Autism guides for parents
Clear, honest answers to the questions that come up after a diagnosis: what the therapies really are, how to pay for them, and what to do next. Written for parents, grounded in real sources.
Getting an autism diagnosis
A parent’s guide to autism evaluation: who can diagnose, what the process involves, how young it can happen, wait times, and the difference between early intervention, school, and medical diagnoses.
What is ABA therapy?
A clear, honest look at ABA therapy for autism: what it actually is, what the research shows and doesn’t, the real debate around it, and how to find a respectful provider.
What is occupational therapy?
A plain-language guide to occupational therapy (OT) for autistic children: what it helps with, what a session looks like, the honest truth about sensory therapy, and how it differs from ABA and speech therapy.
What is speech therapy?
A clear guide to speech-language therapy for autistic children: what it helps with, the truth about communication devices and AAC, what a session looks like, and how to get started.
How to choose an ABA provider
The questions that separate a good ABA provider from a nice website: credentials to verify, what a respectful modern approach looks like, red flags, and the practical details to confirm before you sign on.
ABA at home vs. in a center
In-home and center-based ABA are good at different things. Here is how each setting works, the honest trade-offs, hybrid options, and how to match the setting to your child’s goals.
Stuck on an ABA waitlist?
ABA waitlists can run months almost anywhere in the country. Here’s why, and the concrete steps, multiple lists, cancellation spots, telehealth, and interim services, that actually shorten the wait.
How much does ABA cost?
ABA therapy is often quoted at $40,000–$60,000 a year, but that is rarely what families pay. Here is the real cost with insurance and Medicaid, and what actually moves the price.
Insurance & autism
Which autism services your insurance covers depends on your plan type. Here is how state-regulated commercial, self-funded, Medicaid, and CHIP coverage differ, and how to verify your benefits.
IEPs and 504 plans
IEPs and 504 plans are two different federal tools schools use to support autistic students. Here’s the difference, who qualifies for each, how to request an evaluation, and your rights under the law.
Texas-specific guides
The guides above apply anywhere in the US. These cover the parts that are specific to Texas: state programs, Texas Medicaid, and local school rules.
Getting a diagnosis in Texas
A Texas parent’s guide to autism evaluation: Early Childhood Intervention, school evaluations, wait times, and the difference between ECI, school, and medical diagnoses.
What is ABA therapy?
A clear, honest look at ABA therapy for autism: what it is, what the research shows and doesn’t, the real debate around it, and how to find good ABA in Texas.
What is occupational therapy?
A plain-language guide to occupational therapy (OT) for autistic children: what it helps with, what a session looks like, the honest truth about sensory therapy, and how to start in Texas.
What is speech therapy?
A clear guide to speech-language therapy for autistic children: what it helps with, the truth about communication devices and AAC, what a session looks like, and how to start in Texas.
How to choose an ABA provider in Texas
The questions that separate a good ABA provider from a nice website: credentials to verify, what a respectful approach looks like, red flags, and the practical details to confirm.
ABA at home vs. in a center
In-home and center-based ABA are good at different things. Here’s how each works, the trade-offs, and how to choose the right setting for your child’s goals and your family.
Stuck on an ABA waitlist?
ABA waitlists in Texas can run months. Here’s why, and the concrete steps, multiple lists, cancellation spots, telehealth, and interim services, that shorten the wait.
Does Texas Medicaid cover ABA?
Yes. Texas Medicaid has covered ABA therapy for children with autism since February 2022. Here’s who qualifies, how to get it approved, and what to do if you’re denied.
Insurance & autism in Texas
Which autism services your Texas insurance covers depends on your plan type. Here is how commercial, self-funded, Medicaid, and CHIP coverage differ, and how to verify your benefits.
How much does ABA cost?
ABA therapy is often quoted at $40,000–$60,000 a year, but that is rarely what families pay. Here is the real cost with insurance and Medicaid, and what actually moves the price.
School support in Texas
How Texas special education actually works for autistic students: requesting an FIIE evaluation, the timelines, the ARD committee, your rights, and the free Texas resources that help.
IEPs and 504 plans
IEPs and 504 plans are two different ways schools support autistic students. Here’s the difference, who qualifies for each, how to request an evaluation, and your rights.