The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has proposed eliminating the Children’s Autism Program from the state budget, a move that would save about $14 million across fiscal years 2028 and 2029. The proposal comes after Gov. Greg Abbott directed state agencies to trim their budgets by 3%. CAP provides social, communication and behavioral support to children ages 3 to 15, and 655 kids received services in fiscal year 2025.

Advocates say the cut would leave families scrambling. One University of Houston-Clear Lake center reports roughly 60 of its 250 annual families rely on CAP, with about 200 more on a waitlist. Officials say Medicaid could pick up the slack and that services continue through August 2027, but critics say coverage doesn’t guarantee an available provider. The Autism Society of Texas points to billions in the state’s rainy day fund as reason not to cut.

For families in Waxahachie and across Ellis County, this is a budget debate with a face. Autism diagnoses have climbed from 1 in 150 children in 2002 to 1 in 31 in 2022, and demand for services keeps growing. Lawmakers are expected to finalize the budget in the next legislative session.

Do you know a family who relies on CAP? Tell us what this program has meant to you in the comments.