Texas agency's budget request proposes ending state-funded children's autism therapy

The short version

• The Texas Health and Human Services Commission proposed eliminating funding for the Children's Autism Program in its 2028-2029 budget request.[Associated Press]
• The proposal follows a July directive from state leaders to cut agency spending by 3%, and officials say reductions targeted the lowest direct service impact to clients.[Associated Press]
• The state spent $13.7 million on the program over two years and funded treatment for 583 children in fiscal 2026, while contractors report at least 1,000 more children on waitlists.[Associated Press]
• If the Legislature agrees to eliminate the program, children would keep receiving services through August 2027, according to the agency.[Associated Press]

Key facts

• The Texas Health and Human Services Commission proposed eliminating funding for the Children's Autism Program in its 2028-2029 budget request.[Associated Press]
• Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows directed state agencies to cut spending by 3% in the next biennium in July.[Associated Press]
• The state spent $13.7 million on the program over the last two years.[Associated Press]
• The program funded treatment for 583 children in fiscal year 2026.[Associated Press]
• Contractors report at least 1,000 more children are on waitlists statewide.[Associated Press]
• If the Legislature agrees to eliminate the program, services would continue through the end of August 2027, according to the agency.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Texas health agency proposes eliminating children’s autism programAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press