For Texas families raising children with autism, access to therapy and support can make a world of difference. Now, a proposal to eliminate a state-funded program providing those services has sparked outrage among residents, with some directing their anger at Gov. Greg Abbott.
The Children’s Autism Program helped 583 children access subsidized therapy in 2026, while at least 1,000 more remain on waiting lists across Texas. The program is particularly important for lower-income families, some of whom receive services at no cost. Now, its future hangs in the balance as state officials look to cut spending.
As reported by The Texas Tribune, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission proposed eliminating the program’s funding as part of its budget plans for 2028 and 2029. The move follows a July directive from Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows ordering state agencies to reduce spending by 3%. However, the cuts are not yet final and would need approval from state lawmakers.
Meanwhile, the proposal comes amid Abbott’s wider push to eliminate school property taxes for Texas homeowners, a move that has raised questions about how the state would replace billions of dollars in school funding. While the two proposals are separate, both have put state spending and funding for essential services under the spotlight.
For families who depend on the program, losing access to subsidized therapy could leave them facing difficult choices. Some parents may struggle to afford treatment out of pocket, while others could be left searching for alternative services in a state where hundreds of children are already waiting for help. Although the proposed cuts would not take effect immediately, the uncertainty alone is enough to leave families worried about what comes next.
Texas Residents Slam Proposed Autism Program Cuts
The proposed cuts have sparked anger among Texas residents on Reddit, with several commenters directing their frustration at state leaders. “Abbott is destroying Texas bit by bit!” one resident exclaimed, while another remarked, “This from the party that says they care about children.”
Others questioned the long-term consequences of reducing support for children with autism. “And it is a relatively cheap thing to address while these kids are young,” one commenter argued, adding, “Ignoring autism, like cutting educational programs, only saves money in the short-term.” Another took a sarcastic approach, writing, “If we eliminate the program then there will be no cases of autism in Texas.”
However, not everyone opposed the proposal. One autistic commenter raised concerns about applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, stating, “Idk, as an autistic person who views ABA as largely harmful, I’m not so torn up by this.” Another parent offered a different perspective, replying, “Aba has been fantastic for my kid. It’s the only reason he has any communication skills at all.” The contrasting experiences highlight how differently families and autistic individuals view the treatment at the center of the debate.
While opinions on autism therapy may differ, the debate has raised a bigger question about how Texas supports its most vulnerable children. For many communities, programs like these are part of a wider network of care that brings families, healthcare providers, and educators together. Whatever lawmakers ultimately decide, ensuring children have the support they need to thrive should remain at the heart of the conversation.
