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County designates April as Autism Acceptance Month; families urge action on services
Summary
Commissioners designated April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and heard multiple family members and advocates describe gaps in services, waiting lists and the need for early intervention and inclusion programs.
Harris County officially designated April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and commissioners heard impassioned testimony from families and nonprofit leaders about service gaps for people with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).
Autism advocates urged the court to move beyond awareness to improve access to evaluation, therapy and school supports. Andresa Carleo of Autism Moms of Houston said her group faces a long waiting list for its Alex Autism Alliance program and asked for county support: “We have a long wait list... so we really need you guys to come in with us and help us.” Other parents and service providers described long waits for early intervention and urged action to expand capacity and reduce stigma.
Judge Hidalgo (presiding) read national statistics and county investments, noting the court has invested more than $8 million in federal funding for the Harris Center to provide IDD services. The court also heard from program participants who described inclusive workplaces and community events that promote dignity and opportunity for people with IDD.
