A state-funded autism therapy program available to Texas families could lose its funding under a budget proposal that lawmakers will consider next year.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission requested no funding for the Children’s Autism Program in its 2028–29 budget, the Texas Tribune reported Oct. 12. The state spent about $13.7 million on the program over the last two years.

The proposal is not final. Children will continue receiving services through the end of August 2027 under existing funding, HHSC said in a statement published by WFAA.

The reports did not identify how many families in Rockwall or Heath receive services through the program.

A gap in access to therapy

The Children’s Autism Program, known as CAP, began in 2008 and contracts with 16 providers statewide to offer focused applied behavior analysis therapy at reduced cost, according to the Tribune.

Advocates told WFAA that the therapy can help children develop communication and social skills, build independence and learn emotional regulation.

CAP serves as a payer of last resort, with family contributions determined by a sliding scale and available insurance coverage, HHSC said. It can help families who lack coverage or struggle to find an accessible provider.

The program funded treatment for 583 children in fiscal 2026, the Tribune reported. Contractors reported at least 1,000 more children on waiting lists statewide.

HHSC told WFAA that 655 children received services in fiscal 2025. Nearly 89% had some form of insurance, including 68% with Medicaid or CHIP coverage.

Advocates warn of disrupted care

Jacquie Benestante, executive director of the Autism Society of Texas, told WFAA the proposed elimination surprised advocates.

“A lot of times they underfund programs, so we are used to that. But we were really shocked that it was $0,” Benestante said.

She said losing affordable therapy could disrupt care for children who depend on consistent services.

Jolene Pohl, advocacy director for the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, told the Tribune that Medicaid alone cannot fill the access gap. Self-funded insurance plans are not required to cover ABA therapy, and low Medicaid reimbursement rates can make it difficult to find providers willing to accept patients, she said.

Lawmakers will decide

The proposed cut follows a July directive from Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows asking agencies to reduce baseline budget requests by 3%.

HHSC said its proposed reductions sought to limit direct effects on clients and protect federal funding. Disability Rights Texas policy specialist Jeff Miller told the Tribune that CAP’s reliance entirely on state dollars may have made it a target for elimination.

The agency’s budget request nevertheless acknowledged that demand exceeds the supply of qualified providers, particularly in rural areas, according to the Tribune.

The 90th Texas Legislature convenes Jan. 12, 2027. Lawmakers will decide whether to continue funding CAP beyond August 2027.

Families seeking information about current services can contact the Children’s Autism Program at 512-438-5356 or [email protected], or call 2-1-1 for help locating a provider.