Why We Started Purposeful Pathways & Understanding Child Find in Texas
Welcome to Purposeful Pathways!
If you're reading this, you may have noticed your child is developing differently, struggling at school, or you've simply had a feeling that something isn't quite right. As parents ourselves, we know how overwhelming it can feel to figure out where to begin. That's one of the reasons we started Purposeful Pathways.
We recognized a growing need in Bastrop County and surrounding communities for compassionate, individualized autism and disability support. Families often find themselves navigating long waitlists and service models that don't always reflect their child's unique needs. Our vision is different: we believe in compassionate, assent-based ABA and parent coaching that empowers caregivers rather than relying on high-volume service models. We believe strongly in quality over quantity; that deeply individualized coaching and training can be more impactful than a standard “40 hrs/week” model that has become standard in the industry.
One of the first questions many families ask is, "Where do I start?" For many children in Texas, the answer lies with your neighborhood school. As former special education teachers, we also believe that the best outcomes happen when families and schools work together. A child’s classroom is where they spend the majority of their time during their school-aged years, and we believe strong partnerships between parents and educators create important consistency across environments and help children thrive.
What is Child Find?
Child Find is a federal requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Texas public school districts are responsible for identifying and evaluating children who may have disabilities and who may need special education services. Parents, caregivers, teachers, physicians, and others can all initiate this process by requesting a special education evaluation. Child Find applies to eligible children ages 3 through 21, including students who attend private schools or are homeschooled. If your child is younger than age three, services may instead begin through Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). As children approach age three, families can transition to their local school district for evaluation through Child Find.
How Purposeful Pathways Autism Can Help
The Child Find process can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with educational terminology or unsure of your role and rights on your child’s educational team. We can help you:
Prepare questions and documentation before requesting an evaluation.
Review the evaluation in language that makes sense.
Prepare for ARD/IEP meetings with a focus on creating and maintaining meaningful school partnerships.
Collaborate with your child's school to support positive outcomes across settings.
Develop practical behavior strategies you can use at home while the evaluation process moves forward.
We are passionate about helping families feel informed, confident, and supported throughout the journey. If you're wondering whether an evaluation is the right next step for your child, we'd be honored to help you navigate the process.
Helpful Texas Resources
As always, we remain committed to supporting our community to ensure all children and young adults have the best opportunities available to them.
Taylor & Nathan
