My child just received a new diagnosis
A guide for parents navigating a new diagnosis
Texas Government Support GuideUnderstanding the Diagnosis
Learning that your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be overwhelming. Remember that an autism diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is—it helps you understand how they experience the world and provides a pathway to support their unique needs.
Take time to process
Any diagnosis can be life-changing for families, and allowing yourself to absorb and understand your child’s diagnosis and process emotions that come is vital to being able to support them.
Learn about your child’s specific diagnosis
Many providers will give you information about your child’s new diagnosis with handouts, websites, and verbal information. Dive into the information you’re given, and never hesitate to ask for more. Consider searching for online support groups and in person support in your community.
Identify your village
It takes a village to raise any child, and that is no less true for a child with a disability. Whether it’s friends, family, educators, or a medical team, you have people that are on your side and ready to help you and your child however they best can.
Explore intervention options
As a family, it’s important to talk about the pro’s and con’s of the suggested interventions, and consider as applicable to your individual child. Never hesitate to question a suggestion, ask a question about a method, and do your own research about what you’re being instructed to do for your child.
Therapy and Intervention Options Through TOHF
PPECC’s with Nursing Care
Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers (PPECC’s) provide nursing care for children with complex and severe medical needs.
ABA Therapy for Autism
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is available for children with autism to help improve communication, learning, and adaptive skills.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for developmental and neurological disabilities helps children improve mobility, strength, and coordination.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy for developmental and neurological disabilities focuses on daily living skills, fine motor skills, and sensory processing.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy for developmental and neurological disabilities supports communication, language, and feeding skills.
Educational Support
All children with disabilities have the right to an appropriate education that meets their unique needs.
Educational Rights and Options
Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plan
Children with certain disabilities qualify for special education services. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan outlines the specific supports and accommodations your child needs to succeed in school, and you can request an evaluation through the public school system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child qualify for home health nursing due to their diagnosis?
Home health nursing qualifications vary between insurance provider, and it is best to speak with who is in charge of your healthcare benefits to verify you have coverage for your child’s specific needs.
Can a home health nurse go to school with my child?
Each school district in Texas has the legal ability to determine if they will allow an outside nurse to come to campus with your child; they otherwise are legally required to provide one if your child medically requires one. Advocacy groups are a good resource for providing help for those specific needs.
Are there any paid caregiver programs for me to be my child’s caregiver in Texas?
No, at least not until a child is 18. Respite care may be available, but usually that is part of a Medicaid waiver program.
How do I know what state-sponsored programs my child qualifies for?
Each diagnosis and child is different; therefore a case manager or social worker for your doctor’s office, an advocacy organization, or even Health and Human Services can speak to you regarding Medicaid waivers, waitlists, and other options for state-sponsored help.
Texas Programs & Government Support
The information below is specific to Texas (with one section for Austin families). If you live elsewhere, the principles still apply — contact your state’s Medicaid office and local school district to find equivalents.
Texas statewide programs Texas
Step-by-step instructions for unlocking Texas state-level programs for children with disabilities.
Apply for Medicaid (if not already enrolled)
Texas Medicaid can unlock a wide range of services, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, OT, PT, speech therapy, and in-home supports.
How:
- Go to YourTexasBenefits.com
- Apply for Medicaid (use your child’s disability diagnosis to support eligibility, even if your income is too high — ask about “Medicaid Buy-In” or “MDCP Waiver”)
- Call 2-1-1 for help with the application process
Apply for the Texas Children’s Autism Program
This program provides 180+ hours of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy yearly — paid for by the state.
How:
- Call 2-1-1 and ask for providers in the “Children’s Autism Program”
- Or go to: Texas HHSC Autism Page
- Providers will guide you through paperwork and eligibility
Apply for Medicaid Waivers (Extra Long-Term Support)
Waivers can cover respite care, home modifications, and in-home support.
Waivers to Apply For:
- MDCP (Medically Dependent Children Program)
- CLASS Waiver
- HCS Waiver (Home and Community-Based Services)
How:
- Get on the interest list ASAP (the wait can be years, but you can move up fast in emergencies)
- Call 1-877-438-5658 (ask to be placed on every waiver interest list)
- Keep your confirmation numbers!
Apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
SSI is a federal monthly cash benefit — over $900/month — for disabled children in low-income households.
How:
- Apply through Social Security
- Call your local SSA office for help: 1-800-772-1213
Use Local Nonprofits for Free Parent Help
These nonprofits will help you file paperwork, advocate, and unlock services for free. See the Nonprofits and Support Groups section below for the full curated list (including VELA, Easter Seals Central Texas, Texas Parent to Parent, and Navigate Life Texas).
Track Everything (Documentation is Key)
Keep a folder or digital file for:
- Medicaid approval letters
- Individualized Education Program (IEP) paperwork
- Therapy reports
- Waiver interest list confirmations
- Medical/diagnostic reports
Step-by-step for Austin families: Requesting an IEP through AISD Austin
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is free support from your local school district, including special education teachers, therapists, and behavioral aides. The process below is written for Austin Independent School District (AISD); the federal IDEA law applies statewide, so the same request language works in any Texas district.
Request an IEP through AISD
How:
- Email or call your child’s school principal or counselor
- Say: “I am formally requesting a full special education evaluation for my child under IDEA.”
- AISD must respond within 15 school days
If eligible, your child will get an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that may include:
- Speech, OT, social skills training, classroom accommodations, 1-on-1 support
Outside Austin? Contact your local school district’s special education office and use the same request language. The federal IDEA law applies statewide.
Summary: The Max Benefits Strategy
| Resource | Benefit | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid | Health coverage + Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) / therapy | YourTexasBenefits.com |
| Children’s Autism Program | 180+ hours Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) / year | Call 2-1-1 |
| Individualized Education Program (IEP) through your school district | School-based therapy & supports | Request evaluation at school |
| Waivers | In-home care, respite, life support | 1-877-438-5658 |
| SSI | Monthly income for your child | SSA.gov |
| Local Nonprofits | Free advocacy & help | VELA, Easter Seals, TxP2P |
Nonprofits and Support Groups
- VELA — Austin advocacy and parent training
- Easter Seals Central Texas — therapy and family services
- Texas Parent to Parent — parent-to-parent connection and support
- Navigate Life Texas — statewide resource navigator
- Disability Rights Texas — legal advocacy
- Protect Texas Fragile Kids — policy advocacy for medically fragile children
- Texas Project First — special education guidance
- Health and Human Services Disability — state disability services portal
Connect with The Open Horizons Foundation
We’re here to support you and your child on this journey. Our foundation offers various programs and resources specifically designed for families navigating autism.
Contact Us Explore Our Programs