Care Navigation · open to every family

Common Ground · Care Navigation

For every family

Need immediate help?

Call or text 988 · Harris Center Crisis Line (713) 970-7000 · Life-threatening emergency: call 911.

Not sure where to start? We'll help you find the right support for your situation.

ABA TherapyGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Texas ABA Centers

Texas ABA Centers is the organization behind Common Ground. If your child needs ABA therapy, starting here means your therapy team and your care navigator are already connected — no hand-offs, no gaps.

Greater Houston area (multiple locations)

Contact via websiteWebsite
Contact intake team to confirmin personmobileOne-on-one ABA therapy
Speech TherapyGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Speech & Motion Therapy

A privately-owned clinic convenient to Fort Bend County families. Offers both speech and OT under one roof, and is willing to provide therapy in schools, daycares, and homes — reducing transportation barriers for busy families.

Southwest Houston area (Sugar Land, Stafford, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg)

See website for current contactWebsite
Pediatric (contact to confirm)in personmobileSpeech-language therapy
Speech Therapy
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Texas Children's Hospital – Speech-Language Pathology

The largest and most comprehensive pediatric hospital system in the region. Speech therapy here is integrated with developmental pediatrics and other specialists — important if your child has complex needs alongside communication challenges.

Houston, TX (multiple campuses)

(832) 822-1000Website
Birth – 18 yearsin personComprehensive speech-language evaluationsCommunication therapy for autism
Occupational TherapyGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Daisy Kids Care – Occupational & Speech Therapy

One of very few Houston providers offering in-home OT and speech therapy with no stated waitlist and same-week evaluations. For families who cannot wait weeks or whose child does better in a familiar environment, this is a meaningful option.

Houston, TX (in-home services across the area)

See website for current contactWebsite
Pediatric — contact to confirmin personmobileIn-home occupational therapy
Occupational Therapy
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

The Carruth Center – Occupational Therapy

A specialized OT clinic with certified DIR/Floortime practitioners — an approach that works especially well for autistic kids who are more play-responsive than instruction-responsive. Staff with deep autism-specific OT experience.

Pediatric — contact to confirmin personSensory integration therapyFine and gross motor skills
Feeding TherapyGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Daisy Kids Care – Feeding Therapy

If mealtimes have become a major source of stress or your child has a very restricted diet, feeding therapy may be the highest-leverage support you can add right now. Daisy Kids Care specializes in autism-related feeding challenges and offers in-home treatment — which can be more effective for many kids.

Houston, TX (clinic and in-home)

See website for current contactWebsite
Pediatric — contact to confirmin personmobileFeeding evaluations
Feeding Therapy
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Texas Children's Hospital – Feeding Clinic (West Campus)

Best for complex or medically-involved feeding issues — especially if your child has both autism and a medical diagnosis affecting swallowing or growth. The collaboration with gastroenterology is especially important for these cases.

West Houston, TX

(832) 822-1000Website
Premature infants – adolescentsin personComprehensive feeding and swallowing evaluationsFeeding disorder treatment (premature infants to adolescents)
Diagnosis & TestingGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

UHCL Psychological Services Clinic – Autism Assessment

For families who cannot afford a private neuropsychological evaluation (which can cost $1,500–$4,000+), UHCL's clinic provides comprehensive autism assessments at a reduced cost under licensed faculty supervision. This is one of the most accessible formal evaluation options in the Houston area.

University of Houston – Clear Lake, Houston, TX

(281) 283-3330Website
Children, teens, and adultsin personComprehensive autism evaluations (children, teens, adults)Formal diagnosis and functioning levels across multiple domains
Diagnosis & Testing
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

West Houston Psychology – Autism Evaluation

A practice that specifically focuses on neurodivergence — not a general psychology office doing occasional evaluations. Their strengths-based approach means the report is actionable, not just a list of deficits.

Children and adultsin personAutism and ADHD evaluationsNeurodivergence-focused assessments
Autism-Friendly PediatricianGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Hummingbird Pediatrics

Finding a pediatrician who understands autism is often harder than finding a therapist. Hummingbird Pediatrics specifically lists autism screening and ongoing autism care as a core service — not a referral-out. They coordinate with the rest of your child's team, which reduces the burden on parents.

Houston (Greenspoint area) & Baytown, TX

See website for current contactWebsite
Children (birth – 18 years)in personAutism screening and early evaluationOngoing medical care for autistic children
Autism-Friendly Pediatrician
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Texas Children's Hospital – Developmental Pediatrics & Autism

The gold standard for complex developmental cases in Houston. If your child has multiple diagnoses or needs a team of specialists coordinating care, Texas Children's Developmental Pediatrics is the right place.

Houston, TX (multiple campuses)

(832) 822-1000Website
Birth – 18 yearsin personDevelopmental evaluationsAutism diagnosis and management
Parent Mental HealthGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Psychology Today Therapist Directory – Houston

Caring for an autistic child is one of the most emotionally demanding jobs there is, and parents deserve their own support. Use Psychology Today's directory to find Houston-area therapists who specialize in supporting autism caregivers — filtered by your insurance and location.

Houston metro (in-person and virtual)

Varies by therapistWebsite
Adultsin personvirtualIndividual therapy for parents and caregivers
Support GroupsGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Autism Society of Texas – Connection Groups

The most comprehensive statewide autism support network in Texas. Whether you want an in-person group in Houston, a virtual meeting, a Spanish-language group, or personalized one-on-one navigation help, this is the right first call for connection and community.

Statewide (virtual and in-person across Houston)

(512) 479-4199 ext. 2 (English) / ext. 3 (Spanish)Website
All ages (groups organized by need)in personvirtualSoutheast Houston Autism Community Group (in-person)
Support Groups
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

FEAT Houston – Families for Effective Autism Treatment

FEAT Houston is a parent-led community organization in the Clear Lake / Bay Area that connects autism families to events, day programs, schools, and recreational resources. A good place to find local families and community programs.

Houston, TX (Clear Lake / Bay Area)

See website for current contactWebsite
All agesin personvirtualAutism provider directory (Houston-specific)
Respite CareGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Easter Seals Greater Houston – Respite Services

Gives parents the ability to choose a trusted person from their own network — not a stranger assigned by an agency. This model dramatically reduces the anxiety many autism parents feel about leaving their child with someone new.

Greater Houston area

(713) 838-9050 ext. 307Website
Children with disabilities (contact for full eligibility)mobileIn-Home Voucher program (parents choose their own trusted provider)Caregiver relief and breaks
Respite Care
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Texas Children's Hospital – Respite Care Referrals

Texas Children's doesn't just see patients — they actively connect families to respite opportunities in Houston including family nights out and day events. For families already in the Texas Children's system, this is an easy next step.

Children with disabilitiesin personRespite referrals to Houston-area providersArc of Greater Houston connection
Respite Care
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Angels Around Home Care – Pediatric Respite

A Houston-based home care agency that specifically lists autistic children as a population they serve for respite. If other respite providers have long waits, this is a direct private option.

Houston, TX (9601 Jones Road, Suite 150)

(832) 869-4110Website
Children with disabilitiesmobileRespite care for children with disabilitiesAutism-specific respite care
IEP & School AdvocacyGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P)

When you don't know where to start — call here. Every staff member is a parent of a child with a disability or special health care need. They understand what it actually feels like to navigate this system, and they know Texas resources better than almost anyone else.

Statewide (helpline available everywhere in Texas)

(866) 896-6001 or (512) 458-8600Website
Children and adults with disabilitiesvirtualin personParent-to-parent peer support and matching
IEP & School AdvocacyGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Navigate Life Texas

Before any IEP or ARD meeting, spend 20 minutes on this website. It explains your legal rights in plain language — not legalese — and tells you exactly what you are entitled to ask for. Knowledge is your best advocacy tool.

Statewide (online resource)

See website for current contactWebsite
Children and adults with disabilitiesvirtualSpecial education rights information (plain language)IEP and ARD process guides
Financial & Legal HelpGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Hope For Three – Family Assistance Program

If money is the barrier between your child and services they need, Hope For Three exists to help close that gap. The Quick Assist program can get $500 to your provider within 3–5 business days — faster than most other grant programs.

Fort Bend County, TX (Sugar Land)

(281) 245-0640Website
All ages — Fort Bend County residentsin personvirtualFinancial assistance up to $3,000/year for autism-related services
Financial & Legal HelpGood first step
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Texas Medicaid Waiver Interest Lists – HHSC

Texas Medicaid waivers cover services that private insurance almost never pays for — including respite care, adaptive equipment, personal assistance, and home modifications. The catch: waitlists are years long. The only way to get services eventually is to get on the list today.

Statewide (Texas Health and Human Services Commission)

(877) 438-5658 (Texas Interest List)Website
Children and adults with disabilities (varies by waiver)in personvirtualHCS Waiver (Home and Community-based Services)
Adaptive Recreation
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

YMCA of Greater Houston – Adaptive Sports Programs

Sports participation has a proven impact on social skills, regulation, and confidence in autistic kids — and it gives them joy. YMCA's adaptive programs pair each athlete with a buddy and use a no-barrier environment designed for all ability levels.

Multiple Houston locations (Humble, northwest Houston, Kingwood)

See website for location-specific contactWebsite
Ages 4+ (Recreational Minors: 4–9, Majors: 10+, Competitive: 12+)in personMiracle League BaseballAdaptive Basketball
Adaptive Recreation
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Texas Swim Academy – Adaptive Aquatics

Drowning is the leading cause of death for autistic children. Water safety is not just recreation — it's safety. Texas Swim Academy trains instructors specifically to work with autistic swimmers, using communication approaches that match how autistic kids learn best.

All agesin personAutism-specific swim instructionLife-saving water safety skills
Crisis & Urgent SupportHigh support
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you or your child is in emotional crisis — not just stressed, but genuinely unsafe — call or text 988. Caregivers experiencing crisis (breakdown, suicidal thoughts, violent ideation) should call immediately. There is no shame in calling. This line exists for exactly these moments.

Nationwide — available 24/7 in Texas

988 (call or text)Website
All agesvirtual24/7 crisis support by phone, text, or chatDeaf and hard-of-hearing access
Crisis & Urgent SupportHigh support
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

The Harris Center for Mental Health – Crisis Services

The primary mental health crisis authority for Harris County. If you are in Houston and facing a psychiatric emergency that is not life-threatening (so not a 911 situation), the Harris Center can dispatch a mobile crisis team — which is safer and more appropriate for autistic individuals than a police response.

Harris County, TX (Houston)

(713) 970-7000Website
All agesin personmobilevirtual
DentistsPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Caldwell & Steinbring Dentistry For Children

Treating special needs patients since 1979. Comprehensive training in special needs pediatric dentistry including autism, sensory issues, and developmental disorders.

Sugar Land, TX

(281) 491-4500Website
dentistSugar Landsensory-friendly
Dentists
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed April 2026

Sweetpea Smiles

Dedicated special needs dentistry program using tell-show-do approach, dimmed lights, hidden instruments, and minimized sounds.

Sugar Land, TX

(281) 242-4242Website
dentistSugar Landsensory-friendly
DentistsPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

Team specifically trained for children with anxiety, sensory issues, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays.

dentistPearlandsensory-friendly
DentistsPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Modern Dentistry — Dr. Jacob Dent, DDS

Dr. Dent specializes specifically in treating children and adolescents with autism. Recommended by the Katy Autism Support Group as a vetted medical resource.

Sugar Land, TX

(832) 595-2100Website
dentistSugar Landsensory-friendly
Dentists
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed April 2026

Henry Delclos, DDS — Pediatric Dentistry

Practice acknowledges children with physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional conditions. Follows AAPD guidelines.

Sugar Land, TX

(281) 494-4220Website
dentistSugar Landsensory-friendly
Haircuts & BarbersPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Snip-Its Sugar Land

Stylists receive special training in partnership with Autism Speaks. One of the first national chains to provide autism-specific stylist training.

Sugar Land, TX

(281) 277-0093Website
haircutSugar Landsensory-friendly
Haircuts & Barbers
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed April 2026

Sweet & Sassy — Katy

Reviews from autism families specifically praise accommodations. Described as a safe space for neurodiverse kids with zero judgment.

haircutKatysensory-friendly
Haircuts & Barbers
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed April 2026

Kidz Kutz N More — Katy / Cinco Ranch

Owner took specific classes for working with special needs children with autism. Offers video games, movies, bubbles as sensory distraction.

haircutKatysensory-friendly
Developmental Pediatrics & NeurologyPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Texas Children's — Meyer Center (Sugar Land)

Nation's largest pediatric hospital. Road Map Model provides workshops and community resources from first contact. Expert psychologists and developmental pediatricians.

Sugar Land, TX

(832) 824-2009Website
developmentalSugar Landsensory-friendly
Developmental Pediatrics & NeurologyPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

THINK Neurology for Kids

Leading pediatric neurology practice in greater Houston. Board-certified child neurologists with locations in Sugar Land, Katy, and The Woodlands.

Sugar Land, TX

(281) 809-4076Website
developmentalSugar Landsensory-friendly
Developmental Pediatrics & NeurologyPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Pediatrics of Sugar Land — Dr. Burgos

Follows AAP guidelines for autism screening at 18 and 24 months. Two-step screening process with comprehensive diagnostic evaluation when indicated.

Sugar Land, TX

(281) 265-8800Website
developmentalSugar Landsensory-friendly
Speech, OT & TherapyPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Essential Speech and ABA Therapy — Sugar Land

True team approach: every child has a BCBA, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Occupational Therapist who collaborate daily. Ages 18 months to 6 years.

Sugar Land, TX

(281) 974-0588Website
speech-otSugar Landsensory-friendly
Speech, OT & TherapyPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Essential Speech and ABA Therapy — Pearland

Same team model as Sugar Land — BCBA, SLP, and OT on every child. Independently owned for personalized attention. Early intervention focus.

speech-otPearlandsensory-friendly
Speech, OT & Therapy
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed April 2026

Therapy and Beyond — Sugar Land

Family-focused ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. Founded by someone with a personal connection to autism through their adopted brother.

Sugar Land, TX

(832) 930-7803Website
speech-otSugar Landsensory-friendly
Speech, OT & Therapy
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed April 2026

Pine Cone Therapies — Pearland / Missouri City

ABA, speech, and OT serving Pearland, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Richmond. SLP specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Sensory Processing.

Pearland, TX

Website
speech-otPearlandsensory-friendly
Mental Health & CounselingPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Sugar Bend Center

Multidisciplinary team with psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, and psychologists under one roof. Comprehensive neuropsych testing including autism assessments.

Sugar Land, TX

(281) 313-3050Website
mental-healthSugar Landsensory-friendly
Mental Health & CounselingPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Dr. Rafael Guerrero, MD — Child Psychiatrist

Board-certified psychiatrist specializing in autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and developmental conditions.

mental-healthKatysensory-friendly
Mental Health & Counseling
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed April 2026

District Counseling — Multiple Locations

Locations in Sugar Land, Katy, Pearland, and Missouri City. Large team of therapists with bilingual options available. Good for caregiver mental health.

Sugar Land, TX

Website
mental-healthSugar Landsensory-friendly
Pediatric GIPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Texas Children's — GI, Hepatology & Nutrition (Sugar Land)

One of the largest pediatric GI programs in the US. Important for autism families because GI issues are extremely common in children with ASD.

Sugar Land, TX

(832) 824-3800Website
pediatric-giSugar Landsensory-friendly
Pediatric GI
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed April 2026

Dr. Kalpesh Thakkar, MD — Memorial Hermann Sugar Land

Fellowship trained at Texas Children's/Baylor. Provides highly personalized care. Active listening approach with tailored treatment plans for newborns to age 18.

Sugar Land, TX

Website
pediatric-giSugar Landsensory-friendly
Eye Care
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed April 2026

Dr. Glenn Bulan — Texas Eye Institute

Board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist available at Katy, Sugar Land, Southwest, and Angleton offices. Handles routine eye exams to complex surgical cases.

Sugar Land, TX

(713) 668-6828Website
eye-careSugar Landsensory-friendly
Advocacy & Support OrgsPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

Hope For Three — Autism Advocacy

Fort Bend County's premier autism nonprofit. Provides financial assistance for autism-related services including swim safety, respite, legal guardianship, and therapies.

Sugar Land, TX

(281) 245-0640Website
advocacySugar Landsensory-friendly
Advocacy & Support OrgsPopular with families
Verified by Texas ABA Centers

Reviewed April 2026

The Arc of Fort Bend County

Long-standing disability advocacy organization. Online resource directory for local school districts, autism support groups, legal resources, and community programs.

Sugar Land, TX

(281) 494-5959Website
advocacySugar Landsensory-friendly
Advocacy & Support Orgs
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed April 2026

The Arc of Katy

Focused on inclusion and community participation. Programs for youth, teens, and adults with IDD. Empowerment Through Knowledge sessions for parents and caregivers.

Katy, TX

Website
advocacyKatysensory-friendly
Advocacy & Support Orgs
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed April 2026

Katy Autism Support Group

Local parent-run support group that meets monthly. Maintains a vetted list of medical resources. Peer support from families who understand.

Katy, TX

Website
advocacyKatysensory-friendly
Grocery & Shopping
Listed by provider program

Reviewed April 2026

H-E-B Sensory-Friendly Hours

Select H-E-B locations in Texas host sensory-friendly shopping hours with dimmed lights, reduced music, and quieter announcements.

Multiple, TX

Website
groceryMultiplesensory-friendly
Entertainment
Listed by provider program

Reviewed April 2026

AMC Sensory Friendly Films

Regular screenings with lights up, sound down, and an understanding that kids may need to move, talk, or step out.

Multiple, TX

Website
entertainmentMultiplesensory-friendly
Local group
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed March 2026

Fort Bend Parent Navigation Circle

A local meetup for families who want practical support, calmer conversations, and a place to swap what is actually helping.

Sugar Land, TX

Parents and caregivers across diagnosis, therapy, and school stagesgeneral127 members
Local group
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed February 2026

Autism Dads Social Club

A space specifically for dads and father figures. Low-pressure meetups, honest conversation, and practical support.

Houston, TX

Dads and father figures looking for peer supportgeneral43 members
Online communityGood first step
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed March 2026

Texas Parent Support Online

An online parent space for service questions, school stress, and the everyday realities of supporting a child on the spectrum.

Online

Parents across Texas who need flexible supportfaith-friendly892 members
Family event
Recommended by local parents

Reviewed January 2026

Sensory-Friendly Family Fun Day

A quarterly event with sensory-aware activities, low-pressure family connection, and practical local resources.

Pearland, TX

Families who want community without a high-stimulation event formatgeneral200 members
Therapist
Reviewed by care navigation team

Reviewed March 2026

Dr. Sarah Martinez, LPC

Supports parents navigating grief, chronic stress, relationship strain, and the emotional load of coordinating care.

Sugar Land, TX

(832) 555-0142Website
Caregiver Counseling & Family TherapyUse when stress is ongoing, conflict is rising, or the family needs more than peer support.accepts insurance
Support groupRecommended
Reviewed by care navigation team

Reviewed February 2026

Houston Autism Parent Circle

Weekly virtual meetups where parents share what is working, what is hard, and what support feels realistic right now.

Online (Houston-based)

Peer Support & ConnectionUse early if isolation is rising or the parent has no support network yet.no insurance
Help lineHigh support
Reviewed by care navigation team

Reviewed March 2026

Autism Society of Texas Helpline

A first-stop helpline for families who need a human being to help sort the next step, not just another website.

Information & ReferralUse when you need triage, referrals, or decision support quickly.no insurance
Respite
Reviewed by care navigation team

Reviewed January 2026

Peaceful Hands Respite Care

Short-term respite support designed to help families rest, reset, and keep the household more stable during high-stress periods.

Fort Bend County, TX

(281) 555-0267
In-Home & Center-Based RespiteUse when caregiver exhaustion is affecting safety, patience, or basic functioning.accepts insurance
Advocacy
Reviewed by care navigation team

Reviewed March 2026

Texas Parent to Parent

Parent advocates who help families prepare for school meetings, understand rights, and keep next steps documented.

IEP Advocacy & Educational RightsUse when the school process feels stuck or a parent needs backup for a meeting.no insurance

For direct websites, choose Website on each card.

Not finding what you need?

Your care navigation team can help.

If nothing here fits, reach out — we will point you toward the right resource for your situation.