Autism in Texas?

Question

I am desperate at this point, i need to find a place to have my son evaluated for Autism in Austin, TX. He's been to speech therapy and has all the paper work for that so i thought he'd qualify for free evaluation, his pediatrician did recommend a place so i called and they wanted $550 up front!! Then the local school had given me a number to call so that i could have him evaluated, both the number and the website were bogus!

Answer 1

IF he is 3 years or older the school should provide a full psychological evaluation at no cost to you. A developmental pediatrician may be another way to go that your insurance might cover. I know the University of NOrth Texas has a big autism program so they might have resources that could point you in the right direction.

http://www.texasautismadvocacy.org/

Answer 2

Here are two resources: the first is through DARS, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative services.  It is for early childhood intervention and can help with testing on a sliding scale.  No one will be turned away.  

http://www.dars.state.tx.us/ecis/index.s...

The other is the Texas Education Association's number for parents and they can help you find services.  TEA regulates and  monitors schools for the entire state.  This is copied right from the TEA website:

TEA Toll Free Parent Information Line: 1-800-252-9668

This toll free message line is reserved for parents and other family members who have questions about student rights and regulatory requirements as they relate to special education complaint investigations, mediations, and due process hearings. Calls are returned by trained professionals during normal business hours. For Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: TTY Number: [phone] Relay Texas 7-1-1.

Answer 3

How old is your son?  If he is under three, Texas should have an "early intervention" system that can help.  If he is over three, your school system should have psychologists that can evaluate him.  Also, will your insurance company pay for either developmental testing or psychological testing?