Texas Proposes Eliminating Children’s Autism Program

The state aims to reduce agency budgets by 3% to achieve $14 million in savings by 2029.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Autism

Texas Proposes Eliminating Children’s Autism Program

Live Poll

Should the state prioritize maintaining specialized autism programs despite broader budget-cutting requirements?

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has proposed the elimination of the Children's Autism Program. This budget-cutting measure is designed to save $14 million across fiscal years 2028 and 2029.

Why it matters

The proposal follows a directive from Governor Greg Abbott requiring state agencies to trim their budgets by 3%. The move comes as autism diagnosis rates have increased significantly over the last two decades.

In fiscal year 2025, the program provided services to 655 children aged 3 to 15. Nationally, autism diagnosis rates climbed from 1 in 150 children in 2002 to 1 in 31 by 2022.

The players

Texas Health and Human Services Commission

This state agency manages various health and social services programs for residents across Texas.

Greg Abbott

He is the current Governor of Texas and has directed state agencies to reduce their expenditures.

Autism Society of Texas

This advocacy organization works to support individuals with autism and their families across the state.

The details

The elimination of the program, which currently serves children in regions like Ellis County, has drawn attention from groups like the Autism Society of Texas. While services remain scheduled through August 2027, the future of the program remains subject to upcoming legislative sessions.

2002: Autism diagnosis rate was 1 in 150.
2022: Autism diagnosis rate reached 1 in 31.
Fiscal year 2025: 655 children received program services.
August 2027: End date for currently scheduled program services.
Fiscal years 2028 and 2029: Proposed timeframe for $14 million in savings.

Health Landscape

The potential elimination of the program highlights the tension between state budget constraints and the rising demand for developmental services. Advocacy groups often cite the Texas state rainy day fund as a resource that could mitigate the need for such cuts.

Families currently relying on the program for children aged 3 to 15 will face uncertainty regarding future service availability. This change may force parents to seek alternative, private-sector support if state funding is removed by 2029.

The takeaway

The state proposal emphasizes the ongoing debate regarding the management of specialized health programs in the face of broader fiscal mandates. Families are encouraged to monitor upcoming legislative sessions to understand how policy adjustments may impact long-term service accessibility.