Release funds for vital ABA therapy
Many Texan families with Medicaid are facing challenges obtaining therapy for children living with autism. Gov. Greg Abbott signed a budget bill in 2019 approving Texas Medicaid to cover medically necessary Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, therapy for children enrolled in Medicaid. Since then, the momentum has stalled.
Although the program’s funding was available as early as Sept. 1, 2019, many Texas families are still waiting for the program to start. The current budget proposal does have some — but not enough — dedicated funding for the 2022-2023 state fiscal year. However, the Health and Human Services Commission has requested a start date of February 2022. That’s another year of waiting for Texas families.
Parents, advocates and professionals know ABA therapy is essential for families living with autism. It is known as the most-effective intervention.
It can increase language and communication skills; improve attention, focus, social skills, memory and academics; and decrease challenging behaviors. Decades of research into ABA therapy has shown marked improvements to the quality of life for those living with autism and their families.
About 80,000 Texas children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may qualify for the program. The financial cost of ABA therapy is a barrier for thousands of families, especially since Medicaid funding and coverage for this initiative has not moved forward since 2019.
Throughout the pandemic, families caring for loved ones with a disability have also struggled with the unique challenges presented by the isolation of the coronavirus. Individuals with autism are at a higher risk of vulnerability to unpredictable changes in their routine or structure, which can cause distress and anxiety.
Due to the hardships of COVID-19, many families struggled with school closures and distance learning, which played a role in unpredictable changes in routine.
This has caused many families living with autism to report regression in skills and developmental milestones, and an increase in stress, anxiety and behavioral issues. Such issues include loss of skills in speech, more need for potty training, challenges with sleeping or eating, loss of impulse control and an increase in tantrums.
As a parent of a child with autism, I can attest to the critical need for ABA therapy services. ABA therapy has helped my son develop new skills and reach milestones, and has increased communication. It has been life-changing for our family and is helping my son to thrive.
Families need access to these much-needed services. This means Texas must fully invest in these services — and begin reimbursing therapy providers when funds become available Sept. 1. Without appropriate funding allocations, lowincome families with Medicaid still will not have access to ABA therapy.
Texas legislators must support eligible children for Medicaid funding of ABA therapy services as soon as possible.
Texans can help fight for access for this essential therapy by contacting their legislators and advocating for dedicated funding for the program in the budget.
The longer it takes to implement funding for these services, the more these children will miss out on early intervention and crucial support services. Appropriate and immediate funding needs to be released now.