Texas budget plan seeks to cut state-funded autism therapy program

In its 2028-2029 biennium budget request, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission asked lawmakers to eliminate the Children’s Autism Program, a state-funded scheme that supplies free or reduced-cost applied behavior analysis therapy to autistic children. Launched in 2008, CAP contracts with 16 providers and now serves 583 children, while at least 1,000 more await treatment; it recently broadened eligibility to age 21 and lifted caps on annual hours.

Advocates, including the Autism Society of Texas and families such as the Solis and Pena households, argue the cut would strip essential services from families lacking Medicaid or private coverage, particularly in rural areas. State leaders directed agencies to trim spending by 3%, and HHSC justified the removal as a low-impact reduction that would not jeopardize federal funding. Critics note Medicaid now covers ABA for those 20 and younger, but gaps remain for uninsured or self-funded plans, and low reimbursement rates limit provider participation. Should the legislature approve the proposal, CAP would cease after August 2027, forcing providers like the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s autism center to find alternative funding or shut down programs.