--- title: A Guide to Early Autism Intervention in Texas description: A guide for Central Texas families to self-refer with Child Find and learn from the Family CARE program. image: https://be-ok.net/hubfs/Family%20CARE%20-%20Families%20Square.png --- [Skip to content](https://be-ok.net/news/guide-to-early-autism-intervention-in-texas#main-content) [![BEOK-Full-Logo-2Color-1](https://be-ok.net/hs-fs/hubfs/BEOK-Full-Logo-2Color-1.png?width=225&height=75&name=BEOK-Full-Logo-2Color-1.png)](https://be-ok.net) - [Resources](https://be-ok.net/mental-health-resources) - [Training](https://be-ok.net/mental-health-training) - [Partners](https://be-ok.net/mental-health-partners) - [News](https://be-ok.net/news) - [Contact](https://be-ok.net/contact) - [Resources](https://be-ok.net/mental-health-resources) - [Training](https://be-ok.net/mental-health-training) - [Partners](https://be-ok.net/mental-health-partners) - [News](https://be-ok.net/news) - [Contact](https://be-ok.net/contact) [FIND RESOURCES](https://be-ok.net/mental-health-resources) # A Guide to Early Autism Intervention in Texas ![ Autism Family CARE Program ](https://be-ok.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Family%20CARE%20-%20Families%20Square.png?width=2048&height=1536&name=Family%20CARE%20-%20Families%20Square.png) Many families start their Autism journey with lots of questions and a worry that finding answers will require the kind of patience that comes with sainthood. In fact, CDC data shows that about 1 in 31 (3.2%) eight-year-olds in the U.S. have been identified with autism — but in places like Austin (2.0%) and Laredo (0.9%), the rates are surprisingly lower, possibly pointing to missed opportunities for early support (Shaw et al., 2025). This could be the result of signs that, in younger students, can be easy to explain away: “He’s just shy,” or “She’s a little behind.” But eventually, the questions grow louder: “Should we be doing something?” or “Where do we even start?” While it can feel overwhelming, there is a powerful first step you can take right now. You do not need to wait for a doctor's referral or a formal medical diagnosis to get a free developmental evaluation for your child. Reputable sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affirm that parents can self-refer their child for a free evaluation through their state’s Early Intervention system or public school district, a program known as [Child Find](https://www.spedtex.org/child-find). (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024) By taking this step, you can begin to explore potential support services immediately, transforming a period of passive waiting into one of proactive exploration. Trust your instincts—you know your child best. This one step can be the beginning of real progress. - ![Family CARE - Families Square](https://be-ok.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Family%20CARE%20-%20Families%20Square.png?width=2048&height=1536&name=Family%20CARE%20-%20Families%20Square.png) Hover message - ![Family CARE - Trainers Square](https://be-ok.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Family%20CARE%20-%20Trainers%20Square.png?width=2048&height=1536&name=Family%20CARE%20-%20Trainers%20Square.png) Hover message - ![Family CARE - Routine Ready Square](https://be-ok.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Family%20CARE%20-%20Routine%20Ready%20Square.png?width=2048&height=1536&name=Family%20CARE%20-%20Routine%20Ready%20Square.png) Hover message - ![Family CARE - Booth Square](https://be-ok.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Family%20CARE%20-%20Booth%20Square.png?width=2048&height=1536&name=Family%20CARE%20-%20Booth%20Square.png) Hover message ### **Look for Local Reputable Autism Resources** There are many programs that are dedicated to help families who are looking to empower themselves with the knowledge and the assistance needed to overcome these challenges. One such organization located in Waco is [Family CARE](https://bearlab.soe.baylor.edu/current-projects/family-care). Family CARE is a family-centered program designed to help parents across Texas learn and use evidence-based strategies in their everyday routines. They believe that real support doesn’t mean handing your child over to an expert — it means giving parents the confidence and tools they need to navigate daily challenges with their child.   ### **Family CARE currently offers two core services: Parent Training and Coaching Support.** The Parent Training sessions are built around everyday routines. Topics include: - How to create supportive environments for your child - How to naturally weave learning opportunities into daily life and - How to encourage positive behavior using practical tools. The training is **completely free** and requires no prior experience. Families who complete the session even receive a $40 Amazon gift card as a thank-you! ![Family CARE dates](https://be-ok.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Family%20CARE%20dates.png?width=1260&height=385&name=Family%20CARE%20dates.png) The Coaching Support is led by trained therapists and includes: - 100% virtual coaching - Either 4 sessions over a 1-month period or 16 sessions over a 4-month period - Both group sessions and one-on-one support - Loaner tables are available to families who need them. The coaching is **completely free,** and families receive a $50 or $100 Amazon gift card upon completion, depending on the coaching duration!   For more information or to register for training, visit the Family CARE website: [https://bearlab.soe.baylor.edu/current-projects/family-care](https://bearlab.soe.baylor.edu/current-projects/family-care) [![BE-OK-Full-Logo-2Color-White](https://be-ok.net/hs-fs/hubfs/BE-OK-Full-Logo-2Color-White.png?width=303&height=101&name=BE-OK-Full-Logo-2Color-White.png)](https://be-ok.net) Mental health support is in high demand—and finding help has become complicated—which is why we created a coalition of resources and training to help people quickly get the support they need. | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- |   ![Badge 9 Dark](https://be-ok.net/hubfs/Badge%209%20Dark.webp "Badge 9 Dark") [![BE-OK-Full-Logo-2Color-White](https://be-ok.net/hs-fs/hubfs/BE-OK-Full-Logo-2Color-White.png?width=303&height=101&name=BE-OK-Full-Logo-2Color-White.png)](https://be-ok.net) Mental health support is in high demand—and finding help has become complicated—which is why we created a coalition of resources and training to help people quickly get the support they need. 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