the schools they operate. Use the A to Z index for answers to your questions.
- Vocational Rehabilitation programs help people with disabilities prepare for, find or retain employment and help youth and students prepare for post-secondary opportunities. The programs also help businesses and employers recruit, retain and accommodate employees with disabilities.
Private Providers
The state contracts with a network of private service providers to deliver ASD programs in local communities. Additionally, many private providers offer programs on a fee for service model. Private services may be covered by certain health insurance programs.
Find service providers in your area
A number of free databases can assist families to locate services and opportunities for their family member with ASD. These include:
Applied Behavioral Analysis Providers by County
- Andrews Center – Smith County
- Autism Treatment Center Inc. – Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson Counties
- Bluebonnet Trails Community Services - Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays, Lee, Travis, and Williamson Counties
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders – Travis, Hays, and Williamson Counties
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders – Nueces and surrounding Counties
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders – Dallas and Tarrant Counties
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders – Harris County
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders – Bexar County
- Center for Life Resources – Brown, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, McCulloch, Mills, and San Saba Counties
- Easter Seals East Texas Inc. – Brazos, Burleson, Robertson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, and Washington Counties
- Easter Seals East Texas, Inc. – Bowie, Camp, Cass, Morris, Red River, and Titus Counties
- Easter Seals North Texas Inc. – Tarrant, Dallas, and Denton Counties
- Heart of Texas Region MHMR Center – McLennan, Coryell, Limestone, Hill, Falls, and Bosque Counties
- The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD – Harris and Galveston Counties
- MHMR Services of the Concho Valley – Coke, Concho, Crockett, Irion, Reagan, Sterling, and Tom Green Counties
- Paso del Norte Children's Development Center – El Paso County
- Permian Basin Community Centers – Midland and Ector Counties
- Texana Center – Matagorda, Wharton, Austin, Colorado, Waller, Fort Bend, Harris, Galveston, and Montgomery Counties
- Texas Tech University: The Burkhart Center – Lubbock and surrounding counties
- University of North Texas Kristin Farmer Autism Center – Denton, Wise, Collin, Tarrant, Dallas, and Cooke Counties
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley – Hidalgo and Cameron Counties
Organizations
Organizations are a source of information, as well as offer community services and family supports benefitting people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.
Your resource for High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Autism Society of America is dedicated to increasing public awareness about ASD and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with ASD, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact. The Autism Society and its affiliates share a common mission of providing information and education, supporting research, and advocating for programs and services for the ASD community.
Autism Speaks, a national organization on ASD, is dedicated to funding biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and a possible cure for ASD. It strives to raise public awareness about ASD and its effects on individuals, families, and society and works to bring hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.
The Arc, an organization of friends and families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, provides local services in chapters throughout the state.
The National Autism Association advocates for and helps families, individuals, and professionals affected by ASD.
Other Resources
Autism Speaks’ Resources for Parents and First Responders
- Autism Speaks provides a number of safety resources and toolkits for parents and first responders.
Autism Speaks’ Version 2.0 Transition Tool Kit
- The Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit was created to serve as a guide to assist families on the journey from adolescence to adulthood.
Drexel University Life Course Outcomes
- A wide range of topics related to producing better life outcomes for people on the autism spectrum
Autism Navigator
- Autism Navigator is a unique collection of web-based tools and courses that use extensive video footage to bridge the gap between science and community practice.
Disclaimer
The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) does not endorse or claim to have personal knowledge of the capabilities or the quality of services of the organizations listed.
We urge people with ASD and their families considering the use of these resources to use independent judgement and request references regarding these organizations and their services.