Local Autism Resources in Dallas, TX

Ages 0-18

Medicaid Buy-In for Children

Lets working families with incomes above the usual Medicaid limit buy Medicaid for a child 18 or younger with a disability.

Ages 0-20

STAR Kids Medicaid

Texas Medicaid for children and young adults with disabilities age 20 and younger, given through a health plan with a service coordinator who helps you find care.

Texas Medicaid Waiver Interest Lists

Put your child on the state's long waiting lists for Medicaid waiver services now. You do not have to prove your child is eligible to join.

2-1-1 Texas

The state's referral line. Dial 2-1-1 or chat in English or Spanish to find local programs, including help with Medicaid and other benefits.

Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program

If your child has Medicaid and a parent can get insurance through work, Medicaid may pay you back for the monthly premium.

Pre-K to grade 12

Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) Grant

A one-time state grant for students in public school special education, spent online on extra speech therapy, tutoring, learning materials or devices.

Under 18

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children

Federal monthly payments for families of a child 17 or younger whose disability seriously limits daily life, and SSI also brings Medicaid coverage.

Texas ABLE

A state savings program that lets people with disabilities and their families save money for disability-related expenses.

Ages 3-21

Dallas ISD Special Services Family and Community Engagement

Dallas ISD's office for parents of students in special education, with parent trainings, help with concerns and a family handbook in English and Spanish.

SPEDTex Special Education Information Center

The state's special education help line for parents. Call, email or use the online form, and join its live webinars.

Ages 0-21

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD Child Find

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD's Child Find clerk takes evaluation requests, including for children in private school or homeschooled inside the district.

Ages 0-21

Garland ISD Special Education Referral and Child Find

Anyone can refer a Garland ISD child for a special education evaluation by calling the district or the school counselor.

Texas Education Freedom Accounts

State-funded education savings accounts created by Senate Bill 2. A school evaluation still works the same way if you are thinking about applying.

Ages 6 months to 6 years

The Ashford Rise School of Dallas

An inclusive YMCA preschool where children with and without developmental delays learn together, with speech, occupational, physical and music therapists on staff.

Ages 6-22

The Notre Dame School of Dallas

A Catholic school for students ages 6 to 22 with developmental disabilities, teaching academics alongside daily living and job skills.

Ages 18 months to 5

Callier Center for Communication Disorders, UT Dallas

UT Dallas's speech and hearing clinic runs small-group communication programs for toddlers and preschoolers with autism or language delays.

Children and adults

Disability Dental

A Grand Prairie dental practice built for patients with special needs, both children and adults, with its own anesthesia team for sedation.

Children and teens

Just Kids Dental

A North Dallas pediatric dentist that calls itself autism-friendly, with quiet appointments, dimmed lights, picture schedules and practice visits for kids who need time.

Ages 3-18 and adults

Park Cities Presbyterian Church First Friday and bEfriend

A monthly Friday parents' night out for kids 3 to 18 with disabilities and their siblings, plus a dinner for adults with disabilities the same evening.

Snip-its Haircuts for Kids, Dallas University Park

A kids' salon whose stylists get autism training, and you can book a pre-visit so your child can get to know the salon first.

Ages 3-8

The Warren Center Clinic Therapy Services

Clinic-based speech, occupational and physical therapy and therapy groups for children ages 3 through 8 from a Richardson nonprofit.

Ages 14-22

Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation, Youth and Students

State job and college help for students with disabilities ages 14 to 22, from work experience to job training. Apply through a local VR office.

Achievement Center of Texas

A Garland nonprofit day program where teens and adults with special needs learn life skills, explore the arts and go on community outings.

All ages

Belong Disability Ministry at Highland Park United Methodist Church

A free disability ministry open to anyone in Dallas-Fort Worth, with Sunday classes and worship, weekday classes, theater and a parents' night out.

First Baptist Dallas Special Needs Ministry

Church classrooms for children with special needs, buddies in regular kids and student programs, family events and a parent support group downtown.

Watermark Community Church Additional Care

Sunday care at Watermark for kids and students with disabilities and additional needs, with accommodations so they can worship and learn alongside peers.