Parents and pediatricians press council to expand ABA access; health director to coordinate follow-up

LAREDO, Texas — Parents of children with autism and local pediatricians told the City Council on March 16 that Laredo lacks sufficient access to applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, citing two local centers with waitlists that can extend to about two years. Speakers asked the city to help coordinate local training and recruitment and to explore funding and nonprofit partnerships.

"No parent should feel alone while trying to help their child," said parent Mika Zeisman, who described navigating diagnosis and the local system. Pediatrician Dr. Fernando Sosa told council that ABA is proven to increase independence for children when they receive timely, intensive therapy and that Laredo currently lacks sufficient capacity: "We do have 2 centers. There's a 2-year waiting list," he said.

Public-health response and council direction

Dr. Richard Chamberlain, director of Laredo Public Health, presented an autism services report and outlined workforce and training options, including a TAMIU program that can certify Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and proposals to fund certification costs in the city budget. Chamberlain said staff had drafted a report with estimates and a proposed pathway and left council members survey data collected through the health department.

Council member (co-sponsor) moved to have Dr. Chamberlain remain in contact with parent advocates and providers and return to council with tangible actions the city can take to improve access; the motion passed unanimously.

What was suggested

Speakers and staff discussed a combination of measures: recruit clinicians, develop nonprofit centers, create local training pipelines for RBTs and BCBAs, explore reimbursement and insurance coverage (Chamberlain and clinicians said Medicaid/private insurance generally reimburse for ABA), and consider a small city role in workforce development or administrative support rather than direct service provision.

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