2019 Autism Society of Texas Season of Giving

The Autism Society of Texas actively advocates for the needs and protections of people with autism and their families at state & national levels. During the 2019 Texas Legislative session, we hosted Texas Autism Advocacy Day, with 150 attendees, who visited all 181 Texas legislators! During the Texas legislative session, we testified, submitted testimony, and tracked and sent advocacy alerts for multiple bills affecting our families, partners and stakeholders. We stay engaged in national policy issues by sending a staff member to Washington D.C. to meet with U.S Senators, U.S. Representatives, & their staff, to discuss issues that face our Texas autism community. In addition to this, our staff serves on the Autism Society of America’s Public Policy Advocacy Committee working with national staff and affiliates across the country to positively affect federal legislation impacting individuals with autism. We provide outreach and advocacy alerts to let the autism community know about issues that will impact them and how to take action. Today you can support these efforts by making a donation towards our Advocacy initiatives. Your donation makes a difference.

The Autism Society of Texas provides free education and training to organizations, families, and autistic individuals. From trainings with YMCA Summer Camp Counselors, to hair stylists, to first responders around the state, we have autism education covered! We are here to meet the educational needs of schools, businesses, and communities, so they can build an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals with autism and their families. When you make a donation to support our education efforts, you help us make Texas a better place for individuals with autism. 

The Hunter Hinze Fund was launched by Dr. J.D. and Kathy Hinze, in conjunction with the Autism Society of Texas, to honor the memory of their son, Hunter, who passed away at the age of 18 in 2015.  Today the Hunter Hinze Fund helps adults with autism live their dreams and maximize their potential as they transition throughout adulthood. We have now completed six grant cycles, awarding individuals from around the state funding to help assist with post-secondary education, life skills, vocational skills, and interests that promote autonomy, skill development, and a sense of purpose that promotes self-sufficiency and fosters independence. We are proud to be stewards of this essential scholarship fund that champions the needs of adults with autism. Please make a donation to support this critical initiative.

We are proud of the numerous programs we offer for children and families, as well as adults with autism! We have people to advise and support anyone in need of assistance at no charge; from a new diagnosis, to an adult with autism seeking help in navigating services and supports, we are here to provide caring and knowledgeable assistance to all those impacted by autism. Our programming varies from recreation events for adults with autism (past events include bowling, river biking, museums, karaoke, and more!). We also provide a free support and social skills group for adults. We have many amazing support groups for parents and caregivers, and free recreation events such as our annual pool party. We also partner with nonprofits so our families and adults can attend free ballet and theater performances. In the Summer we create partnerships to provide kids with autism the opportunity to attend theater camp, coding camp, rowing camp and more. We are here to meet the needs of the autism community. Please make a donation and support those impacted by autism by supporting our programming.

At the Autism Society of Texas, we assist the autism community through our core services; Education, Advocacy, Support, Recreation, and Information and Referrals. We provide these essential services through free support groups, free recreation and community inclusion events, informed advocacy work at state and federal levels, and caring and knowledgeable support staff who are available to answer questions about everything from finding a hairstylist, to school advice, to navigating services and supports throughout the lifespan. Thanks to the stewardship of our Board of Directors, combined with the dedication of our staff, we are able to fill needs where we see them. We have an unwavering commitment to uphold our mission to "improve the lives of all affected by autism". When you make a donation to the General Fund, we will use your gift where it is most needed. Thank you.