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. (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.
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. 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.
The Parent Training sessions are built around everyday routines. Topics include:
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!
The Coaching Support is led by trained therapists and includes:
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