CarmenEsparzaAmoux, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Special needs or developmental concerns

If something about your child's development is worrying you, trust that feeling. Asking early is always okay, and you don't need a diagnosis to get help. Texas has free evaluations for babies and toddlers through ECI, and for kids 3 and up through your school district. You're not alone, and there are parent groups who've been exactly where you are.

This is general information, not medical or legal advice. Talk to your pediatrician or a licensed professional about your child.

First 30 days

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Under 3? Request a free ECI evaluation. Find your local ECI program here.How to Source
In Austin, Any Baby Can runs ECI for children birth to 36 months. Call 512-454-3743.How to Source
Age 3 or older? Ask your school district for a free evaluation (AISD Child Find: 512-414-7733)How to Source
Talk with your pediatrician and write down what you're noticinghealthychildren.org is the AAP's site for parents; search it for developmental milestones.How to Source
Explore Navigate Life Texas, the state's guide for families of kids with disabilitiesHow to Source
Connect with another parent through Texas Parent to ParentHow to Source
Know your rights in school. Disability Rights Texas can help.How to Source
Try a sensory-friendly outing, like Sensory Storytime at the libraryHow to Source

Resources

Any Baby Can: Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)

Evaluations and services for children birth to 36 months with developmental delays or disabilities.

Free evaluation. Ongoing services use a sliding cost share.Austin

512-454-3743 Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Texas HHS ECI program search

Find the ECI program that serves your address.

FreeStatewide

Checked 2026-10-27

Austin ISD Child Find / Special Education

Free evaluations for students ages 3–21. For kids under 3, the page refers families to the HHS Ombudsman at 1-877-787-8999.

FreeAustin ISD

(512) 414-SPED (7733)Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Navigate Life Texas

The Texas HHS guide for families of children with disabilities or special health care needs.

FreeOnline

Checked 2026-10-27

Texas Parent to Parent

Parent-to-parent support, information and training for Texas families of children with disabilities or health care needs.

See siteStatewide

Checked 2026-10-27

Disability Rights Texas

The protection and advocacy agency for Texans with disabilities, including help with education rights.

FreeStatewide

Checked 2026-10-27

Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas

Support, programs and community for families of people with Down syndrome.

See siteCentral Texas

Checked 2026-10-27

Autism Society of Texas

Information, support and events for Texans affected by autism.

See siteStatewide

Checked 2026-10-27

Photo of Austin Public Library: Sensory Storytime

CarmenEsparzaAmoux, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Austin Public Library: Sensory Storytime

Interactive books, singing and music with sensory activities like movement and bubbles. Welcomes children of all abilities.

FreeSee listing

Checked 2026-10-27

Photo of Thinkery: sensory-friendly resources

Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Thinkery: sensory-friendly resources

Austin's children's museum offers sensory-friendly backpacks, a quiet room and other places to decompress.

Museum admission appliesThinkery, Mueller

Checked 2026-10-27

ZACH Theatre sensory-friendly performance

A sensory-friendly performance of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on Sat Nov 7, 2026 at 11am.

TicketedZACH Theatre

Checked 2026-10-27

Austin Child Guidance Center

Child and family mental health services.

Sliding fee scale based on household income and family size810 W. 45th St, Austin 78751

512-451-2242 Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Local helpers you may need next

Pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapists
Developmental pediatricians
Special education advocates
ABA and behavior therapy providers

Categories only, not endorsements.