Autism Society of Texas

10/21/2026

“In reality, there’s billions in the rainy day fund, so Texas has no shortage of money, and there’s not a need to cut this program,” said Jacquie Benestante, the executive director of the Autism Society of Texas.

Benestante testified on behalf of the organization at a legislative budget meeting in September, urging lawmakers to keep the funding."
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Our Executive Director, Jacquie was interviewed for Spectrum News 1 Texas on the proposed elimination of the Children's Autism Program. We are incredibly frustrated by the HHS's budget proposal to no longer fund this program and will advocate to reinstate funding.

We will be discussing this and other issues affecting the Texas Autism community at our Autism Advocacy Education Day on 12/9 - join us to take action: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Austin/AutismAdvocacyEducationDay

The Children’s Autism Program (CAP) serves clients ages 3 to 15 and provides training and support for families.

10/20/2026

TODAY ONLY - Sponsor a Hole Sign at Putt Fore Autism for just $100 and support AST and the Texas Autism community!

Last call for Hole Dedications calls for a FLASH SALE! ⚡

Through the end of the day, all Hole Dedications are only $100!

This Putt Fore Autism recognition level is designed especially for families and individuals who want to show their support in a fun and personal way. When you dedicate a hole, your name and a picture of your choice will be featured on a sign displayed at Peter Pan Mini-Golf throughout the entire event, November 5-7!

Create a sign for yourself, friends, or on behalf of a loved one and support a cause that makes a difference for individuals and families every day, one putt at a time!

Dedicate a hole today! ➡️ https://shorturl.at/ZOZ1c

10/20/2026

Do you use attendant care in Texas? We want to hear from you - survey deadline is Oct 25th!

The Attendant Care Coalition is gathering feedback about how the attendant wage increase approved by the Legislature in 2025 has affected your ability to find and keep the attendants you need.

Your experience can help show what is working, what challenges remain, and what lawmakers need to address. We need to hear from the community now so this information can help guide advocacy during the 2027 legislative session.

The survey takes about 4 minutes, and your individual responses will be kept confidential. October 25 is the last day to participate.

Take the attendant wage survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/attendantcaresurvey

10/19/2026

Austin, Texas peeps, let's vote together!

Photo Description:
Display of person in a wheelchair, person who is holding a white cane, person with an apron on standing next to person holding white cane.
Your Vote Matters
Empower your voice
Join us as we gather and go vote together to make the power of the disability vote count
October 20, 2026
Voting at 1PM City Hall
Gathering outside of City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street 78701
https://www.austintexas.gov/

Info at 512.903.3340
ADAPT Logo Pact Logo Revup Logo
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Below flyer in English is a flyer in Spanish with same wording

10/19/2026

Early voting starts today, October 19th, and runs through October 30th!

Early voting locations can be limited compared to Election Day locations so make sure to search early voting locations in your area!

You can find voting information, including early voting locations in your area, at VoteTexas.gov’s “My Voter Portal” here: https://goelect.txelections.civixapps.com/ivis-mvp-ui/ #/login

To see what will be on your ballot, you can also visit vote411.org

10/17/2026

10/16/2026

Thank you so much to H-E-B for sponsoring Spark Learning's Putt Fore Autism! We are so grateful for your support of this great event, which benefits Autism Society of Texas!

Interested in registering or sponsoring Putt Fore Autism? Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Austin/PuttForeAutism to learn more!

Thank you to Spark Learning for putting on this great event in support of AST and our community!

Huge shout out to our 2026 Platinum Sponsor, H-E-B! We are so grateful to your continued partnership and the impact you’re making on the families in our community.

10/14/2026

Run for - register today to get a free entrance!

We're thrilled to have 4 runners so far for ! The next person to register and sign up to raise funds for the Autism Society of Texas gets free Austin Marathon registration!

Learn more on our Austin Marathon information page here: https://bit.ly/AST-TeamAutism-Run or email us at [email protected] with any questions!

10/14/2026

AUTonomy Live Discussion "Adult Learning: Navigating Executive Function" - focusing on everyday executive function skills like planning, organizing, and staying on track.
This session offers practical strategies for Autistic teens, adults, and the people who support them.

10/14/2026

Thanks to KVUE for having us on to cover this important proposed elimination of the Children's Autism Program and to Spark Learning for commenting on the importance of ABA and how it helps children and families!

We are incredibly frustrated by the HHS's budget proposal to no longer fund this program and will advocate to reinstate funding.

You can help! Join us for Autism Advocacy Education Day on 12/9: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Austin/AutismAdvocacyEducationDay

The program helps families access ABA therapy through local organizations. Advocates worry cuts could make affordable autism care harder to access.