The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed eliminating funding for the Children's Autism Program (CAP) in its budget request for the 2028-2029 biennium, citing state budget cuts. The program, which began in 2008, provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to autistic children at reduced costs based on family income and insurance coverage. Advocates, providers, and parents have expressed concern over the potential impact of this decision, particularly for families who rely on the program for essential services.
Israel Solis, a 7-year-old boy with autism, has benefited from the program, which has allowed him to communicate using a picture system. His mother, Elizabeth Solis, expressed anxiety about the potential loss of access to services. CAP has provided therapy to 583 children in fiscal year 2026, but many more are on waitlists.
In July, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other state leaders directed agencies to cut spending by 3%. HHSC stated that the budget reductions aimed to minimize impacts on clients while acknowledging the high demand for autism therapy. The proposal to eliminate CAP has surprised many, including Jacquie Benestante, executive director of the Autism Society of Texas, who noted the absence of funding for the program in the budget request.
The program has received $13.7 million in funding over the last two years and expanded eligibility to individuals up to 21 years old. However, the elimination of CAP could leave many families without access to necessary therapy, especially in rural areas where providers are scarce. Jeff Miller from Disability Rights Texas suggested that the program's state funding made it an easier target for budget cuts.
While Medicaid now covers ABA therapy for individuals 20 years and younger, challenges remain for families without insurance or those on self-funded plans. Jolene Pohl, advocacy director for the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, emphasized that relying solely on Medicaid could limit access to therapy for many families.
Emily Pena, a single mother, shared her experience of finding a CAP-funded program for her daughter, Lila, who benefited from ABA therapy. The demand for ABA therapy has increased significantly, with a 300% rise in autism diagnoses over the past 20 years. The University of Houston-Clear Lake's autism center, which has partnered with the state to provide therapy, reported that 200 families are currently on the waitlist.
Dorothea Lerman, director of the center, expressed concern about the impact of eliminating CAP on families' quality of life. The center lacks the infrastructure to accept Medicaid or insurance, and if the program is cut, it would have until August 2027 to secure alternative funding.
Parents like Hailey Johnson, whose son Micah has benefited from ABA therapy, voiced frustration over the potential loss of resources for families with autistic children. The proposal has raised significant concerns about the future of autism services in Texas.