Essential Resources for Texas Families

These two resources are among the most important tools we recommend for families navigating
autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and long-term support services in Texas.

Medicaid Waiver List

Texas Medicaid waivers can provide valuable long-term services and supports for individuals with disabilities, but waiting lists in Texas can be many years long. Even if you do not currently need services, we strongly encourage families to add their child to any applicable waiver interest lists as early as possible. If services are no longer needed when your child reaches the top of the list, you can always decline them. 

apply today

TheSpectrum.Org

The site includes vital conversations among parents, autism service providers, BCBAs, and other autism experts who can help parents navigate some of the earliest decisions of an autism diagnosis. Discover more exclusive features and content at their website. The Spectrum.org is an educational initiative brought to you by CASP.

more info
  • Dr. Michelle Garcia & Associates: –Dr. Michelle Garcia and Associates have been providing services to those we serve since our start up in the North Houston area in 2005.  Since then they have attended ARDs, provided Psych/Neuro Testing, Behavioral Supports (Behavior Management Plans), staff training, sex ed./socialization/anger management training and Individual Counseling in our families homes, group homes and contracted day hab settings. 
  • M-CHAT-R: (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised)–The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a screener that will ask a series of 20 questions about your child’s behavior. It’s intended for toddlers between 16 and 30 months of age. The results will let you know if a further evaluation may be needed. You can use the results of the screener to discuss any concerns that you may have with your child’s healthcare provider. 
  • AT4K: AT4K is determined to reduce the amount of time it takes for children to receive an evaluation for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and provide comprehensive and accurate assessments that facilitate early intervention and tailored support. Our hope is that each child with autism can thrive, achieve their full potential, and be celebrated for their unique strengths.
  • Grace Psychological Services: We walk with you as you experience life transitions or life difficulties, whether you are a new parent, have a child who is struggling, or are having some issues in your relationships or work. You are not alone. Our highly-trained team,

    voted best in The Woodlands, provides compassionate counseling/therapy and psychological testing services
    so that you can live your life to the fullest.

  • Empower Behavioral Health: Empower Behavioral Health provides clinician-led ABA therapy programs designed to help children with autism build communication, social, and daily living skills.
  • Project Beacon: From Social Enrichment Programs to form pathways for friendship and social skill development, to Individualized Programs to teach skills needed for independence, Project Beacon is a place for neurodiverse adults to thrive and become vital and visible members of the community.
  • Morgan’s Helping Hands: Our philosophy is not to change the person, but help them understand themselves in what they need in order to navigate the world around them.
  • Advocate Well: Cynthia Singleton, Transion and Social Skills Coach – I have long been passionate about helping parents navigate and advocate the maze of service systems well.  My current focus is on social skill coaching and transition coaching for parents who have teens in 8th grade and up.     
  • Equipped Advocacy: Dr. Quinn Perkins – Let’s get the best education possible for your child! I help parents get special education services and needed accommodations for their child with a disability. Click here for more info.
  • Got Advocacy: Tenika Combs – Got Advocacy LLC is a company devoted to helping families & Children with a disability to provide support with school ARD Advocacy and Transition support services. Click here for more info. 
  • Enlightened Consulting: Dr. Kaci Deauquier Sheridan – At EnlightenEd Consulting, we are passionately committed to providing unparalleled support to our clients. Our comprehensive services equip individuals with the necessary tools to achieve unparalleled success and exceed their goals. Our driving focus is to help those with mental and behavioral health challenges succeed and thrive. 
  • iSchool High-Atascocita: A tuition-free public charter school serving grades 9-12.
 
  • Bloom Fitness: A community around fitness and wellness that provides athletes with a place to belong. The program offers people with IDD an inviting and safe environment to exercise, learn about healthy lifestyle choices, and have social interaction.
  • Shears ‘n Action: 
  • FEAT Houston: While there are several other autism support groups for families in Houston, no other group focuses on providing significant support or information regarding the applied behavioral techniques and intensive programming shown to be so successful in treating and educating individuals with autism. FEAT-Houston’s mission is to serve the community in providing that needed support through networking opportunities, informational meetings and the encouragement of professional growth in the field.
  • Ride’N’Go-Brenda Sarconi: Our vision at RIDE N GO is to transport individuals & children from one place to another in a safe manner with providing the best customer service possible. T: 832-684-5660 
  • Grandma Honey Care: At Grandma Honey, we believe every child deserves to be nurtured in an environment that feels just like home — warm, safe, and full of love. Founded by Kayla Marshall, Grandma Honey was born from a deep passion for children and a commitment to providing quality care that families can truly trust. Kayla’s journey into childcare was shaped by her own experiences and a heart that has always gravitated toward nurturing the next generation. Her hands-on approach, genuine warmth, and dedication to each child’s growth are at the very core of everything we do. 
  • Dream Catcher Stables: From the smallest rider who comes to gain balance and socialization to the oldest rider who comes to find peace and live lifelong dreams, Dream Catcher Stables, has never deviated from it mission: To provide a place in perpetuity where people with disabilities can be successful, equal, and capable growing to their maximum life’s potential through interaction with horses in a positive environment. 
  • Mom Making Moves: Safe, sensory-aware transportation for individuals of all ages with special needs, supporting independence, access, and peace of mind. We provide door-to-door transportation to medical appointments, therapy services, school, work, and essential care with comfort, reliability, and compassion at the center of every ride. 
  • Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities: TCDD helps people with developmental disabilities (DD) achieve their potential for independence, productivity, and integration into their communities through the development of a comprehensive system of services and supports. We are committed to creating change so people with disabilities are fully included in their own communities and exercise control over their own lives. 
  • Texas Partners in Policymaking: Texas Partners in Policymaking (Partners) is a leadership training program organized by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD). It is designed to empower adults with developmental disabilities (DD) and family members of people with DD to become effective advocates for policy change. 
  • Texas Transition & Employment Guide: –The Texas Transition & Employment Guide to a Successful Life after High School for Students with Disabilities. 
  • Pathways to Puzzle Pieces: Pathways to Puzzle Pieces is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities. We are passionate about bridging the gap between awareness and action through education, mentorship, and community-based programs. Our approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and commitment to change — helping families navigate challenges while celebrating the strengths of every neurodiverse individual.
  • Project Beacon: From Social Enrichment Programs to form pathways for friendship and social skill development, to Individualized Programs to teach skills needed for independence, Project Beacon is a place for neurodiverse adults to thrive and become vital and visible members of the community.
  • Coalition for Barrier Free Living: The Coalition for Barrier Free Living believes independence is a right, not a privilege. We advance this belief by empowering people with disabilities to live independently, connect to critical resources, and actively engage in their communities.
  • Campus GPS: Whether you’re preparing for college, exploring post–high school options, or navigating the early months away from home, we walk alongside you with personalized guidance, practical tools, and ongoing coaching. Our goal is simple: to help students with learning differences thrive with independence and purpose, and to give families peace of mind through every step of the journey.
  • nonPareil Institute: A post secondary, not for profit serving adults with autism spectrum disorder. We provide training that enables them to acquire skills that will enhance their ability to live a more productive and independent life. We focus on strengths, and our goal is to help each student progress toward their full potential. Whether you’re looking to obtain work-readiness skills, the confidence to pursue a college degree, or want to explore a career in the technology field, nonPareil may be for you. We are proud of our innovative and cutting-edge program that has proven and successful outcomes.
  • Gateway Academy: For nearly two decades, Gateway Academy has been a leading private, non-profit school located in Houston for students with social and learning differences in grades 6–12. We specialize in serving learners with a wide range of special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.
  • Swim Angel Fish: Looking for Adaptive Swim Lessons or Aquatic Therapy? We specialize in working with individuals who have autism, anxiety, sensory needs, motor challenges, or those who learn differently. 
  • Fitness Forward: Michele Stanley-One on One & Group Fitness Classes designed for the intellectually and developmentally challenged. 
  • State of Texas Emergency Registry: Do you or anyone you know need some assistance during times of an emergency event? The State of Texas presents the STEAR program. The STEAR program is a free registry that provide local emergency planners and emergency responders with additional information on the needs in their community. Texas communities use the registry information in different ways. Registering yourself in the STEAR registry DOES NOT guarantee that you will receive a specific service during an emergency. Available services will vary by community. For more information on how your community will use information in the STEAR registry, contact your local emergency management office. 
  • Project Guardian – Harris County: A program to help keep individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) safe. A free, voluntary, and confidential database that is offered, managed, and maintained by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) for Harris County residents in the unincorporated areas of the county patrolled by the HCSO. Deputies often do not know if individuals they encounter have ASD. Information is key in helping deputies respond safely and effectively. Although all deputies in the HCSO receive training on ASD, it is helpful having personal information on the person with ASD they are interacting with, e.g., triggers to avoid, behaviors to expect, communication tips, etc. Information is also obtained on family members and caregivers in case a deputy needs to contact them.
  • Car Safety for your Child with Autism: Children with autism may have additional needs that may affect travel. This brochure answers some questions you may have about safely transporting your child. 
  • Blue SAR: Blue SAR is dedicated to providing search, rescue, and recovery services for missing persons and victims of crime through the coordinated efforts of trained volunteers, advanced search methodologies, and strong partnerships with law enforcement and community members. In addition, Blue SAR promotes public education and awareness by offering training on preventative measures, with particular focus on individuals within the autism spectrum, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and individuals affected by dementia or other cognitive impairments.
  • Project Beacon: From Social Enrichment Programs to form pathways for friendship and social skill development, to Individualized Programs to teach skills needed for independence, Project Beacon is a place for neurodiverse adults to thrive and become vital and visible members of the community.
  • Peace & Love Studios: At Peace & Love Studios we are dedicated to creating methods and techniques to help your child navigate grooming in a more positive way. We encourage you to trust the process and allow the journey to lead you to stress free grooming for the future.
  • Autism Moms of Houston: Autism Moms of Houston is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering families, educating communities, advocating for autism awareness, and promoting inclusion for individuals across the spectrum. We provide free educational workshops on topics and issues related to living with an autistic loved one. We organize events and activities that promote inclusion for children and adults on the autism spectrum, while also leading projects to raise awareness in our community.

Disclaimer: The resources shared on this page are provided for informational and educational purposes only. Inspire ND does not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for any service provider, organization, program, or resource listed. Families and individuals are encouraged to independently research and determine what services and supports best meet their unique needs. Information may change over time, and Inspire ND is not responsible for outdated or inaccurate content provided by third parties.

Announcing our transition of young adult direct services to Project Beacon

For over two decades, Inspire ND, has focused on training individuals with autism to be included in the community. We are now focusing on empowering the community, providing them training and tools to include our individuals. With autism affecting 1 in 31 children and 1 in 4 are neurodiverse, we have a powerful opportunity to create a greater impact by equipping the community to better support these community members.

In 2023, we began exploring a partnership with Project Beacon, another nonprofit who is serving people on the autism spectrum. Project Beacon had the goal of providing day programming services and then residential services tailored for individuals on the autism spectrum. We are thrilled to say that we moved forward with this partnership!

As of January 1, 2025, Inspire ND’s young adult direct services transitioned under the Project Beacon umbrella. We chose Project Beacon as a partner because they truly want to deliver high quality young adult services for those on the autism spectrum and continue the incredible work we started. Project Beacon’s mission and vision were created by parents of children on the spectrum who truly want an enriched life for their child today and in the future. For more information about services, please click the button below or call them at 832-930-9560.

Project Beacon

Adapting to Make A Difference:

Our Journey Serving Individuals
with Autism, Families, and Community

We hope you enjoy this video showcasing our journey over two decades serving the autism community, featuring our founder and executive director, Jennifer Dantzler!

Call to Action