BY VALERIA ESCOBAR CONTRIBUTIONS BY AUBREY VOGEL
Digging deeper
Zooming out
Moving forward
Local community organizations are working to provide autism support as well. Fort Bend County nonprofit Hope For Three provides monthly assistance and free programs for families who are struggling with financing all medical expenses, including ABA, Family Assistance Director Rowena Laine said. Behavioral Innovations refers clients in need of financial assistance to the nonprofit as well as FACES Autism, Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas, and UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation, said Ashly Joys, senior director and marketing brand experience. Some clinics also offer in-house scholar- ships, including Spectacular Kids, Harris said. Texana Center, the county’s nonprofit part- ner for mental health, provides external help for children ages 3 to 17, including ABA and developmental therapies in clinical, residential and community settings, said Dr. Forrestine Knowles, a Texana Center psychiatrist.
Since 2022, Medicaid has covered ABA for those under 21, expanding access beyond private insur- ance, which began covering it in 2015. For 10% of children with autism who never received ABA, insurance was cited as a key barrier in a 2023 study from the Cureus Journal of Medical Science. However, Behavioral Innovations officials said they accept Medicaid and report no waitlist at the Missouri City location.
Every Little Star in Missouri City, like other smaller clinics, doesn’t accept Medicaid. Owner Shimin Bao said this is due to the clinic offering higher pay to retain staff. Spectacular Kids joined Medicaid’s network at the end of last year, Harris said. Now, about one-third of Spectacular Kids’ clients use Medicaid’s network.
Income level of families without ABA access in 2023 National income level ≤$49,999 13.4%
“I don’t think we’re even close to keeping up with the demand.
... The people who carry Medicaid who need services are a huge amount.” SHIMIN BAO, OWNER, EVERY LITTLE STAR
$50,000-$74,999 $75,000-$99,999 $100,000-$149,999 ≥$150,000
12%
Have never received ABA
48.6%
9.9%
16.2%
SOURCE: CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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