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A young man with Down syndrome smiles warmly between his parents, outdoors.

Caring for a child with disabilities can feel overwhelming at times. You may be trying to understand a diagnosis, find services or learn what help your child can get at home, at school or in the community. The good news is that many Texas and federal programs are designed to support children with disabilities and their families.

Steps Your Family Can Take

If you think your child may have a delay or disability, ask for help early. Early support can make a real difference for many children.

Get a Diagnosis

A good first step is to get an evaluation or diagnosis if needed. A diagnosis can be made by your child’s doctor, a specialist, your local school district or a Texas program such as Early Childhood Intervention. An evaluation can help you understand your child’s needs and what services may be available to help.

Research Programs

Once you have a diagnosis, you can start to explore what programs meet your needs. When researching programs, it’s important to consider your child’s age. For example, babies and toddlers may need early intervention, while school-age children may need special education support.

Keep Records

You may need to have records ready for certain programs, so you should try to keep important records in one place. Your records should include copies of evaluations, school and medical records, test results, and contact information for providers. Having these records ready can help you speak up for your child.

Understanding Your Rights

Children with disabilities have certain rights that are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law protects the right to early intervention for infants and toddlers with disabilities. It also protects the right to special education and related services for children and youth ages 3 through 21. IDEA also requires public schools to identify and evaluate students who may have disabilities. To learn more about IDEA, visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

Federal Benefits and Resources

Families caring for children with disabilities may qualify for certain benefits through the federal government. These benefits can help families learn more about their child’s diagnosis and pay for their care.  

The Social Security Administration (SSA) can help some families pay expenses. Supplemental Security Income provides monthly cash payments for some children with disabilities in families with low incomes. Other SSA benefits may help people whose disability began before age 22 if they qualify based on a parent’s earnings record. To learn more about who may be eligible for these benefits, visit the SSA website or read the SSA benefits publication (PDF). 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can provide families with educational materials. The CDC’s milestone checklists and tools can help families track progress and know when to ask for more evaluation. To learn more, visit the CDC website. 

Texas State Programs

There are several Texas state programs designed to support families caring for a child with disabilities, including:

Early Childhood Intervention
Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) helps children from birth to 36 months old who have developmental delays, disabilities or certain medical conditions. ECI staff work with families to support the child in daily life. ECI may provide evaluation services, therapy, counseling, assistive technology and other supports in familiar settings like the home or a child care center.
Learn more about Early Childhood Intervention
Texas Education Agency Special Education
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides guidance on special education in Texas. School districts provide the services, but TEA sets standards and helps make sure districts follow requirements. For families, TEA can be a good place to learn about school processes, parental rights and special education supports. In public schools, eligible students may receive special education and related services.
Learn more about special education services
Early Childhood Special Education
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) helps children ages 3 to 5 who are not enrolled in kindergarten. Children who meet these qualifications can receive a free, appropriate public education. This education can occur in a pre-kindergarten classroom, in the home or in the community.
Learn more about ECSE
Partners Resource Network
The Partners Resource Network provides resources to help families understand their child’s transportation rights. The Partners Resource Network can explain who is eligible, what types of transportation may be provided and how schools are responsible for ensuring safe, accessible travel.
Learn more about transportation resources
STAR Kids
STAR Kids is a Texas Medicaid managed care program for eligible children and young adults with disabilities who are younger than 20. It provides Medicaid health care benefits to cover doctor visits, specialists, hospital care, mental health care, medicines, medical equipment, and long-term services and supports. STAR Kids can also help connect families with providers and other services.
Learn more about STAR Kids
Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program
The Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Services Program helps eligible Texas children with special health care needs. The program focuses on helping children improve their health, well-being and quality of life through medical care, dental care, vision care, mental health care, family support and case management.
Learn more about CSHCN services
Children’s Autism Program
The Children’s Autism Program provides focused applied behavior analysis services through local agencies for children with autism.
Learn more about the Children’s Autism Program
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services promotes awareness, education and support for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Learn more about Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program
The Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program helps children who are blind, visually impaired or deafblind. Services support independence, community involvement and future employment skills.
Learn more about the Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program
Epilepsy Program
The Epilepsy Program works with providers and clinics in Texas to ensure eligible Texas residents with epilepsy or seizure-like symptoms can get comprehensive outpatient services to prevent, detect and treat health problems.
Learn more about the Epilepsy Program
Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation
The Texas Workforce Commission offers vocational rehabilitation services for youth and students with disabilities. These services help young people prepare for life after school. Support can include career exploration, counseling, work-based learning, workplace readiness, and other services that support employment goals.
Learn more about vocational rehabilitation services
2-1-1 Texas
If you’re not sure what services you need, 2-1-1 Texas may be the best place to start. This is a free service that helps families find health and human services in their area. Families can call 2-1-1 to ask about disability services and connect to Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authorities, which help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find services.
Learn more about 2-1-1 Texas

Navigate Life Texas

Navigate Life Texas offers information and resources for parents and caregivers of children and young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities or special health care needs. Navigate Life Texas can teach families about health care, education, early intervention, family support and planning for the future. Families can find resources to help them understand their options and find services that meet their child’s needs. Resources are available for children of all ages, including transitioning to adulthood. To find information about programs, services and family support, visit the Navigate Life Texas website.