New autism statistics for 2024 show a concerning trend - autism affects 1 in 36 children in the United States. This represents a dramatic 312% increase since 2000. These numbers hit close to home here in Texas, where about 250,000 residents live with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows a notable gender gap in autism diagnosis. Boys are 4.2 times more likely to receive a diagnosis than girls. Texas public schools have seen the number of autistic students grow four times in the last decade, with nearly 30,000 students now. The rates vary among ethnic groups, and Asian/Pacific Islander children show the highest rate at 3.34%. Hispanic children follow closely at 3.16%.

Let's look at the current autism rates in Texas and the reasons behind this major increase. We'll also see how this affects our healthcare systems and families who face lifetime care costs of about $3.2 million for each person with autism.

Current Autism Rate in Texas

Texas has joined the national monitoring network to track autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases for the first time ^[1]. The state ranks second in the US for adults living with ASD, with 449,643 diagnosed residents ^[1].

Latest prevalence numbers

The data clearly shows autism's presence in Texas. Students who received special education services for autism reached 125,189 during the 2023-2024 school year ^[2]. Adult rates show substantial gender differences - 3.53% of males and 0.87% of females live with ASD ^[3].

Texas reports higher rates than the national average. The US average stands at 1 in 36 children ^[4], while Texas shows a higher rate of 1 in 28 children ^[5]. The San Antonio area has seen remarkable growth and now has over 30,000 residents with ASD ^[1].

Recent CDC data reveals interesting patterns across demographic groups:

• Asian/Pacific Islander children: 33.4 per 1,000

• Hispanic children: 31.6 per 1,000

• Black children: 29.3 per 1,000

• White children: 24.3 per 1,000 ^[4]

Year-over-year changes

Autism rates continue to climb steadily. The numbers have changed radically from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to today's figures ^[2]. Diagnosed cases have increased by more than 300% over twenty years.

Local growth patterns tell their own story. The San Antonio metro area expects to see 35,000 people with ASD by 2026 ^[1]. In spite of that, these estimates might be low since they assumed stable rates.

Better diagnostic capabilities have led to more accurate case identification ^[6]. Racial gaps in diagnosis rates have narrowed substantially. White children used to show higher rates, but recent data shows more balanced identification across ethnic groups ^[4].

Genetics plays a crucial role in these changing numbers. Research indicates that inherited genetic factors account for about 83% of autism risk, with 2,000 to 3,000 genes that might contribute to ASD development ^[6]. On top of that, it appears that older parents have higher risks of having children with autism ^[6].

Location differences within Texas deserve a closer look. Research hasn't proven that specific communities increase autism likelihood, but access to diagnostic services and reporting methods affect local statistics ^[4]. These variations help us understand both statewide trends and regional patterns in autism prevalence.

Schools have adapted their special education services to meet these growing needs. Many more schools now offer specialized programs for students with ASD ^[2]. This response shows how rising prevalence rates reshape Texas's educational system.

Key Factors Behind the Rise

The dramatic rise in autism cases stems from several interconnected factors that have changed how we diagnose and understand autism in the last decade. Research data reveals some fascinating insights into why these numbers keep climbing.

Better diagnostic methods

New tools have completely changed how we identify autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A newer study, published in JAMA Network Open shows ASD diagnoses jumped 175% in the last decade ^[7]. This increase comes mostly from better detection methods rather than more people developing autism.

The Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) stands out as a game-changer. Parents can now complete evaluations online or through phone interviews ^[8]. Traditional methods needed 2-3 hours of face-to-face assessment, but DAWBA takes just 20 minutes ^[8]. Healthcare providers can now screen more children in the quickest way possible.

Genetic testing has become a vital diagnostic tool. Scientists now know multiple genes affect ASD development, which leads to more accurate case identification ^[9]. Along with genetic analysis, new screening methods use artificial intelligence to analyze behavioral videos and biomarkers ^[9].

Increased awareness

Medical practitioners' understanding of autism has transformed significantly. They now get specialized training to spot autism symptoms, which results in faster and more accurate diagnoses ^[7]. This expertise boost has helped identify cases in teenagers and adults, who make up about 9% of new diagnoses ^[7].

The numbers tell an interesting story about different demographics. Recent data shows Asian (3.3%), Hispanic (3.2%), and Black (2.9%) children have higher identification rates than White children (2.4%) ^[10]. These changes show better screening practices and more access to diagnostic services in historically underserved communities.

Changes in diagnostic criteria

The 2013 DSM-5 release changed everything about autism diagnosis. This updated manual united four separate categories into one "autism spectrum disorder" diagnosis ^[11]:

• Autistic disorder

• Asperger syndrome

• Childhood disintegrative disorder

• Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

DSM-5 brought other significant changes ^[11]:

• Combined social and communication impairments into one category

• Added sensory issues as a diagnostic criterion

• Created a severity assessment scale based on support levels

• Set up new evaluations for genetic causes and associated medical conditions

These changes boosted diagnostic accuracy, but some concerns remain. Studies show DSM-5 criteria work well for specificity but fall short in sensitivity compared to older standards ^[12]. So, some people diagnosed under previous definitions might struggle to access services now.

The numbers for females are particularly striking. Diagnosis rates jumped 305% among girls and 315% among women, compared to 185% among boys and 215% among men ^[7]. This shows growing recognition of autism's unique presentation in females, who often show different behavioral patterns than males.

Our understanding of autism continues to evolve, changing how we screen for it. About half of U.S. children now get autism screening ^[13]. This broader approach and expanded criteria bring new challenges. Healthcare providers must now separate autism from similar conditions like ADHD or mild intellectual disabilities ^[13].

Regional Differences in Texas

Texas shows some eye-opening patterns in how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) gets diagnosed and treated across different areas. The data shows some clear differences between regions that really affect how many kids get diagnosed and what kind of care they can get.

Urban vs rural areas

The link between city living and autism diagnosis rates in Texas is pretty clear. Studies show kids in cities tend to get diagnosed earlier ^[2]. This difference between city and country areas actually predicts autism rates better than money or social status ^[2].

Here's what really stands out:

• Cities show higher rates of ASD diagnosis

• Big metro areas have more specialized centers nearby

• Country areas struggle to find good autism services

The Rio Grande City-Roma area tells an interesting story. Almost everyone there is Hispanic, but they only have about one-tenth of the autism services you'd normally find across the country ^[3]. This really shows how hard it can be for rural communities to get the care they need.

Access to diagnostic services

Getting diagnosed looks very different depending on where you live in Texas. Right now, 84 Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) don't have any autism resources at all ^[14]. This lack of services really affects when kids get diagnosed and how easily they can get treatment.

These regional differences happen because of several things:

1. Healthcare Professional Distribution

   • Cities have more specialists

   • Rural areas don't have enough specialized centers

   • Wait times change a lot based on location

2. Cultural and Language Barriers

   • Spanish-speaking families face extra challenges

   • Doctors feel less confident spotting ASD risk in Spanish-speaking patients ^[14]

   • Language issues affect how well screening and diagnosis work

3. Geographic Proximity Effects

   • Living far from providers affects diagnosis age

   • Rural families travel much longer distances

   • Getting to treatment becomes a real challenge

Different Texas communities feel these problems in different ways. Big cities see Hispanic children getting less access than white children. Smaller cities show both Hispanic and Black children having trouble getting services ^[3].

A newer study shows families typically run into 8 out of 15 possible roadblocks when trying to get an ASD diagnosis ^[14]. Families who don't speak English well face even more challenges. They struggle more with understanding the healthcare system and trusting providers.

Where specialized centers are located makes a big difference too. Cities naturally have better access to autism services and specialists, which leads to earlier ASD diagnoses ^[15]. South and West Texas families have an especially hard time getting therapy compared to other areas ^[15].

Culture plays a big role in these regional differences. Areas with more ASD cases tend to have better community awareness about autism signs. Parents share information with other parents ^[2]. These informal networks help fill some gaps where formal services are missing.

Looking at specific groups, families who struggle with English report more problems understanding ASD and trusting healthcare providers ^[14]. They typically get fewer therapy hours and more unmet therapy needs than English-speaking families. This shows how language barriers and service availability are closely connected.

Impact on Texas Healthcare System

Texas's healthcare system faces mounting pressure from the rapid rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases. ASD has become the state's fastest-growing developmental disability, which requires major changes to medical resources and service delivery.

Strain on existing resources

Texas healthcare providers struggle to handle the growing number of ASD cases. The United States now sees one in 36 children diagnosed with ASD, which puts enormous strain on available services ^[4]. Children with ASD experience shorter life expectancy and lower quality of life because of these ongoing healthcare gaps ^[5].

Money creates another big hurdle. Families often end up with $30,000 bills when Medicaid denies payment for therapies they had approved before ^[6]. The Texas Health and Human Services Children's Autism Program now helps by offering Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services through community agencies. These services max out at 180 hours yearly and 720 hours over a child's lifetime ^[4].

New specialized centers

Texas has added more specialized autism centers to meet growing needs. Behavioral Innovations just opened its 50th autism center in Prosper, showing the state's dedication to better care access ^[16]. Autism Learning Partners has also expanded with new locations in Dallas, Frisco, Houston, and Round Rock to add to their existing centers in El Paso and Austin ^[17].

These centers provide detailed services, including:

• One-to-one individual-specific ABA therapy

• Diagnostic evaluations

• Parent training programs

• Specialized admissions support

• Insurance and billing assistance

Wait times for diagnosis

Texas families face their biggest challenge with long wait times for autism evaluations. A newer study by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services shows that wait times at 61% of centers stretch beyond four months ^[18]. The situation looks worse as 15% of centers have waits longer than a year or no longer take new referrals ^[18].

The Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Autism Center points out that too few qualified providers create the main bottleneck in evaluation and treatment services ^[1]. Some facilities can offer diagnostic evaluations within three days and start treatment within 47 days, but this varies greatly by region ^[18].

Texas has launched several programs to help solve these issues. The Health and Human Services Commission runs Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) programs that evaluate children under three at home ^[1]. Local school districts also evaluate children over three years old for special education services ^[1].

These long wait times do more than just delay diagnosis. Children miss crucial early intervention opportunities during key developmental periods when therapies work best ^[19]. Medicaid families feel this problem more deeply, as 44% of centers don't accept Medicaid patients ^[19].

Cost Implications for Families

Texas families raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face huge money problems that go way beyond regular childcare costs. These families make $17,763 less per year compared to those with neurotypical children ^[20].

Medical expenses

Medical costs hit family budgets hard right from the start. Many families spend up to $5,000 each month on different therapies that cover speech, music, and occupational therapy ^[20]. Government grants help by paying up to 85% of these costs, but many families struggle after these grants run out ^[20].

Take Joshua's family as an example. Their insurance stopped paying for needed therapies once their grant ended. They had to handle all the costs by themselves ^[20]. Many Texas families deal with this same problem because of insurance limits and gaps in coverage.

The Medicaid Buy-In for Children program helps families buy Medicaid coverage for disabled kids under 18 ^[21]. Monthly costs change based on family size and how much money they make. The good news is that doctor visits don't need copays ^[21].

Texas offers several programs to help with money:

• Medicaid and CHIP pay for key services like testing, hospital care, and medicines

• Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) helps families pay for private insurance

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) gives monthly payments based on need

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits linked to parents' income ^[10]

Therapy costs

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy works well for autism treatment but costs a lot. Texas therapists charge between $50 and $120 per hour ^[13]. Right now, intensive behavioral treatments can cost $40,000 to $60,000 for each child every year ^[13].

The money adds up even more over time. Monthly therapy costs run from $4,800 to over $20,000, depending on how much support a child needs ^[22]. Yearly costs can hit between $62,400 and $249,600, mostly for kids who need 30 to 40 hours of weekly treatment ^[22].

Texas insurance rules have changed lately. The old law limited ABA therapy coverage to $36,000 per year ^[8]. House Bill 4506 wants to remove this limit and make sure everything gets covered no matter the cost ^[8]. The bill also wants to extend the age limit for diagnosis coverage and only require reevaluation once every ten years ^[8].

Where you live affects therapy costs. City areas charge more because living costs more and more people want services ^[13]. Families also pay extra for:

• Travel fees for home therapy

• Center-based facility charges

• Parent training sessions

• Technology-based components

• Social skills groups ^[13]

Insurance helps, but families still pay some costs themselves. These include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Yet these costs stay much lower than paying for therapy without insurance ^[22]. Most families hit their insurance plan's out-of-pocket limit within the first few months of therapy ^[22].

Educational System Adaptations

Texas schools have transformed their educational approach for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During the 2023-2024 academic year, 125,189 Texas students got special education services for autism ^[9].

Special education programs

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has put complete strategies in place to help students with autism. The state keeps one special education teacher for every 15 students ^[23]. Educational aides bring this number down to one staff member for seven students, which gives students more personal attention ^[23].

The Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT) network leads these efforts. They give specialized resources that help with students' academic, functional, and behavioral needs ^[24]. The network supports through:

• Over 100 online training modules that run from 30 minutes to 5 hours

• Video libraries that show effective teaching practices

• Targeted evaluation tools

• Remote learning support systems ^[25]

Teacher training initiatives

The Autism Circuit Academy (ACA) brings a fundamental change to professional development for Texas educators. The ACA moves away from basic workshops and gives complete training that helps teachers use proven methods ^[7]. This program has:

Individual coaching from autism specialists Virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) Ongoing support and consultation Peer networking across Texas ^[7]

The program helps many education professionals. Special education teachers, general education instructors, paraeducators, campus specialists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and school psychologists can all benefit ^[7]. Teachers who finish the program get an endorsement from the Texas Education Agency that shows their skill in using proven methods ^[7].

Resource allocation

Texas Project FIRST has become the life-blood of resource sharing in the state's education system. This program gives complete support through:

Region 9 ESC resources Texas Education Agency materials Manual evaluations and interventions Online training modules ^[26]

Resources work differently in each region. The Texas Autism Resource Guide for Effective Teaching (TARGET) helps schools develop their programs from start to finish ^[27]. This method gives the same quality across different school settings.

Texas shows dedication beyond regular classrooms. Region 2 ESC runs the Texas Autism Conference that gives parents, educators, and campus leaders proven strategies and tools ^[26]. These resources help schools adapt to growing numbers of students with autism.

Texas rules say schools must think over eleven specific strategies in each student's individualized education program (IEP) ^[9]. This method lines up support with each student's needs and challenges.

The School, Family, and Community Engagement Network has built stronger bonds between schools and families ^[24]. Teachers can work better with families and community members, which encourages better results for students with disabilities.

Support Services Available

Texas provides a wide network of support services to help families with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Health and Human Services Children's Autism Program guides these initiatives to enhance life quality for children with autism and their families ^[4].

State-funded programs

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is pioneering state-supported autism services. Their signature Children's Autism Program delivers Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) through community agencies ^[4]. Parents must attend training sessions to learn vital skills that support their children's development.

The state's 2-1-1 hotline service helps families find long-term care options ^[28]. Local intellectual and developmental disability authorities also help families discover services that match their needs.

The state's Medicaid program has several coverage options:

• Standard Medicaid for healthcare and long-term support

• Medicaid Buy-In for working adults with disabilities

• Children's Medicaid Buy-In program for families ^[28]

Private organizations

The Autism Treatment Center (ATC) shows how private sector organizations support autism care. ATC runs 24/7 throughout the year and provides residential, educational, therapeutic, and adult programs ^[12]. Their Autism Allies giving society lets donors make meaningful contributions through monthly gifts.

Hope For Three in Fort Bend County showcases the impact of private organizations. Their achievements include:

• $2 million in financial aid to families

• 7,000 resources and referrals

• Training for 4,000 law enforcement members about autism characteristics ^[11]

The Autism Community Network (ACN) brings a unique perspective to autism support. Led by parents of neurodivergent individuals, ACN provides detailed services in Spanish and English ^[29]. They offer strength-based autism screenings, medical diagnostic evaluations, and personalized family support.

Community resources

The Texas Autism Society helps create connections through:

• Regional and statewide online groups

• Facebook communities

• Monthly face-to-face gatherings ^[30]

Autism Lifeline Links supports Bexar County and nearby areas with coordinated community care. Their services include care coordination, diagnostic evaluations, behavioral therapy, and financial help for medical expenses ^[31]. They also provide respite care and support families signing up for long-term programs.

The Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training shares quality information through Autism Internet Modules (AIM). These resources help anyone supporting individuals with autism, from family members to professional caregivers ^[31]. The Social Competence Strategies for Families Video Series teaches vital social interaction skills.

Texas Children's Hospital takes a fresh approach to family support. Families on their waiting list get immediate access to educational workshops run by trained social workers ^[32]. After diagnosis, families can connect with others in similar situations and learn about their child's future outlook.

The DFPS acts as a hub to access state-funded programs. They help families understand Medicaid coverage for therapy options like ABA ^[33]. Texas Parent to Parent strengthens these efforts by building peer support networks and hosting webinars with essential information for parents.

Future Projections and Needs

Texas faces a significant rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects one in 36 children to receive an ASD diagnosis by 2025 ^[34].

Expected prevalence by 2025

The San Antonio metropolitan area represents this growth trend perfectly. The region will likely have 35,000 individuals with ASD by 2026 ^[2]. The Kronkosky Charitable Foundation's research suggests these numbers might be too low since the projections used stable prevalence rates ^[2].

Texas ranks second only to California in adults living with ASD. Current figures show 449,643 adults with ASD throughout Texas ^[2]. These numbers have grown substantially, showing an upward trend that needs immediate action.

The state's healthcare system will roll out several key changes:

• Medicaid coverage expansion for autism services

• New diagnostic protocols

• Better early intervention programs

• Adult transition services improvements

Required infrastructure

Texas must expand its infrastructure significantly to handle these growing needs. The General Appropriations Act for 2024-25 sets aside USD 21,073,084 in General Revenue Funds for autism services ^[35]. This money will go toward:

• USD 13,663,084 for focused Applied Behavior Analysis treatment services

• USD 7,410,000 for autism research centers at higher education institutions ^[35]

The research centers will receive funding that shows Texas's steadfast dedication to detailed care:

• USD 2,055,000 annually for parent-directed treatment serving 750 children

• USD 950,000 yearly for behavioral analyst training benefiting 2,547 children

• USD 700,000 per year for innovative treatment research

• USD 150,000 annually for administrative support ^[35]

The shortage of Behavior Analysts highlights major infrastructure gaps. Back in 2016, more than 600 families waited for ABA services after school ^[2]. Texas needs 190 more Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to clear this backlog. This number will rise to 310 BCBAs by 2026 ^[2].

The Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP) stands out as a crucial infrastructure initiative. The program works on:

• Building loan libraries for assistive technology

• Setting up demonstration centers

• Creating reuse and recycle programs

• Offering financial assistance information ^[36]

Texas continues to invest beyond direct services. The Higher Education Coordinating Board got USD 8.10 million to train stakeholders and expand service delivery ^[37]. This money will help:

• Boost parent-directed treatment capabilities

• Train more BCBAs for educators

• Develop innovative treatment models

• Build a resilient administrative infrastructure ^[37]

The Texas Autism Society stresses that no single service can meet everyone's needs ^[14]. Future infrastructure must provide broad, equal access to quality, personalized support services. This goal requires full assessment protocols and outcome-based service systems to ensure resources work effectively ^[14].

Conclusion

Texas faces a turning point in meeting its growing autism community's needs. My research shows the state has made progress with educational support and diagnostic capabilities, but big challenges still exist.

The numbers paint a clear picture. Texas children receive autism diagnoses at a rate of 1 in 28, higher than the national average. Better diagnostic methods explain this increase in part, but it also shows we just need more support services. Families must handle average lifetime costs of $3.2 million, making financial help vital to provide sustainable care.

The biggest problem lies in regional differences. Rural areas don't have enough access to basic diagnostic and treatment services. Urban centers don't deal very well with long waiting lists and limited resources. Future healthcare planning must focus on fixing these geographic gaps.

Schools have stepped up by creating specialized programs and training teachers. Private organizations and state-funded programs keep growing their services, but the need still exceeds what's available in many areas.

Texas must get ready for more autism cases through 2025 and beyond. Success stories give us hope - like Joshua's family who overcame insurance hurdles, or the Autism Treatment Center that provides 24/7 support. These examples show positive outcomes happen with the right resources and community support.

Of course, moving forward means investing in reliable systems, training, and support services. This analysis shows early intervention and complete care have the most important effect on outcomes if you have autism or care for someone who does.

FAQs

Q1. What is the current autism rate in Texas? According to recent data, the autism rate in Texas is higher than the national average, with approximately 1 in 28 children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This is compared to the national rate of 1 in 36 children.

Q2. Why has there been a significant increase in autism diagnoses? The increase in autism diagnoses can be attributed to several factors, including improved diagnostic methods, increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the public, and changes in diagnostic criteria. Better screening practices and expanded access to diagnostic services have also contributed to identifying more cases.

Q3. How does autism prevalence differ between urban and rural areas in Texas? There is a notable disparity in autism prevalence between urban and rural areas in Texas. Urban regions tend to have higher diagnosis rates and better access to specialized diagnostic centers and services. Rural communities often face significant barriers in accessing comprehensive autism services and typically have lower diagnosis rates.

Q4. What financial challenges do families of children with autism face in Texas? Families of children with autism in Texas often face substantial financial challenges. These can include high medical expenses, therapy costs ranging from $4,800 to over $20,000 monthly for intensive treatments, and potential loss of income due to caregiving responsibilities. While some state programs offer assistance, many families still struggle with out-of-pocket expenses and insurance limitations.

Q5. How is the Texas education system adapting to support students with autism? The Texas education system has implemented several adaptations to support students with autism. These include maintaining a ratio of one special education teacher for every 15 students, offering comprehensive training programs for educators through initiatives like the Autism Circuit Academy, and providing resources through networks such as the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training. Additionally, schools are required to consider eleven specific strategies in each student's individualized education program to ensure tailored support.

References

[1] - https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/why-long-wait-behavioral-and-developmental-evaluations
[2] - https://www.tamusa.edu/academics/College-of-Education-and-Human-Development/counseling-health-and-kinesiology/Applied-Behavior-Analysis/ABA-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder.html
[3] - https://www.orthoatlanta.com/health-news/us-parents-face-big-disparities-in-access-to-autism-care-services
[4] - https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/childrens-autism-program
[5] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6941887/
[6] - https://nonprofitquarterly.org/families-face-texas-roadblock-autism-coverage/
[7] - https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/learning-library/autism-circuit-academy
[8] - https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/texas-bill-aims-to-expand-autism-therapy-coverage-removes-annual-caps
[9] - https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/programs-and-services/autism
[10] - https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/insurance-financial-help/health-care-benefit-programs-insurance-for-children-with-disabilities
[11] - https://hopeforthree.org/
[12] - https://www.atcoftexas.org/
[13] - https://www.texasabacenters.com/blog/cost-of-aba-therapy-in-texas/
[14] - https://www.texasautismsociety.org/about-us/
[15] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6732019/
[16] - https://behavioral-innovations.com/blog/behavioral-innovations-opens-new-autism-center-in-prosper-companys-50th-location/
[17] - https://autismlearningpartners.com/news/autism-learning-partners-launches-four-new-locations-to-serve-individuals-with-autism-in-texas/
[18] - https://houstonlanding.org/new-autism-care-center-texas-aba-opens-in-katy-to-meet-growing-demand-for-treatment/
[19] - https://www.cms.gov/files/document/wait-times-and-processes-autism-diagnostic-evaluations-first-report-survey-autism-centers-us.pdf
[20] - https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/families-kids-autism-earn-less-flna481747
[21] - https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/developmental-pediatrics-and-autism/financial-resources-for-medical-services
[22] - https://prosperahealthcare.com/how-much-does-aba-therapy-cost/
[23] - https://www.steadystridesaba.com/blog/autism-schools-in-texas
[24] - https://www.region10.org/o/r10esc/page/resources-autism
[25] - https://www.esc15.net/Page/320
[26] - https://texasprojectfirst.org/en/autism/
[27] - https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/resource-library/texas-autism-resource-guide-effective-teaching-target
[28] - https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-programs-services/programs-children-adults-disabilities
[29] - https://www.acn-sa.org/
[30] - https://www.texasautismsociety.org/
[31] - https://www.esc20.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1668843&type=d&pREC_ID=1819420
[32] - https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/autism-program
[33] - https://www.empowerbh.com/blog/top-10-texas-autism-resources-for-parents/
[34] - https://bluegemsaba.com/autism-birth-counter/
[35] - https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/reports/legislative/autism-grant-annual-progress-report-2024/
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