Autism Treatment Center

Change Lives and Build Brighter Futures for Children and Adults with Autism!

When you donate to the Autism Treatment Center, you support programs that improve the lives children and adults with autism from every area of Texas each year. Our autism-specific services include a year-round school, 26 residential group homes, outpatient therapies, and an adult day program. Our programs change lives and so does your donation!

Meet Andrew

When Andrew was just a few months old, his parents noticed he wasn’t developing like other babies. At three months, he couldn’t hold his head up; at six months, he still couldn’t sit on his own. At nine months, doctors diagnosed him with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, a genetic condition that can cause tumors, vision and hearing challenges, and developmental delays. The doctors warned his parents he might never walk or talk, but Andrew had other plans.

With early intervention therapies, Andrew began to make steady progress. Every small step, from learning to sit, to crawl, to stand, was a victory. After moving from Canyon, TX to San Antonio, his family discovered that he also had two additional genetic disorders, but they never lost hope.

Andrew was enrolled in local programs and received physical, occupational, and speech therapy. One of his therapists, Mallory, became a guiding force in his development, helping him achieve what once seemed impossible: taking his first steps at five and a half years old.

After several school transitions, in search of a school that could better meet Andrew’s needs, they found their way to the Autism Treatment Center in early 2024. Since arriving at ATC, Andrew has thrived. He responds quickly to cues such as the sound of a classroom timer, which now helps him transition smoothly between activities, and loves to be on the move.

Whether walking, swinging, or splashing at Morgan’s Wonderland, Andrew’s joy for physical activity shines through. His teachers and therapists have used these strengths to support his independence and confidence, designing interventions that match his learning style and keep him progressing.

For his parents, Edith and Ruben, Andrew’s progress is nothing short of miraculous. “The growth we’ve seen in him is undeniable,” Edith says. “He helps dress himself, communicates his needs, and even runs and jumps sometimes. The words ‘he’ll never walk’ are nothing but an echo now. The Autism Treatment Center has been a Godsend for our family.”

Andrew’s story is one of resilience, love, and possibility - a reminder that with the right support and determination, every step forward is something to celebrate. We are so proud of Andrew and can’t wait to see where his journey leads next.

Who We Are

The Autism Treatment Center of Texas (ATC) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping individuals with autism and related developmental needs thrive throughout their lives as they learn, play, work, and live in their communities. Founded in 1976, ATC brings five decades of experience supporting individuals and families across Texas through autism-specific services grounded in dignity, compassion, and opportunity.

ATC serves individuals beginning as young as age three and continuing through adulthood, offering a coordinated continuum of supports that evolve with each person’s goals and needs. With locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, ATC provides consistent, year-round services — including supports available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — for individuals and families who rely on stability and continuity of care.

ATC’s impact is powered by a dedicated workforce of more than 240 employees, including educators, clinicians, direct support professionals, and administrative staff. Together, they deliver a comprehensive portfolio of programs including a Texas Education Agency–certified educational program for children and young adults, community-based residential services for adolescents and adults, adult day and vocational programs, and outpatient therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

As autism prevalence and service needs grow across the state, ATC remains committed to delivering high-quality, consistent services while strengthening outcomes and ensuring that its programs remain responsive to the communities it serves. The organization is guided by the vision of Changing Lives. Building Futures. Through individualized supports and evidence-based practices, ATC seeks to expand opportunity, independence, and quality of life for children, adolescents, and adults with autism and related developmental needs.