HOHeart of Texas Autism Network Inc
UnclaimedIs this your nonprofit? Claim it, edit it, and get free access to our grant matches, donor leads, and fundraising tools.
About Heart of Texas Autism Network Inc
In Waco, Heart of Texas Autism Network helps children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families, and the wider community find support that carries into everyday life. A gift helps sustain parent advocacy training, coached internships, social-skills supper clubs, gardening activities, and family events. It also supports autism education for first responders and community groups, making the region more informed and more prepared to include people with ASD.
HOTAN pairs family support with practical opportunities to build independence and connection. Young adults can explore vocational strengths through the Coached Internship Program, while children and youth care for plants at Waco’s WECARE Community Garden and donate the harvest to Caritas. The organization also brings autism training to area law enforcement and the broader community.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Advocacy training
Workshops help parents learn to advocate for their children receiving special education services in public schools.
Annual Walk for Autism
An awareness and fundraising event supporting programs for families and individuals affected by ASD in the area.
Annual Holiday "Starry Night" event
A holiday party for families that includes activities and refreshments.
Gardening activities
Activities for children and youth on the autism spectrum that provide opportunities to interact with others, care for living plants at Waco’s WECARE Community Garden, and donate harvested food to Caritas.
Coached Internship Program
Helps young adults on the autism spectrum identify vocational strengths and build skills connected to those talents.
First responder autism training
Training for area law enforcement and the broader community.
Autism information meetings
Meetings with speakers on topics relevant to autism, including professionals from agencies, universities, nonprofits, therapy, and advocacy.
Monthly Supper Clubs
Groups for children, youth, and young adults with autism that combine social activities with opportunities to learn independent-life and social skills.
Networking and referral services
Provides information, resources, and referrals to services, events, conferences, and activities through collaboration with other organizations.
Community autism education and awareness
Members speak with employers, agencies, educators, churches, civic organizations, and other groups about autism.
HOTAN Parent Connections Group
A private community where parents can connect, share experiences, and engage with other parents and professionals in fields related to autism.
About this work
Mission
To empower individuals, families, and communities touched by Autism Spectrum Disorder to live fulfilling lives, while developing and improving resources that help people with ASD live, work, and participate as fully and independently as possible in society.
Who they serve
Children and adults affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families, professionals, first responders, and the broader community in the Heart of Central Texas area.
How your donation helps
- Programs benefiting families and individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Heart of Central Texas area
Need help?
How someone in need can access Heart of Texas Autism Network Inc’s services.
Individuals and families can contact HOTAN at info@hotan254.org or 254-498-1045 for information, resources, referrals, and services. The organization provides activities and programs for free or at as low a cost as possible, and some meetings offer free childcare with RSVP.
Events
Holiday "Starry Night" event
AnnualA holiday party for families with activities and refreshments.
Recognition & press
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What does the Coached Internship Program provide?
It helps a young adult on the autism spectrum identify vocational strengths and build skills connected to those talents.
What happens during the Supper Clubs?
Children, youth, and young adults with autism meet at local restaurants or other locations to socialize, have fun, and practice independent-life and social skills.
What do the gardening activities involve?
Children and youth on the autism spectrum spend time with one another and with nature, care for living plants at Waco’s WECARE Community Garden, and donate what they harvest to Caritas.
Does HOTAN provide support for parents?
Yes. HOTAN offers workshops that help parents advocate for their children receiving special education services in public schools. Its private Parent Connections Group also gives parents a place to connect, share experiences, and engage with other parents and professionals in autism-related fields.
Similar nonprofits
Other alliances & advocacy nonprofits in TX.