autism resource guide
wichita county
Diagnosis, therapies, programs, schools, activities and much more
diagnosis
For testing and diagnosis, please contact your child's pediatrician or the following providers:
Dr. Arthur Cardona, Psy.D
(940)322-2372
Dr. David Sabine, Ph.D
(940)322-5477
OT & Speech
COMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER
1005 Midwestern Pkwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76302
(940) 322-0771
greenappletherapy.com
250 Santa Fe Dr, Weatherford, TX 76086 · ~92.8 mi
(817) 550-5058
*They provide In- Home Therapy, to the Wichita Falls Area*
Wichita West County Cooperative
West Wichita County Coop (westwichitacoop.com)
*WWCC services City View, Electra, Holliday, and Iowa Park with Special Education Services
Together we talk
Amber Cok, MS, CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist who is new to the Wichita Falls area. She provides IN HOME speech, language, and feeding services for children from birth to school age.
Early Childhood Interventions (ECI)
To receive services through Helen Farabee Center’s ECI Program, your child must:
- Live in one of these 10 North Texas counties – Archer, Baylor, Clay, Foard, Hardeman, Jack, Montague, Wichita, Wilbarger, or Young County
- Have a medically diagnosed condition that will likely result in a developmental delay.
- Have a developmental delay or difficulty with these skills:
- Communication – language or speech
- Cognitive – thinking, learning, playing, reasoning
- Motor – physical development
- Gross motor, such as using large muscles, to sit up, crawl, walk.
- Fine motor, such as using small muscles, to grab small objects.
- Oral motor, such as using the mouth, to suck, chew.
- Social/emotional – bonding, attachment, interactions with others
- Self-help – Taking care of own needs (eating, drinking, washing hands, potty-training)
- Have an auditory or visual impairment, determined by local school district personnel.
traditional aba therapy
Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. It is considered a medically necessary treatment for people with autism.
There are three ABA clinics local to Wichita Falls.
4084 S Regent Dr, Wichita Falls, TX 76308
(940)228-5297
5816 Ashleyanne Circle, Suite 400 Wichita Falls, TX 76310
(940)531-5811
ODYSSEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC
3501 Sheppard Access Rd. Wichita Falls, TX 76306
(940)386-2100
WCAA allocates funds yearly to help pay for the cost of therapies in the form of a grant. Each year, each clinic is allotted a certain amount per calendar year, as we want to serve facilities equally. Grants are first come first serve and based on annual fundraising as we are not affiliated with a national organization. Our funding is generated locally and remains local. The window for grants is closed for this year. We will update the website when more funds become available.
Please email Wcautism@gmail.com for more information.
ACADEMIC-FOCUSED PROGRAMS AND SCHOOLS
Early Interventions, Schools, IEP
Early Childhood Interventions (ECI)
To receive services through Helen Farabee Center’s ECI Program, your child must:
- Live in one of these 10 North Texas counties – Archer, Baylor, Clay, Foard, Hardeman, Jack, Montague, Wichita, Wilbarger, or Young County
- Have a medically diagnosed condition that will likely result in a developmental delay.
- Have a developmental delay or difficulty with these skills:
- Communication – language or speech
- Cognitive – thinking, learning, playing, reasoning
- Motor – physical development
- Gross motor, such as using large muscles, to sit up, crawl, walk.
- Fine motor, such as using small muscles, to grab small objects.
- Oral motor, such as using the mouth, to suck, chew.
- Social/emotional – bonding, attachment, interactions with others
- Self-help – Taking care of own needs (eating, drinking, washing hands, potty-training)
- Have an auditory or visual impairment, determined by local school district personnel.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Ecstatic Dance on the Spectrum - Nurturing Expression & Confidence in Children with ASD (ages 5-10) with Weightless
30 minutes @ $15.00
Ecstatic Dance on the Spectrum provides a platform for fostering individuality and self-assurance through the art of dance. This class is dedicated to facilitating uninhibited bodily movements that encourage authentic self-expression. In an inclusive and non-judgmental setting, children are invited to explore movement comfortably and confidently. The curriculum encompasses lively, expansive motions and unrestrained expression.
Classes are Wednesdays at 5:30 at Weightless studio 2.
Register online here!
This Is A Class For Children Ages 3 And up with physical and intellectual disabilities.
We provide One-On-One Instruction at a time reserved for special needs only!
GSC Instructors will guide your child through various gymnastics events modified for their needs. We are committed to strengthening the physical, mental, emotional and social skills of these athletes.
1:1 Student/Teacher Ratio
Thursday
4:00-4:30pm
$65.00 per month
Discounts For Multiple Classes And Multiple Children
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There is something about playing the game that lights up a person’s eyes. But for children and adults facing serious physical and mental disabilities that opportunity can often be difficult to achieve. Baseball diamonds weren’t exactly designed with wheelchairs and crutches in mind.
The Miracle League removes the barriers that keep children with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime. Since the main barriers for these adults arise from the natural grass fields used in conventional leagues, Miracle League teams play on a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assertive devices while helping to prevent injuries.
But it’s more than playing a game. The Miracle League is about making new friends, building self-esteem and being treated just like other athletes. To help the athletes, the Miracle League uses a “buddy” system – pairing each player with an able-bodied peer. The result is a bond that cannot be described. The Miracle League serves children and adults who suffer from any physical or mental disabilities, which causes them to be excluded, whether intentionally or not, from conventional Baseball leagues.
2023 Fall Miracle League Registration
Miracle League was developed with the motivation “Every child deserves a chance to play baseball.” A special surface on the Miracle League field allows players in wheelchairs or using walkers to participate. Every child has their own personal buddy to help them in any way possible.
FIRST GAMES: October 7th
TIME: 9:00am - 1:00pm
REGISTER:
BILL BARTLEY FAMILY YMCA
5001 Bartley Drive
Wichita Falls, TX 76302
(940) 761-1000
DOWNTOWN YMCA
1010 9th Street
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 322-7816
SUMMER CAMPS AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES
CAMP NOAH - CAMP REGISTRATION CLOSED
The Arc of Wichita County has hosted Camp Noah for over 20 years. Camp Noah is a summer day camp offered to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities from ages 3 to 21. Our aim is to create a true summer camp atmosphere with a variety of fun activities. Our trained staff assists children to have the greatest experience possible. Children are placed with a compatible group of children with similar needs to ensure each child receives the love and care they need. Snacks and drinks are provided.
CAMP WONDER
(for teens)
Camp Wonder is a summer day camp offered to teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 13 to 21 (for those still in school). At camp we will play games, eat snacks and lunch, make memories, and have an absolute blast!
CAMP HARMONY
(for adults)
Camp Harmony is our day camp for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Campers can join us for one week at no cost thanks to the generosity and continued support of The University Kiwanis Club. Campers will enjoy different themed days, arts & crafts, games, and a dance party to wrap up the week. You won't want to miss this!
charishills.org
498 Faulkner Rd, Sunset, TX 76270
(940) 964-2145
Christian Summer Camp that offers kids, ages 7 to 18, with learning differences and social difficulties—those with ADD, ADHD, high-functioning Autism, Asperger's disorder, and other special needs
Special Needs Days -Castaway Cove Waterpark
Every Summer, Castaway Cove puts on Special Needs days, during the summer. Closed to the general public during this time, the three hours are absent of horns, bells, sirens, and music with lighter crowds to make it more comfortable and enjoyable for children with sensory sensitivities and other special needs.
*Check on Castaway Cove’s Website and Facebook Page, for date and times
PARENT SUPPORT AND EDUCATION
Autism parent support group: Wichita County
AUTISM SOCIETY OF TEXAS: VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS
Partners Resources Network - The PEN Project
Texas Parent and information Center, funded through the Department of Education. Serving parents of children 0-26. As well as youth self advocates, ages 14-26. Who live in ESC regions 9,12,14,19. All services are provided at no cost to parents of infants, toddlers, children and youth with all types of disabilities.
TEA -Texas Education Agency
Resources | Texas Education Agency
Information on IEP, 504, Dyslexia, and other programs under the Special Education umbrella. Also see, your school districts websites, for more information.
Child Find
Child Find is a federal mandate under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It requires local education agencies (LEAs), which include public school districts and charter schools, to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities residing within their jurisdictions who need special education and related services. Birth-21
*can also apply for those homeschooled and in private schools
Head Start
Head Start is a program for qualifying families designed to prepare children, ages 5 and under, to attend school and excel there. Head Start will help your family by addressing any health needs, connecting you to social programs and providing education services so that the whole family will enjoy a successful school experience.
School Districts in Wichita County
Wichita Falls Independent School District
Home - Wichita Falls Independent School District (wfisd.net)
1104 Broad St, Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 235-1000
Burkburnett ISD
100 N Avenue D, Burkburnett, TX 76354
(940) 569-3326
City View Independent School District
City View Independent School District | Home (cityview-isd.net)
1025 City View Dr, Wichita Falls, TX 76306
(940) 855-4042
Electra ISD
400 E Roosevelt Ave, Electra, TX 76360
(940) 432-3804
Holliday ISD
751 College St, Holliday, TX 76366 (940) 586-1281
Iowa Park CISD
Iowa Park Consolidated Independent School District / Overview (ipcisd.net)
328 E Highway St, Iowa Park, TX 76367 (940) 592-4193
Wichita West County Cooperative
West Wichita County Coop (westwichitacoop.com)
*WWCC services City View, Electra, Holliday, and Iowa Park with Special Education Services
The autism community in action: Teen and adult articles
ADOLESCENTS ON THE SPECTRUM
DENTISTS AND DOCTORS (some are out of the area)
We cannot recommend Cook Children's in Fort Worth enough!
We will be updating our website with additional resources shortly. Please check back soon!
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR ASD & IDD
The Arc of Wichita County's hope is that our community would accept people with disabilities. We genuinely believe that if people with disabilities were seen as valued and important that Wichita County would be a much brighter and loving place.
OTHER COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Helen Farabee Centers specialize in providing access to community-based treatment and support services for persons with severe, persistent forms of mental illness, substance abuse and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Texas Tech University- The Burkhart Center for Autism Education & Research
Services provided through the Mobile Outreach Clinic for Autism (MOCA) include:
- Parent-implemented interventions
- Group trainings
- Mental health services
- Telehealth services
medical resources
Medicaid & CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
*income based, please see eligibility criteria on their website
Medicaid Buy In for Children
Medicaid Buy-In for Children | Texas Health and Human Services
- Are age 18 and younger.
- Have a disability.
- Are a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen living in Texas.
*This is a paper application, and can not be filled out through the website, or app, Must be mailed or faxed into HHSC. Along with all supporting documents
Medicaid Waivers (CLASS, TXHML,MDCP, HCS, YES)
*Each waiver has their own criteria of eligibility. Must do an intake with the local LIDDA to determine what list is best for your child.
*Some of the list’s have a 20 year waitlist, put your child on these list as soon as you can.
Affordable Care Act
Health insurance plan exchange, under the Affordable Care Act.
*To find the best policy that fits you and your family's needs, please reach out to an insurance specialist or broker.*
HIPP - Health Insurance Premium Payment
Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program | Texas Health and Human Services
If you have an Employer sponsored private health insurance plan, (you have insurance through you job) and qualify for Medicaid. You may qualify to have your insurance premiums reimbursed.
Books we recommend
Welcome to the Autistic Community
We will be updating our website with additional resources shortly. Please check back soon!
SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS & ACOUNTS RELATED TO AUTISM
National Council on Severe Autism (ncsautism.org)
Facebook: National Council on Severe Autism
The Autism Cafe - Autism Mom Blog
Facebook: Eileen Lamb (The Autism Cafe)
YouTube: The Aspie World
PODCAST & VIDEO RECOMMENDATIOINS
lIFE AFTER HIGHSCHOOL (COMING SOON)
