Tarrant County, Texas

Autism resources in
Tarrant County.

Local providers and support groups, plus Texas statewide and nationwide programs — all in one place.

🌱 Diagnosis & Early Intervention

Getting an evaluation and accessing early services.

Free CDC milestone checklists and a Milestone Tracker app help you follow your child's development from 2 months to 5 years, so you know what to watch for and when to act. A gentle first step when you're unsure whether to seek an evaluation.
MilestonesFree appAges 0–5
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.cdc.gov
Child psychology and neurology experts here provide in-depth diagnostic evaluations for autism and other developmental disabilities. They examine your child's full needs before building a care plan tailored to your family.
autism diagnosisevaluationDallasdevelopmental
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.childrens.com
This Austin center offers comprehensive autism and neurodevelopmental assessments for children through age 14, covering autism, developmental delay, ADHD, and more. Their team coordinates with neurology, speech, and other specialists to plan next steps together.
autism evaluationdevelopmental pediatricsAustinassessment
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: healthcare.ascension.org
This official Texas HHS tool lets you type in your city, county, or zip code and instantly find the Early Childhood Intervention program that serves your area. Every Texas county is covered, so there's a program near you.
find a programby zip codestatewideearly intervention
This Houston-based center's psychologists and developmental pediatricians provide expert diagnostic evaluations for autism, developmental delay, and ADHD. Families leave with clear, individualized recommendations and help finding services in their own community.
autism diagnosisdevelopmental pediatricsHoustonevaluation
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.texaschildrens.org
A warm, plain-language guide from Texas HHS that walks parents through getting an evaluation, understanding an autism diagnosis, and connecting to ECI and other services. It's a trusted starting point when you're not sure what to do next.
diagnosis guideparent resourcestatewideearly intervention
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.navigatelifetexas.org
ECI is Texas's free-to-low-cost statewide program for children birth to age 3 with developmental delays, disabilities, or a diagnosis like autism. Services come to you at home or in your community, and no family is ever turned away for inability to pay.
birth to 3early interventionstatewidefree
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.hhs.texas.gov
This Fort Worth center gives children with developmental and behavioral concerns a thorough autism diagnosis and evaluation, drawing on developmental pediatricians and psychologists all in one place. It's one of the region's most trusted spots to start when you have questions about your child's development.
autism diagnosisdevelopmental pediatricsevaluations
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.cookchildrens.org
If your child is under 3 and you're noticing delays in talking, moving, or connecting, ECI comes to you with evaluations and therapy right at home. Assessments are free, and the team walks alongside your family every step of the way.
early interventionbirth to 3free evaluation
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: mhmrtarrant.org
For children 3 and older, your school district must evaluate for free if a disability like autism is suspected, even before kindergarten. Fort Worth ISD's Child Find team can start that process and connect you to early special education services.
free evaluationages 3+school services
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.fwisd.org
This official county page is a plain, no-cost starting point that points local families toward autism diagnosis and support providers in the area. It's a helpful first stop if you're not sure where to begin.
county resourceautism servicesgetting started
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.tarrantcountytx.gov

⚖️ School & IEP Rights

IEPs, 504 plans, special education, and school advocacy.

Every state has a federally funded Parent Training & Information Center offering free help with IEPs, special-education rights, and early intervention. This hub's directory locates the center that serves your state.
IEPFreeFind your center
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.parentcenterhub.org
A national nonprofit protecting the rights of students with disabilities. Use their member directory to find a special-education attorney or trained advocate near you when you need help with an IEP or a dispute with a school.
Special ed lawFind an advocateIEP rights
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.copaa.org
Every state has a federally mandated Protection & Advocacy agency that offers free legal help when a school isn't following your child's IEP or evaluating them as required. This directory connects you to the office serving your area.
Free legal helpDisability rightsBy state
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.ndrn.org
This is the state's official protection and advocacy agency, and they can offer free legal help when your child's special education or disability rights are being denied. Call their intake line to see if they can assist with your situation.
disability rightslegal helpspecial educationfree
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: disabilityrightstx.org
This nonprofit runs Texas's federally funded Parent Training and Information centers, offering free training, guidance, and one-on-one support to help you understand IEPs and advocate at school. Their help is free for every Texas parent of a child with a disability.
parent trainingIEP helpadvocacyfree
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: prntexas.org
SPEDTex is Texas's official special education information center, with plain-language guides on the ARD/IEP process and staff who can answer your questions by phone or email. It's a friendly first stop when you're trying to make sense of your child's services.
IEPspecial educationstate resourceguidance
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.spedtex.org
Run by the Texas Education Agency, SPEDTex has a free call center and resource library that answers parents' questions about special education, IEPs, and their rights under IDEA. You can reach them by phone, email, or live online chat.
state agencyIEP questionsIDEA rightscall center
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.spedtex.org

🧩 Therapy & Treatment

ABA, speech, OT, and finding the right providers.

You matter too. Psychology Today's therapist finder filters for 'caregiver stress' and 'autism family,' and Open Path Collective offers reduced-cost therapy sessions nationwide. You cannot support your child well without also supporting yourself.
CaregiversMental healthAffordable
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.psychologytoday.com
One of Texas's leading pediatric hospital programs, offering individualized autism diagnosis and evaluation for children under age 12, plus a family Road Map with educational workshops and guidance to community therapies. Located in Houston, it serves families from across the state.
autism evaluationhospital programunder age 12family workshops
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.texaschildrens.org
This state program provides focused ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy for children ages 3 to 15 through local contractors across Texas, and includes required parent training so you learn strategies to use at home. To find the provider nearest you and enroll, call 2-1-1 or reach out to your regional contractor.
ABA therapystate programages 3-15parent training
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.hhs.texas.gov
If your child has Medicaid, this official state tool lets you search for Licensed Behavior Analysts (ABA), plus speech, occupational, and physical therapy providers near you by ZIP code and health plan. The TMHP Contact Center can help if you get stuck.
Medicaidprovider directoryABAspeech/OT/PT
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: opl.tmhp.com
This Dallas-area academic medical center offers comprehensive autism evaluation of your child's cognitive, social, and communication skills, along with behavioral intervention, neurology, and psychiatric care. Ask your pediatrician to send a referral to get started.
autism clinicevaluationuniversity hospitalbehavioral care
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: utswmed.org
Part of McGovern Medical School, this clinic provides psychiatric assessment and treatment for autism-related challenges (like anxiety, ADHD, aggression, and repetitive behaviors) for individuals ages 3 to 45. It's a helpful option when your child needs specialized medical and behavioral support.
autism clinicpsychiatryages 3-45university
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: med.uth.edu
A nonprofit serving Texas families since 1976, the Autism Treatment Center runs a Fort Worth clinic offering autism-specific ABA, speech, and occupational therapy for children. They accept most insurance plans plus Medicaid and CAP funding on a sliding scale.
ABA therapySpeech & OTNonprofitInsurance & Medicaid
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.atcoftexas.org
Cook Children's in Fort Worth runs a hospital-based Autism Services program offering diagnostic evaluations and full-day Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy that builds communication, social, and self-help skills. It's one of the most established autism programs in Tarrant County.
ABA therapyAutism clinicFort WorthHospital program
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.cookchildrens.org
MHMR is the county's official Local IDD Authority and the first stop for publicly funded services for autism and developmental disabilities. Their intake team helps determine eligibility and connects families to care coordination, day programs, respite, and waiver programs.
IDD authorityIntake & eligibilityCare coordinationWaiver programs
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: mhmrtarrant.org

💰 Financial Assistance & Benefits

Medicaid waivers, SSI, ABLE accounts, and legal aid.

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money tax-free without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility. This center compares every state's ABLE program so you can pick the best one for your family.
SavingsTax benefitAll states
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.ablenrc.org
Texas ABLE lets your family save and invest money for disability-related expenses in a tax-advantaged account without risking SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. It's run by the Texas Comptroller's office and is open to Texans whose disability began before age 46.
savings accountbenefits protectionfinancialstatewide
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.texasable.org
Texas offers Medicaid waiver programs like HCS, CLASS, MDCP and Texas Home Living that pay for respite, therapies, and in-home supports so your child can grow up at home instead of in an institution. Waitlists are long, so it helps to add your child's name to the interest lists as early as you can.
Medicaid waiversrespiteinterest liststatewide
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.navigatelifetexas.org
This nonprofit provides free civil legal help to lower-income families in Dallas County, including disability benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare issues. If a benefit has been denied or you're stuck in a system you can't untangle, their intake line is a good first call.
legal aiddisability benefitsMedicaidfree help
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: legalaidtx.org

🤗 Support Groups & Community

Find your people — in person and online.

The nation's oldest grassroots autism organization. Their National Helpline connects families to information and referrals, and their affiliate finder points you to a local chapter in your area for in-person support and events.
AutismHelplineLocal chapters
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: autismsociety.org
The largest national community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Local chapters offer advocacy, family support, and lifelong services. Use the chapter finder to locate the office nearest you.
IDDAdvocacyLocal chapters
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: thearc.org
Dial 2-1-1 (or visit 211.org) to reach a free, confidential referral line for local health and human services in almost every US community — including disability services, respite, food, housing, and financial assistance.
FreeReferrals24/7
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.211.org
A statewide nonprofit offering free information and referrals plus regional and virtual connection groups for parents, caregivers, and autistic adults across Texas. Its Navigating Autism program gives you individualized guidance, and many groups are available in Spanish.
support groupsautismstatewiderecreation
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.texasautismsociety.org
Year-round sports training, competition, and inclusive recreation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to families. The program also welcomes the whole family with social events, connection, and community wherever you live in Texas.
recreationsportscommunitystatewide
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.sotx.org
Run by Texas Health and Human Services, this free statewide tool helps you find respite care so you can take a much-needed break while someone trusted looks after your child, from a couple of hours to overnight. You can search local providers by zip code, age, and type of care.
respitecaregiver breakstatewidestate agency
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: respite.hhs.state.tx.us
A statewide network that pairs you with another parent who has been through it, plus weekly support-group calls in English and Spanish, a parent mentor program, and help navigating disability services. It is family-run and built around the idea that no Texas parent should feel alone.
parent supportpeer matchingstatewideSpanish
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.txp2p.org
A Burleson-based nonprofit serving Tarrant County families with social skills groups, family field trips, music therapy, and monthly respite and 'THRIVE' get-togethers for kids, teens, adults, and parents. A friendly spot for both support and fun.
Support groupsRespiteRecreationBurleson
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.centerforasd.org
FEAT-NT hosts monthly parent support meetings with free childcare, plus social groups for tweens, teens, and adults on the spectrum across the DFW area. It's a place to swap stories with parents who truly understand.
DFWparent support groupsocial groupschildcare provided
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.featnt.org
A countywide collaboration of families, self-advocates, and agencies that hosts caregiver networking, educational sessions, and the 'Making Connections' resource fairs where you can find local services all in one place. A welcoming way to plug into the wider community.
CommunityCaregiver networkingResource fairsFort Worth
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.iddcouncil.org

🚀 Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning

Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.

As the state's federally designated disability protection and advocacy nonprofit, Disability Rights Texas offers free guides, sample agreements, and legal help for families weighing guardianship and less-restrictive alternatives as a young adult turns 18. You can reach their statewide intake line to ask for assistance.
guardianshipsupported decision-makinglegal help
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: disabilityrightstx.org
This state page explains what guardianship is and walks families through alternatives like powers of attorney, trusts, and representative payees as their child becomes a legal adult. It also points you to the HHSC Guardianship Services Program for further help.
guardianshipadult planningalternatives
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: gov.texas.gov
This state program helps Texans with disabilities, including autism, prepare for, find, and keep meaningful jobs through counseling, training, assistive technology, and support for young adults leaving school. It's free to eligible individuals, and you can start with an online referral or a phone call.
vocational rehabemploymenttransition
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.twc.texas.gov
A state agency with clear, family-friendly information on less-restrictive options to full guardianship, so your adult child keeps as much independence as possible. They cover supported decision-making, representative payees, and where to find training and legal resources.
guardianship alternativeslong-term planningstate agencysupported decision-making
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: tcdd.texas.gov
This is your local partner with Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation, helping young adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep meaningful jobs. They offer job readiness training, paid internships, job coaching, and career counseling right here in Tarrant County.
Tarrant Countyvocational rehabemploymentjob coaching
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: workforcesolutions.net
A note on these listings. This directory is informational and not an endorsement. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility change — always confirm details directly with the provider before relying on them. Nothing here is medical or legal advice. Spot something out of date? Suggest or report a resource →

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